About CoW DAO
CoW DAO is on a mission to protect Ethereum users from MEV and optimize trade execution across DeFi. We achieve this through the CoW Protocol, CoW Swap (a leading intent-based DEX aggregator), and the innovative MEV Blocker, which together help secure, aggregate, and route trades for optimal outcomes. We also fund values-aligned projects via the CoW Grants Program.
CoW Protocol is consistently ranked among the top DEX aggregators by monthly volume and is the largest intent-based exchange. Our MEV Blocker protects trades from harmful MEV extraction and is integrated across the Ethereum ecosystem. The CoW AMM is the only live AMM designed to protect liquidity providers from LVR (loss-versus-rebalancing).
With over 100 open-source repositories on GitHub, we're transparent, community-driven, and deeply committed to the open-source ethos. Our real-time Dune Analytics dashboard showcases billions in cumulative trading volume and a rapidly growing user base. As we continue to scale, CoW DAO remains at the forefront of DeFi innovation, prioritizing security, efficiency, and decentralization.
About the Role
Location: We are a fully remote team, and although we hire almost globally, there is a preference for this role to be based in Europe or remote +/- 4 hours CEST time
Please note we’re not hiring from the US, Australia, or New Zealand
Position: Full-time contractor
Business Development is critical to expanding CoW DAO’s reach and forging strategic partnerships that drive growth across the DeFi ecosystem.
We’re looking for a Business Development Team Lead who combines a solid BD background with the ambition to step into a leadership role. This person will define and execute our BD strategy, manage and mentor a growing team, and personally own some of our highest-value relationships.
This is a high-profile role requiring a hands-on approach, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate technical concepts into compelling value propositions for diverse partners—from fintech giants to DeFi protocols.
If you’re hungry for impact, experienced in enterprise or institutional BD, and excited to shape the future of DeFi, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
Lead and manage CoW DAO’s business development team, setting strategy, priorities, and scalable processes for growth
Identify and pursue partnership opportunities with:
Consumer-facing financial applications (wallets, neobanks, trading apps)
Institutional players (market makers, trading firms, fintechs)
Other DeFi protocols and ecosystem partners
Own and nurture key high-value relationships, maintaining active engagement and driving successful deal execution
Pitch CoW DAO’s products; CoW Protocol, CoW Swap, MEV Blocker, and CoW AMM—to partners, tailoring narratives for technical and non-technical audiences
Navigate complex enterprise sales processes, including managing RFPs, multi-stakeholder negotiations, and legal reviews
Develop sales enablement materials such as polished sales decks, target lists, and influence maps to support BD efforts
Track, analyze, and report on BD initiatives, both qualitatively and quantitatively
Bring insights from partners and market trends back to influence CoW DAO’s product roadmaps
Represent CoW DAO at conferences, talks, and industry events to elevate our presence and forge connections
Appropriately manage a budget for travel, events, and business development activities
Mentor and coach team members, fostering skill development and cross-functional collaboration
Who You Are
Significant experience in business development, sales, or partnerships, ideally in larger fintech companies, DeFi, or Web3 ecosystems
Proven success selling solutions into large fintechs or institutional organizations, with experience managing complex sales cycles and RFP processes
Skilled at creating compelling narratives and translating technical concepts into business value for diverse audiences
Hands-on approach, you’re excited to lead but equally willing to execute deals yourself
Strategic thinker who can prioritize opportunities for the highest impact
Collaborative mindset with a track record of mentoring, coaching, or managing teams
Comfortable navigating decentralized, remote environments with minimal oversight
A quick learner with genuine curiosity for DeFi and blockchain technology
Excellent communicator who builds trust quickly, adapts messaging to different stakeholders, and resolves conflicts diplomatically
Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment
Nice to Have
Experience working with consumer-facing fintech apps
Exposure to both institutional finance and DeFi, and the ability to bridge the two worlds
Strong understanding of technical concepts in blockchain and DeFi, such as intents, MEV, and AMM design
Background in creating sales enablement materials and influence maps
Demonstrated ability to facilitate productive discussions, mediate conflicts, and drive alignment across stakeholders
Familiarity with budget management for BD activities like conferences, partner events, and outreach campaigns
What We Can Offer You
Flexible work environment: Work remotely or join our Lisbon hub whenever you’d like
Token plan: Have a stake in our mission and shape the future of CoW DAO
Periodic gatherings: Meet teammates in person through regular team retreats
Conference allocation: Stay up to date with the latest in Web3 using our conference budget
Learning budget: Support for personal and professional development
Hardware budget: Get the tools you need to do your best work
Flat hierarchies: Enjoy more ownership and less bureaucracy
Flexible time off: Prioritize your work-life balance
Make an impact: Your contributions directly influence CoW DAO’s direction and success
Growth: Take initiative, own projects, and accelerate your professional journey
Referral Program
Earn 5,000 USDC or USD with the refer-to-earn program. More details here.
Ready to Join the Herd?
Culture
Life within the CoW Protocol is an incredible adventure! We take pride in our collaborative approach, embracing autonomy and fostering a culture of big thinking and continuous growth. We value impact, ownership, simplicity, and team spirit. Plus, we're all about feedback, coming together, and enjoying the journey along the way!