M&A Lead, Corporate Development

About the Role

We’re seeking our first M&A / Corporate Development hire to build and own the function, driving acquisition strategy and end-to-end execution to accelerate Replit’s core capabilities. You’ll build and run Replit’s acquisition pipeline, identifying the teams and technologies that can accelerate our mission. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the AI, developer tools, and software infrastructure ecosystem. You’ll build relationships with founders, investors, and industry participants to source and evaluate mergers & acquisitions.

This is a hands-on ownership role for someone who combines strong transaction execution skills with product judgment, relationship-building ability, and the ability to drive complex decisions across teams. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and teams across Product, AI, Engineering, People and Legal. The role reports to the Head of Finance, but partners very closely with our Co-Founder & CEO and President & Head of AI.

What You’ll Do

• Shape M&A strategy: Partner with senior leadership to define where M&A can accelerate Replit’s product and company strategy, translating strategic priorities into actionable acquisition themes and target areas.

• Source opportunities: Proactively identify acqui-hire, tuck-in and large-scale acquisition opportunities aligned with Replit’s strategic priorities.

• Develop relationships: Establish trusted relationships with founders, investors, bankers, operators, and other participants across the ecosystem. Identify and attend industry events to source M&A opportunities.

• Map the ecosystem: Build and maintain a detailed view of relevant markets, including AI infrastructure, developer tools, emerging technologies, competitors, and potential M&A targets.

• Evaluate strategic fit: Assess companies and opportunities based on product alignment, market position, technical differentiation, financial profile, and potential value to Replit. Partner with Product, AI, and Engineering leaders to assess build, buy, and partner alternatives and deliver clear go/no-go recommendations.

• Lead transaction execution: Own the transaction process from initial evaluation through signing and closing. Lead valuation and financial modeling, structure transactions, drive cross-functional due diligence, and lead negotiations in partnership with executive sponsors and Legal. Be accountable for the deal workplan, timelines, risk escalation, and decision materials. Coordinate integration planning with functional leaders, establishing clear owners and success measures before close.

Required Skills and Experience

• 8+ years of experience in corporate development, venture capital, investment banking, or a related strategic role.

• Strong product & technological intuition.

• Demonstrated experience leading technology transactions through signing and closing, with direct responsibility for valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, and negotiation.

• Experience researching markets, identifying companies, and developing actionable opportunity pipelines.

• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.

• Ability to synthesize complex product, technical, market, and financial information into clear recommendations.

• Strong relationship-building and written and verbal communication skills.

• High degree of ownership, curiosity, and comfort operating in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

• Proven ability to own complex transaction workstreams, hold cross-functional teams accountable to deadlines, and resolve issues across technical, business, and external advisory teams.

Bonus Points

• Existing relationships across the AI, developer tools, or software infrastructure ecosystem.

• Experience at a scaling technology company.

• Current Replit user.