MBA Strategy Intern (Summer 2026)

About Cantina:

Cantina Labs is a social AI company, developing a suite of advanced real-time models that push the boundaries of expression, personality, and realism. We bring characters to life, transforming how people tell stories, connect, and create. We build and power ecosystems. Cantina, our flagship social AI platform, is just the beginning.

If you're excited about the potential AI has to shape human creativity and social interactions, join us in building the future!

About the Role:

Cantina is looking for a strategic, analytical, and experienced MBA Strategy Intern to support our efforts in scaling the Cantina social AI app. In this role, you'll support the Senior Director of Strategy on high-impact projects across the company.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct ongoing competitive and market research in the generative AI space
• Develop strategic recommendations around product, partnerships, and potential acquisitions
• Support corporate development pipeline, including target sourcing, prioritization, outreach support, and tracking across stages
• Analyze business performance and support the forecasting, management, and tracking of key operational and financial metrics
• Support cross-functional strategic initiatives spanning go-to-market, user growth, and R&D
• Identify opportunities to improve processes through product workflow analysis (e.g. onboarding, retention, engagement)
• Drive ad hoc research and content creation across topics such as infrastructure, product strategy, and emerging technologies

What You'll Bring:

• Current MBA or pre-MBA student
• Experience in strategy, business development, or consulting preferred
• Background in high-growth tech or fast-paced startup environments a plus
• Exposure to B2B business development or analytics a plus
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, collaborating effectively across technical and business teams
• Outstanding analytical skills, including comfort with financial modeling
• Skilled communication with the ability to develop compelling executive-level presentations
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and driving outcomes across teams and stakeholders
• Team player with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset

Expectations:

• 35-40 hours per week
• 10 to 12 week internship starting mid-May or early June; start date flexible
• Potential to extend part-time during the academic year (based on performance and business needs)
• Hybrid (3+ days/week in office - SF or NYC)

Compensation:

• The anticipated hourly rate for this role is $50.00.