DistributionEmerging Pattern

Build internal relationships with engineering and product teams before partnership deals require their involvement

Q: How many founders have validated "build internal relationships with engineering and product teams before partnership deals require their involvement"?

1 founder has proven this pattern works. Examples include Cristina Cordova (Stripe).

Partnership success depends heavily on internal alignment. Building relationships with engineers and product leads during normal times means you have goodwill and context when you need to ask for resources for a partner deal. Cold-requesting engineering time for partnerships creates friction and delays.

When to use

When establishing a partnership or BD function that will need cross-functional support

Don't do this

Only engaging engineering when a deal requires technical work, creating friction and resistance

1 Founder Who Did This

Stripeby Cristina Cordova

Built relationships with engineers and product leads before deals arose, maintaining positive internal narrative about partners even during difficult negotiations

Result:Faster deal execution; engineering teams were cooperative rather than resistant to partnership requests

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