Ready to scale? Here’s how to find the right partners

We’ve been talking a lot about startups here on the blog lately; but the Startup and Scaleup program at LEAP isn’t just for brand new businesses. As the name suggests, we’re also developing focused support for startups that are ready to reach for their next level. Because while ambition, grit, and caffeine will get you far, no startup scales alone. 

You need partners. But different startups require different kinds of partners – and the first step is to identify what kind of collaboration you need to achieve your goals. 

Once you’ve figured out what you’re looking for, it’s time to start building the right partnerships for growth. Here’s how to do it with LEAP. 

Start with clarity: What type of partner do you need? 

Before you build your plan, define what you’re actually looking for. 

It might be…

• Tech partners to help you strengthen or scale your infrastructure
• Channel partners who can introduce you to new customers or geographies
• Strategic investors who bring more than just capital
• Regulatory or public sector partners if your solution involves health, education, or smart cities

If you’re not sure where to start, focus on your goals and any gaps in your knowledge or resources. That’ll help you choose the right people to approach, and pitch them with purpose. 

Go where the ecosystem gathers 

One of the best ways to meet potential partners is to go where they already are. LEAP is a solid choice – you’ll get together with other founders, investors, government reps, global tech firms, and ambitious scaleups from around the world. 

Cold outreach is really hard, and getting introductions to the right people can take years. So walking into a room with hundreds of decision-makers who are actively seeking new ideas and opportunities is a very wise thing to do. 

To make the most of LEAP, do your research in advance. Check the speaker lineup, the exhibitor list, and most important, apply for our dedicated Startup and Scaleup program. It’ll give you access to pitch opportunities, networking events, and tailored matchmaking – so you have the best possible chance of meeting your ideal partners at the event. 

Remember you don’t have to pitch everyone. Having real, human-to-human conversations and making connections that people remember can be more powerful than a rushed, nervous elevator pitch. Keep breathing, and allow yourself to be a person as well as a founder. 

Think further than finance

Not all partnerships are about investment – and not all investors will be right for your business. 

We love what William Bao Bean (General Partner at SOSV and Managing Director of Orbit Startups) told us about this:

“No one works with Orbit for our money, they work with us for our help. We write small cheques and we take a good amount of equity. So what really matters is the help, because we do our best in every company we work with and then we follow on.” 

If you’re raising funds, look for those who offer more than capital. Do they have deep industry knowledge? Do they understand your market? Can they open doors or offer operational support?

Similarly, tech or distribution partners should align with your long-term vision. Instead of looking for short-term wins, focus on building relationships that will shape your growth journey. 

Build relationships over time 

Big deals do happen quickly sometimes; but often, partnerships grow more slowly. Relationships that begin with a brief conversation or a pitch that didn’t quite hit the mark can develop over time; and you might find that your ideal partner is an investor or distribution firm you first met years ago. 

So follow up with the people you meet. Connect on LinkedIn, and engage with their journey. When the time feels right you can suggest a meeting or a demo, but don’t disregard the contacts who aren’t obvious partners for you right now – because at a later date, they might become pivotal to your business growth. 

Every relationship starts somewhere. So those simple conversations after a panel discussion, or coffees shared between sessions, aren’t a waste of time. 

Scaling doesn’t happen solo 

The right partner can help you unlock markets, strengthen your product, or guide you through complex decisions. And LEAP isn’t just for inspiration (even though it’s definitely very inspiring) – it’s a practical, high-impact platform that can help you find those collaborators.

So don’t just attend. Be intentional. Start conversations. And stay curious you never know who could guide your startup to long-term success.