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.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Top 10 Climate Tech Accelerators for Startup Success in 2026
With 22 distinct investors and programs actively fueling green technology globally, the market for climate tech startup accelerators is vibrant, yet complex, incubatorlist.
Apr 10, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Choose Fractional CFO Services for Startups: A Comprehensive Guide
Growing startups often face financial chaos and tough investor questions. Fractional CFO services offer part-time strategic financial leadership, providing high-level guidance without the cost of a full-time C-suite salary.
Apr 10, 2026 · 8 min read
A Founder's Guide to Top Deep Tech Conferences for Startups in 2027
Choosing the right deep tech conference is crucial for startup success. This guide breaks down essential event archetypes to help founders find the perfect stage for their breakthrough technology, from networking to funding.
Apr 9, 2026 · 6 min read
What Is ESG Consulting? A Guide for Modern Businesses
ESG consulting is rapidly becoming indispensable for modern businesses, guiding them through complex environmental, social, and governance strategies. Discover how expert guidance can drive compliance, attract investment, and ensure long-term resilience.
Apr 9, 2026 · 8 min read
How University Tech Transfer Organizations Work: A Guide to Spinning Out Research
University Technology Transfer Organizations (TTOs) are critical players in moving groundbreaking research from the lab to the marketplace. Understanding their role is the first step for any academic entrepreneur.
Apr 9, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Build Industry-Specific Go-to-Market Strategies for Professional Services Firms — A Complete Guide
Many brilliant professional services firms struggle to grow despite world-class expertise. This guide reveals how industry-specific go-to-market strategies can transform your firm from merely surviving to dominating its niche.
Apr 9, 2026 · 9 min read
How to Master Your Startup Pitch for Funding and Partnerships: A Complete Guide
Mastering your startup pitch is crucial for securing funding and partnerships. This guide breaks down how to craft a compelling pitch deck, avoid common mistakes, and deliver an unforgettable presentation.
Apr 8, 2026 · 11 min read
EY Launches Agentic AI Solution to Redefine Global Audit
Big Four firm EY has globally rolled out an enterprise-scale agentic AI solution within its assurance practice, signaling a massive shift in how corporate audits will be conducted.
Apr 8, 2026 · 7 min read
How Specialized Services Guide Deep Tech IP Patenting and Compliance: A Complete Guide
Deep tech founders face a dramatically changed IP landscape where securing intellectual property is crucial for survival and valuation. Specialized services offer strategic guidance for patenting and compliance, building a defensible moat around core innovations.
Apr 8, 2026 · 7 min read
Top 5 Global Innovation Platforms and Startup Accelerators to Watch
Explore the top global innovation platforms and startup accelerators making significant moves in 2026. This guide highlights five key players for founders, VCs, and ecosystem builders seeking growth and international expansion.
Apr 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Top 3 Deep Tech Startup Accelerators to Watch in 2026
Explore the leading deep tech startup accelerators making waves in 2026, offering specialized support for founders at various stages. This guide highlights programs from national initiatives to venture-backed powerhouses.
Apr 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 4 Global AI Conferences for Enterprise Leaders in 2026
This guide breaks down the most impactful global AI conferences for enterprise leaders in 2026, helping CTOs, VPs of Innovation, and strategic leaders find actionable insights beyond the hype.
Apr 7, 2026 · 7 min read
How Specialized Services Guide Startups Through IP Patenting: A Complete Guide
Securing intellectual property is a foundational pillar for startup growth, yet it's often complex and expensive. Specialized services are emerging to make IP patenting and trademarking more accessible for early-stage companies.
Apr 7, 2026 · 9 min read
What Is Fractional Leadership and How Can Startups Use It?
Fractional leadership allows startups to hire highly experienced industry practitioners as on-demand resources, providing senior-level guidance for a fraction of the cost. This strategic model is rapidly reshaping how executive teams are built.
Apr 6, 2026 · 9 min read
What Is a Regulatory Sandbox Environment and How Does It Accelerate Innovation?
Regulatory sandbox environments allow startups to test new products in a controlled, supervised setting, bridging the gap between rapid innovation and cautious regulation. This framework is essential for accelerating market entry and de-risking new technologies in regulated sectors.
Apr 6, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Maximize the Strategic Benefits of Industry Events and Trade Fairs
Industry events and trade fairs are vital for business growth, offering unique opportunities for networking, learning, and relationship building. Discover how to transform these experiences into tangible value and measurable ROI.
Apr 6, 2026 · 8 min read
What Is a Startup Studio? The Venture Builder Model Explained
A startup studio, or venture builder, is an organization that systematically builds multiple companies in parallel, acting as a 'startup factory.' This model offers a powerful alternative for founders, investors, and corporations seeking de-risked innovation.
Apr 5, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Choose the Right Legal and Financial Advisors for Your Startup: A Founder's Guide
Choosing the right legal and financial advisors is a foundational pillar for your startup's success, separating ventures that scale from those that stumble. This guide helps founders navigate incorporation, fundraising, and growth by finding expert co-pilots.
Apr 5, 2026 · 10 min read
The 'Growth at All Costs' Playbook Is Dead. Here's What Replaces It.
The 'growth at all costs' playbook that defined a generation of startups is officially obsolete. A new paradigm is emerging, one that prioritizes product integrity, proven demand, and a clear line of sight to profitability from day one.
Apr 5, 2026 · 8 min read
What Are Legal Tech Solutions and How Can They Help Small Business Operations?
Legal tech solutions are transforming small business operations by automating legal processes, reducing costs, and mitigating risks. Learn how these essential tools can accelerate your business growth and ensure compliance.
Apr 4, 2026 · 10 min read