The importance of robust partnerships and access to new markets
Cambridge EnterpriseArticle by Jim Glasheen, Chief Executive at Cambridge Enterprise
The title of this article is purposefully provocative. Some incredibly talented founders – from Cambridge – did just that. They are in New York, navigating crowded sidewalks while remembering to look in the ‘other’ direction for oncoming traffic. In Incheon (Seoul), grabbing a bite in the world-famous Myeondong market before connecting with a colleague; in London, only one hour away from home, but already opening so many doors that were previously unknown.
The Leaps initiative is one close to my heart. And it comes from my experience as a founder and entrepreneur.
We all know building a venture can be a lonely and isolating activity, and warm connections make all the difference. We need allies and friends. That is why supportive local ecosystems like what we have in Cambridge are so important. Believe it or not, it isn’t your pitch to a crowded room, it is your personal connections that helps to draw in supporters whether that be for capital, talent or partners.
But as good as the Cambridge ecosystem is in fostering these connections, it’s not enough. Globally, we are in a profound state of flux. Different sectors, different strategic landscapes, different markets – and different geopolitics – indicate that no single location can be all things to all opportunities.
So how do we address the critical advantages of the hyper-local and personal connections with the significant global innovation challenge? The trick might just be to become a ‘local’ in a complementary ecosystem. And that’s why we took the Leap.
Jim Glasheen presenting the Leaps initiative in London in May. Image credit: David Johnson photographic
Partnerships are the foundations of Leaps
Leaps is an initiative that was launched in May this year. A set of collaborations, with incredibly committed partners, in London, New York and Seoul so far, to help embed Cambridge companies in these powerful and complementary ecosystems. In this way, we are opening the door to access new markets, talent and investment, as well as for these companies to share their knowledge, expertise and innovation with those settings in return.
Seoul is the latest addition, but I do think we will see more coming in 2027. Our partnership with the Seoul Incheon Innovation District opens the door to an incredibly powerful Deeptech ecosystem. Think Samsung, SK, Hyundai or LG to name just a few, while integrating and contributing into networks that include academic partners like Yonsei University.
In the Big Apple, our partnership with Janus Property Company provides our founders with a landing spot in the innovation triangle, which is anchored by Janus Factory District, Columbia University and CUNY (City University New York), with incredible Core labs like the Advanced Science Research Center; all planted in the middle of Manhattan with its robust financial ecosystem and diverse talent pool.
In London, we partnered with three top-tier venture firms (Balderton, Phoenix Court and The BioInnovation Institute) whose actions speak louder than their words. They have backed some of the most compelling technologies coming out of Cambridge, including companies like Raspberry Pie, Cusp AI, Wayve, Nyobolt and several others. They are looking to deepen their engagement still further, as is evidenced by their hosting the inaugural group of five entrepreneurial teams.
What I have heard so far is positive and encouraging. Founders have valued the opportunity to meet new collaborators, investors and peers. It’s still early days, and I’m keen to see what comes out of these partnerships.
Whether as an investor or an entrepreneur, one of the things I’ve found that has supercharged my growth has been when I’ve worked with new partners. As an investor, finding a new set of syndicate partners that I could trust unlocked new investment opportunities. As an entrepreneur, leaning in on a different innovation ecosystem or bringing in global perspectives strengthened my efforts.
The opportunity that I saw for our entrepreneurs here in Cambridge is to overcome the challenge of getting people to jump on the train or the plane and show up in Cambridge. Instead of waiting for them to do that, we are now going to them, not zooming in for a quick meeting…but rather, as a local. That’s why Leaps exist.
Do you want to help? Take one of our entrepreneurs our for a pint, a coffee or a bite to eat. Get to know them and think through who in your network could be a good contact for them. Afterall, we could all use more friends and allies!
