Go fast alone or far together: Are you exploring partnerships enough?

Source: iStock / AF-studio

The low-carbon economy is reshaping industries, pushing businesses to innovate and adapt faster than ever. One of the smartest ways to do this? Partnering, investing in, or acquiring early-stage innovators to gain a strategic edge. Sometimes called Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)—if you’re feeling fancy.

Unlike traditional financing through banks or investors, this isn’t just about financial returns. It’s about securing access to new ideas, technologies, and partnerships to help future-proof operations, sell new products, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. Big players like BP Ventures and Unilever’s Climate & Nature Fund aren’t just making investments—they’re betting on the future of their industries. And you don’t need a billion-dollar balance sheet to adopt this mindset.

For innovators, partnerships offer more than funding—it provides industry expertise, market access, and scaling opportunities that would be tough to achieve alone. Meanwhile, corporates benefit by embedding innovation that is already off the ground directly into their transition plans and positioning themselves as leaders in their industry.

Of course, success isn’t guaranteed. To make it work, businesses need a clear strategy—aligning investments with core goals and ensuring engagement goes beyond just financial backing. The best partnerships involve more than just capital; they include mentorship, pilot programs, and shared networks to bridge the gap between startup agility and corporate scale.

Done right, partnerships are a win-win—supporting transition strategies while giving corporates and innovators the competitive edge they need to thrive. Companies that aren’t actively exploring partnerships as part of their transition strategy risk being left behind while their competitors take full advantage.

What this means?

🏢For corporates:
Investing in early-stage innovation helps meet transition objectives, unlock new markets, and future-proof operations. Dedicate resources to finding the right partnerships.

💡For innovators:
This isn’t just about funding—it’s about securing strategic backing, industry expertise, and a path to scale. Choose your investors wisely.

🤝For investors:
Consider structuring early-stage deals with corporate sponsors to increase success rates and enhance valuations at exit. Think who else you can bring to the table.

Will you consider partnerships as part of your transition strategy?