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
What Is a Fractional CFO and Why It Matters for Startups
Demand for interim and fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) roles has surged by 310 percent since 2020.
Jul 9, 2026 · 5 min read
What Is the Role of Accelerators in Startup Growth in 2026?
In the first year after graduating from an accelerator program, startups raise an average of $1.
Jul 8, 2026 · 5 min read
What Are Fractional Executives and Why Startups Need Them Now?
A growth-stage B2B company can secure board-level strategy and revenue architecture for as little as $1,000 per month, seeing impact in just 30 to 60 days, according to Geisheker .
Jul 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 7 European Startup Accelerators and Incubators
Munich's UnternehmerTUM, founded in 2002, now leads all European startup hubs with a score of 90.
Jul 7, 2026 · 6 min read
What is a Chief of Staff's role in startup strategy and operations?
At one rapidly scaling Series B startup, the CEO credits their Chief of Staff (CoS) with reclaiming 15 hours a week.
Jul 7, 2026 · 3 min read
What is a Fractional CTO and Why Do Startups Need One?
For as little as $4,000 a month, a startup can gain weekly strategic tech guidance, architecture reviews, hiring assistance, and even board preparation from a seasoned Chief Technology Officer.
Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Key Tech Conferences for Startups & Enterprises in 2026
In 2025, startups shelled out over $10,000 to attend major tech conferences.
Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Fractional Executives and Why Do Startups Need Them?
Hiring a Chief Marketing Officer can cost a startup $174,000 annually.
Jul 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Local accelerators promise innovation but often fail to deliver sustainable growth.
In Hamilton, Tennessee, Mayor Weston Wamp announced plans to sell the building housing the city's INCubator.
Jul 5, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Startup Exit Strategies and Why Do They Matter?
Startups that engage professional exit consulting services from their Series A funding rounds achieve significantly higher valuations.
Jul 4, 2026 · 6 min read
Sustainable startup growth initiatives face 2026 hype cycle risk.
Proposed capital gains tax reforms in Australia, as currently drafted, threaten to negatively impact local innovation, talent retention, and access to capital for startups, potentially stifling an ent
Jul 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Emerging Startups Revolutionizing Enterprise Support
NicheAI Solutions, a startup founded just three years ago, automates 70% of initial data analysis for M&A due diligence.
Jul 4, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Navigate Legal and Financial Considerations for Startup Global Expansion
Proactive intellectual property protection before international expansion isn't just smart; it's a financial shield.
Jul 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Why Industry Events Matter for Startups and Enterprises in 2026
Only 23 percent of companies can actually calculate the return on investment (ROI) for their industry events and exceed business goals.
Jul 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Niche Industry Conferences Build Startup Ecosystems and Global Partnerships
VivaTech 2026, Europe's largest tech event, saw Rice University do more than just show up.
Jul 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 5 Essential Professional Services for Startup Growth
A promising tech startup recently faced a $50,000 fine for misclassifying its first five contractors.
Jul 1, 2026 · 5 min read
Top 5 Emerging Tech Startup Ecosystems to Watch in 2026
In 2024, venture capital funding in Latin America, led by Brazil, surged 45% year-over-year to $7.
Jul 1, 2026 · 5 min read
Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival: Impact on Startups
From April 20-22, 2026, Abu Dhabi will host a festival offering entrepreneurs free, direct consultations from experts across various sectors.
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Deeptech Investor Day 2026 Adapts for Surging Investor Interest
On June 3, 2026, the Deep Tech Investor Day ignites a month of specialized events, including the UK's Global R&D and Science Investment Summit on June 8-9.
Jun 28, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Cyber Resilience Strategies for Business Leaders in 2026?
A single phishing campaign, targeting employees with a fake website mirroring Reddit's intranet, exposed limited contact information for hundreds of company contacts and employees.
Jun 28, 2026 · 5 min read