Head of Ecosystem, Cedar-IBSi FinTech Lab

About Cedar-IBSi FinTech Lab and Cedar Group : 

Cedar-IBSi FinTech Lab is a joint initiative between Cedar Group and IBS Intelligence — two of the most respected names in management consulting and FinTech intelligence. Founded in 2017, the Lab is designed to identify, incubate, and accelerate early-stage fintech companies through structured programs, curated enterprise access, and hands-on go-to-market support. 

The Lab operates at the intersection of three powerful capabilities: deep BFSI domain expertise from IBSi's global analyst and consulting network; management consulting and strategic advisory from Cedar; and investment intelligence and capital access through Cedar Hill Capital, Cedar's early-stage enterprise fintech fund. This combination gives the Lab a differentiated, credible position in the Indian and broader APAC fintech ecosystem.

Since 2017, the lab has been home to almost 70+ well-known regional FinTechs who have used our platform to leapfrog and enter new markets. 

The Role

This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful at the intersection of fintech investing, enterprise BFSI, and startup ecosystems — with institutional backing, a credible brand, and a strong synergistic partner in Cedar Hill Capital.

Key Responsibilities

Startup Engagement & Cohort Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-potential early-stage fintech companies (seed to pre-Series A) across India, Middle East, and APAC
  
• Design and run structured cohort programs including milestone tracks, mentorship sessions, and demo days
  
• Build and maintain a live pipeline of founders across payments infrastructure, lending tech, regtech, insurtech, wealthtech, and core banking
  
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for Lab portfolio companies throughout their engagement
  

Go-to-Market & Training Programs

• Design and execute GTM enablement programs for portfolio startups — enterprise sales playbooks, pilot structuring support, and warm introductions to bank and NBFC buyers
  
• Build and deliver training curricula for founders and ecosystem stakeholders: workshops, masterclasses, and capability-building modules
  
• Leverage IBSi's global analyst network and Cedar's BFSI advisory relationships to create meaningful distribution for Lab companies 
  

Cedar Hill Capital Interface

• Work in close coordination with Cedar Hill Capital, Cedar Group's pre-Series A enterprise fintech AIF, which actively co-invests in and supports companies at the Lab
  
• Support deal flow sourcing for Cedar Hill by providing early visibility into high-quality founding teams before they hit the broader market
  
• Enable a seamless pathway from Lab engagement to investment consideration — creating a structurally differentiated advantage for both the Lab and the fund
  
• Collaborate with Cedar Hill on joint programming, investor showcases, and market intelligence that benefits both portfolio startups and the fund's thesis
  

Corporate & Ecosystem Partnerships

• Cultivate and manage relationships with banks, regulators, VCs, corporate innovation teams, and enterprise technology buyers
  
• Originate and convert Lab sponsorship, co-branding, and partnership revenue
  
• Represent Cedar-IBSi FinTech Lab at industry events, panels, and forums across India, UAE, and APAC
  
• Build the Lab's brand as a credible, outcomes-focused platform — not just a networking event series
  

Lab Operations & P&L

• Own the Lab's operating calendar, cohort structure, budget, and KPIs
  
• Build and manage a small team over time
  
• Report on Lab performance to Cedar Group and IBSi leadership: startup outcomes, partner engagement, deal flow generated, and brand equity
  

Candidate Profile

Experience & Background

• At least 5-7 years of experience, with at least 3-4 years in a leadership role at an incubator, accelerator, corporate innovation lab, or fintech ecosystem platform
  
• Demonstrated track record of building and running startup programs — not just managing communities or organising events
  
• Prior experience in India and/or international markets (Middle East, APAC) preferred; UAE or Singapore exposure a strong plus
  
• Deep, genuine relationships in the early-stage fintech ecosystem: founders, angels, early-stage VCs, and enterprise buyers
  
• Experience designing and delivering training or capability-building programs for founders or enterprise teams
  
• Working knowledge of BFSI — banking, insurance, lending, or payments — as a founder, operator, investor, or practitioner 
  

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional relationship-building instinct — trusted by founders and credible to C-suite enterprise buyers alike
  
• Strong commercial orientation: able to originate partnerships, sponsorships, and program revenue
  
• High energy, ecosystem-native presence — comfortable on stage, in a boardroom, and in a first meeting with a first-time founder
  
• Collaborative, low-ego builder mentality suited to an entrepreneurial, lean environment
  
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to create structure where none exists