Leveraging Collaboration Networks & Innovation Ecosystems with Dave Whelan
Your next growth lever might not be a new feature—it might be a relationship. In this high-level session, Dave Whelan, former CEO of BioscienceLA and a veteran of ecosystem strategy, dives into how founders can tap into innovation networks, partnerships, and industry ecosystems to scale faster and smarter.
Dave has helped startups go from niche to national by navigating the intersections of tech, health, and strategy. He’ll share what works when it comes to building out collaboration networks that actually move the needle.
What We’ll Cover:
• How to map your current network and identify leverage points
• What makes an innovation ecosystem tick (and how to plug into it)
• Creating value in strategic partnerships, not just chasing logos
• Real-world case studies from startups who scaled through alliances
• Pitfalls to avoid when entering partnerships too early or without alignment
Live Takeaways:
✅ Map your current ecosystem: who’s helping you grow—and who’s missing
✅ Identify one ecosystem or partner that could unlock your next stage
✅ Draft a 3-sentence value proposition to pitch a new collaboration
Why It Matters:
Scaling isn’t always about doing more—it’s often about doing smarter, with the right people. Whether you’re aiming to enter new markets, build strategic credibility, or expand your product through partnerships, this session will help you think like an ecosystem builder.