VP, Corporate Development

📋 Description

• • Kraken is at the forefront of the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, a market leader dedicated to accelerating global crypto adoption and empowering individuals with financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, our mission-driven approach and deep-rooted crypto ethos have attracted some of the brightest minds in the space. We are a fully remote company with a global presence, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where Krakenites in over 70 countries collaborate and innovate.
• • As the VP of Corporate Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Kraken's strategic growth trajectory. This position is critical to our expansion efforts, which are fueled by strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships. You will be instrumental in identifying and executing transformative deals that provide us with a competitive edge and unlock new avenues for innovation.
• • Reporting directly to the CFO, you will lead and manage the Corporate Development team, driving the end-to-end M&A process. This includes identifying potential targets, conducting rigorous due diligence, negotiating key terms, managing legal and financial aspects, and ensuring successful integration of acquired entities. Your responsibilities will extend to leading discussions with target company leadership, identifying and mitigating risks, and steering transactions to a successful and timely close.
• • You will be a key liaison with senior leadership, including the Co-CEOs, and work collaboratively with a cross-functional team encompassing Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Legal, Finance, and Marketing. Your ability to articulate complex strategic and financial considerations into clear, concise narratives will be crucial for driving informed decision-making across the organization.
• • The opportunity involves defining and executing Kraken's global M&A and strategic investment strategy. You will be responsible for actively sourcing acquisition targets, joint venture opportunities, and strategic investments that align with and accelerate Kraken's overarching strategic objectives. This includes owning the entire deal lifecycle from initial sourcing and evaluation through to negotiation, closing, and post-merger integration.
• • A significant part of your role will involve building and nurturing an extensive network within the crypto industry and broader financial markets. This network will be essential for maintaining a robust deal flow, staying abreast of emerging trends, and identifying unique opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage. You will also monitor industry dynamics and competitor activities to inform strategic planning and execution.
• • You will lead negotiations on purchase price and deal terms, leveraging your expertise to build sophisticated financial models (including DCF, accretion/dilution, LBO analyses) to support valuation and establish key performance benchmarks for post-integration success. Your ability to distill complex financial and strategic considerations into compelling deal memos and executive presentations will be vital for securing buy-in and driving consensus among leadership.
• • Furthermore, you will be responsible for managing and growing the existing high-caliber Corporate Development team, fostering a culture of excellence and strategic thinking. Your leadership will ensure the team is equipped to handle multiple concurrent transactions and deliver exceptional results.
• • This role demands a deep understanding of the financial markets and a genuine passion for the cryptocurrency industry. Experience in navigating the unique landscape of crypto M&A, including an understanding of global financial regulations and their application to digital assets, is highly desirable. International business experience will also be a valuable asset in this global role.
• • Ultimately, you will be a key architect of Kraken's future growth, identifying and executing strategic initiatives that solidify our position as a market leader and drive the continued adoption of crypto worldwide. Your work will directly impact Kraken's ability to innovate, expand its offerings, and achieve its mission of empowering global financial freedom.