Leo Vance
Events & Ecosystem Reporter
Leo Vance is Startups & Giants' go-to reporter for all things events and ecosystem. Before joining the publication, Leo spent several years embedded in the startup scene, first as a community manager for a co-working space that hosted demo days and pitch competitions, then as a freelance event organizer. He's known for his ability to spot emerging trends and connect the dots between seemingly disparate players. Leo has a knack for identifying the next big thing before it hits the mainstream, and his coverage has helped countless entrepreneurs and investors stay ahead of the curve. He believes in the power of networking and community to drive innovation.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
9 Startup Networking Strategies for Industry Events in 2026
At the EU-Startups Summit, an AI-powered matchmaking tool suggests relevant profiles, transforming casual networking into a highly targeted connection strategy.
May 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 8 Professional Services for Scaling Startups in 2026
While many scaling startups seek flexible, hourly engagements, the world's most prestigious consultancies—McKinsey, Bain, and BCG—overwhelmingly prefer fixed-fee pricing, reports slideworks .
May 20, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Build Your AI Go-to-Market Strategy for Professional Services
The global AI services market is set to explode, projected to soar from $19.
May 19, 2026 · 4 min read
What are Venture Building Programs for Startup Founders?
Obvious Corp, a U.S. venture builder, quietly birthed two internet giants: Twitter and Medium. This venture studio didn't just fund; it engineered these platforms, proving a model where ideas are cult
May 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Hustle Culture's Shelf Life in Startups Is Shorter Than You Think.
On his employee's wedding day, startup founder AJ Orbach messaged them about work, a screenshot he proudly shared on X.
May 19, 2026 · 5 min read
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 for Startups
At a time when many tech conferences feature repetitive speakers and sponsored messages from poor companies, TechCrunch Disrupt consistently draws figures like Sir Michael Moritz and John Doerr who ra
May 19, 2026 · 7 min read
What Is Fractional Sales Leadership for Scaling Startups?
A startup can secure C-suite-level marketing expertise for as little as $8,000 per month, a fraction of a full-time executive's salary, according to Fractionus .
May 18, 2026 · 3 min read
What Is AI Legal Research and Why Does It Matter for Efficiency?
A complaint response system, once requiring 16 hours of an associate's time, can now be completed in just 3-4 minutes using AI in high-volume litigation.
May 16, 2026 · 5 min read
Niche Conferences and Hybrid Events Are Redefining Industry Connection in 2026
For just $500, any organization can host a hybrid event for up to 100 attendees.
May 15, 2026 · 4 min read
What Is a Fractional CTO and Why Do Startups Need One?
In 2019, AI startup Suki.
May 15, 2026 · 4 min read
What is startup networking and why does it matter at industry events?
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is set to host 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, facilitate over 10,000 business meetings, and attract 60,000 attendees, establishing itself as Asia's largest global inno
May 15, 2026 · 5 min read
What Are AI Legal Research Tools for Startups and Small Businesses?
Sixty percent of small business owners now use AI for preliminary legal research, slashing initial legal spend by an average of 30% before even consulting an attorney, reports LegalTech Insights 2023.
May 15, 2026 · 4 min read
6 Essential Legal Documents for Startup Funding and IP Protection
A startup's entire competitive advantage—its 'DNA'—can be copied or claimed if IP protection is delayed even months.
May 14, 2026 · 5 min read
What is Fractional Leadership and Why Does it Matter in 2026?
Fractional executives can cost roughly 40-60% less than a full-time VP, whose annual total compensation can range from $250,000 to $450,000, according to Pmguru .
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Leading Virtual and Hybrid Event Platforms for B2B Networking in 2026
Nearly 47% of event planners cite cost management as their top frustration, a major roadblock for innovation and reach in the booming B2B event sector.
May 14, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Fractional Executives and How Do They Help Startups Scale?
Hiring a full-time CFO in 2026 could be a $450,000 mistake for mid-market firms that haven’t yet scaled past the $50 million revenue mark, according to SA Unlimited .
May 14, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Select Impactful Industry Events for Startups in 2026
Showcasing a startup on the expo floor at major industry events dramatically shortens fundraising cycles, often by facilitating direct, face-to-face investor meetings.
May 13, 2026 · 3 min read
What Is AI Transforming in Legal Tech and Consulting?
Clients spent less per legal hour in 2025 than in 2024, a surprising outcome given that large law firms increased their technology spend by 10.
May 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Mega-Conferences Underdeliver ROI: Hyper-Local is the Smarter 2026 Strategy
In 2026, the India AI Impact Summit registered over 300,000 attendees, a colossal figure that dwarfs many national populations.
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Measure ROI From Events: A Complete Guide
For a total event spend of $60,000, an attributed return of $105,000 yields an impressive ROI of 75% according to Eventrize.
May 12, 2026 · 5 min read