Blockchain 121 is hiring a

Web3 AI Research Lead - Frontier Venture Fund

As the AI Research Lead, you will play a critical role in identifying, evaluating, and shaping research‑driven venture opportunities in AI and at the intersection of AI and crypto.

This is fairly new fund started by two well known founders of Unicorn tech businesses. The carry and bonus structure is exceptional.

You will be embedded in the AI ecosystem—tracking the most promising projects, building the right relationships, and helping the firm understand and capitalize on emerging opportunities. You’ll also lead the implementation of AI tooling internally—to enhance research workflows, automate operations, and drive superior investment decisions.

Responsibilities

AI Research & Venture

• Identify emerging projects, founders, and trends in AI, particularly where AI meets crypto.
• Build and maintain relationships across the AI ecosystem: founders, investors, researchers, and open‑source communities.
• Evaluate technical products and research publications; support due diligence and market‑mapping efforts.
• Develop and refine theses on areas of opportunity within AI × crypto (infrastructure, compute, decentralized data, agent tooling, etc.).
• Conduct in‑depth research into cutting‑edge technologies and applications.

Internal AI Enablement

• Identify, pilot, and roll out AI tools to improve research, sourcing, communication, knowledge management, and portfolio support.
• Create playbooks and best‑practice guides for internal adoption of AI solutions.

Portfolio & Ecosystem Support

• Provide strategic advisory to portfolio companies on AI strategy, tooling, and product development.
• Represent the firm at key industry events, contribute thought leadership, and engage with the broader AI × crypto community.

Requirements

• Deep expertise and genuine curiosity in AI research: tooling, infrastructure, LLMs, agents, open‑source projects, and emerging applications.
• Proven experience in research, venture capital, early‑stage investing, product strategy, or operational roles within AI or crypto industries.
• Strong understanding of crypto ecosystems, including DeFi, tokenomics, and venture investing.
• Strategic and commercial mindset with the ability to rigorously evaluate research projects and complex technical products.
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable engaging both technical founders and internal stakeholders.
• Self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced, autonomous environment.

Bonus Points

• Prior experience at a crypto‑native venture fund, frontier technology investor, or an AI‑focused startup.
• Established network within AI research communities, builder ecosystems, investors, and open‑source projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity package
• Flexible remote working environment
• Generous leave policies
• Opportunity to collaborate with a world‑class team of investors and technologists

Apply Now: