Collaboration in Private Markets: The New Edge

How Strategic Partnerships Drive Success in the Startup Ecosystem

Emma Sofie Andersen
Emma Sofie Andersen·1 week ago
Collaboration in Private Markets: The New Edge

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
— Helen Keller

Collaboration is no longer a buzzword—it's a competitive advantage. In the fast-evolving world of private markets, strategic partnerships and cross-company collaboration are driving innovation, accelerating growth, and unlocking new value for all stakeholders.

The Rise of Collaborative Ventures

Recent data shows a sharp increase in co-investments, joint ventures, and syndicate deals:

Year % of Deals with Multiple Investors Avg. Deal Size (USD)
2020 34% $2.1M
2021 41% $2.7M
2022 48% $3.3M
2023 52% $4.0M

Source: OneSource Analytics, 2024

Why Collaboration Matters

  • Access to Broader Networks: Investors and founders gain access to new markets, talent, and expertise.
  • Risk Mitigation: Sharing resources and due diligence reduces exposure.
  • Faster Innovation: Teams can leverage each other's strengths to bring products to market faster.

"The best deals I've seen in the last year all involved at least two lead investors. The days of going solo are fading."
— Mikael Krogh, Cofounder, OneSource

Case Study: The Power of Partnership

In 2023, three leading VC firms joined forces to back a healthtech startup. By pooling their networks and expertise, they:

  • Reduced time-to-market by 40%
  • Secured regulatory approvals in record time
  • Attracted top-tier talent through shared recruiting

Collaboration Models

Model Description Example Use Case
Co-Investment Multiple investors share a single round Series A/B rounds
Joint Venture Two or more firms create a new entity together New market entry
Syndicate Lead investor brings others into the deal Angel/seed rounds
Strategic Alliance Ongoing partnership for mutual benefit Product integrations

How to Foster Effective Collaboration

  1. Align Incentives: Ensure all parties have clear, shared goals.
  2. Communicate Transparently: Regular updates and open channels are key.
  3. Leverage Technology: Use platforms like OneSource for real-time collaboration, document sharing, and analytics.
  4. Define Roles Clearly: Avoid confusion by specifying responsibilities up front.

The Future: AI-Driven Collaboration

With platforms like OneSource, AI is making it easier to identify the right partners, automate due diligence, and streamline deal execution. Expect to see:

  • Automated partner matching
  • Real-time risk analysis
  • Collaborative dashboards for all stakeholders

"Collaboration is the new edge in private markets. Those who master it will lead the next wave of innovation."
— Jikku Jose, Cofounder, OneSource


Collaboration is not just a trend—it's the foundation of success in today's private markets. By embracing partnerships, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of openness, investors and founders can unlock unprecedented value.