BD Specialist

About Katana

The Katana Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating the best DeFi experience for all types of users. Incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR, Katana Network is a purpose-built DeFi chain that aligns applications, users, and chain revenue to deliver deep liquidity and sustainable high yields. The network uses innovative mechanisms including VaultBridge, Chain-Owned Liquidity, and concentrated protocol deployment to maximize value for active users rather than extracting it. By taking an opinionated approach to DeFi infrastructure, Katana enables superior capital efficiency and user experience compared to traditional blockchain designs.

Your Role

As a DeFi Business Development Specialist at Katana, you will play a critical role in scaling one of the most exciting DeFi ecosystems in the space. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a high-energy, crypto-native environment and is passionate about shaping the future of decentralized finance.

You’ll work closely with cutting-edge DeFi teams and thought leaders around the world to grow Katana’s ecosystem. This is a high-impact role where you’ll help drive adoption, form strategic partnerships, and contribute directly to the success of Katana’s native DeFi products and primitives.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead outreach and relationship-building with DeFi-native protocols and teams to onboard them into the Katana ecosystem.

• Develop and execute strategic initiatives to support Katana’s growth across key DeFi verticals including DEXs, lending, and stablecoins.

• Represent Katana at industry events, conferences, and virtual summits to showcase our platform and build credibility.

• Manage a robust pipeline of projects, ensuring alignment with Katana’s long-term DeFi roadmap and ecosystem priorities.

• Stay ahead of trends in DeFi and produce actionable insights and frameworks to help guide internal strategy.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (e.g., product, engineering, growth) to support partner integrations and product co-development.

• Act as a key point of contact for DeFi projects building on Katana, ensuring a high-quality experience from onboarding to launch and beyond.

What You’ll Need

• 2+ years of experience working in the DeFi space, with deep familiarity across core primitives.

• A track record in business development, ecosystem growth, or partnerships, within a blockchain-native organization.

• A strong personal network in the DeFi ecosystem, with the ability to identify and engage high-value partners.

• Excellent analytical thinking and strategic judgement, especially in assessing project fit and technical alignment.

• Confident, persuasive communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience presenting to external stakeholders.

• A high-agency, entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to operate autonomously in a lean, high-performance team.

Katana Perks

• Remote first global workforce

• Industry leading Medical, Dental and Vision health insurance*

• Company matching 401k with 3% match*

• $1,500 Home Office Set Up Allowance (life-time max)

• $200 Annual Book Allowance Program

• $75 Monthly internet or phone reimbursement

• Flexible Time Off

• 1 company wide wellness Friday day off per quarter

• Company issued laptop

• Egg freezing, mental health, and employee wellness benefits

*In certain countries medical, dental and vision is fully covered for employees & their dependents. This is country and plan specific.
*401k is for United States employees only


Katana is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Katana is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and applicants with a disability may request to be accommodated throughout the recruitment process. We will work with all applicants to accommodate their individual accessibility needs.

If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.