Head of Corporate Development

Posted Mar 23

Building the Future of Crypto 

Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology.

What makes us different?

Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world.

Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission.

As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 60+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security, crypto education, and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro, Kraken NFT, and Kraken Futures.

Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto!

The team

Kraken is a market leader in one of the most innovative and fastest growing industries in the world. We are expanding across multiple dimensions, in part due to M&A and strategic investments around the world. The Corporate Development team is critical to Kraken’s growth as we look to remain nimble and opportunistic, seeking out innovative, leap-frog deals and new sources of competitive advantage.

As the leader of our Corporate Development team, you’ll be responsible for leading and executing all M&A transactions that drive our strategic vision forward. Working closely with a cross-functional team of stakeholders, you’ll lead discussions with target leadership, negotiate key terms, coordinate due diligence, identify sources of risk, and drive deals to a timely closing. You will regularly interact with Kraken’s leadership team and C-Suite, driving effective decision-making across all Corporate Development initiatives. You bring a deep interest in the crypto industry, expertise across all aspects of the M&A process, exceptional financial modeling and valuation skills, and the ability to work fluidly across multiple high-priority initiatives.

The opportunity

  • Define and drive Kraken’s global M&A and strategic investment strategy in conjunction with the VP, Business Expansion and Kraken’s leadership team
  • Lead, manage, and grow our existing (and exceptionally high-caliber) Corporate development team
  • Actively identify potential acquisition targets, JV, and/or investment opportunities to accelerate the realization of Kraken’s strategic objectives
  • Own the entire deal process including sourcing, due diligence, contract negotiation, closing, and integration
  • Work with leaders across functions, including Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Legal, Finance, and Marketing throughout the due diligence and integration planning processes
  • Lead negotiations on purchase price and deal terms; build financial models to support valuation and establish key benchmarks for post-integration planning
  • Articulate key value drivers and considerations for potential M&A opportunities in concise deal memos and executive presentations; actively build consensus and drive effective decision-making across leadership and the wider organization
  • Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for differentiation or competitive advantage
  • Build and maintain an extensive network in the crypto industry to maintain deal flow and stay on top of key trends and developments

Skills you should HODL 

  • 12+ years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, ideally in crypto or at a hyper-growth FinTech company; earlier career experience in related fields such as investment banking, strategy/operations, or product management are desirable
  • Extensive track record of managing and growing high-performing teams
  • Demonstrated ability to drive multiple concurrent transactions through all phases of the deal lifecycle, including a strong working knowledge of related legal issues and experience leading M&A integrations
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, including the ability to build parsimonious financial models (DCF, accretion / dilution, LBO, etc.)
  • Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to distill complex issues into coherent narratives that drive effective decision-making
  • Strong knowledge of and/or passion for financial markets and the cryptocurrency industry; deep network in crypto and TradFi markets a plus 
  • Knowledge of global financial regulations (and how they apply to crypto); international business experience a plus

Location Tagging: #LI-Remote #LI-KD2

Kraken is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate all Krakenites for their diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions and unique perspectives. We hire strictly based on merit, meaning we seek out the candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills considered the most suitable for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgable about crypto!

As an equal opportunity employer, we don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Whether that’s based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.