In the world of B2B, we’re entering a new era of growth, one that doesn't rely solely on sales or product innovation. It’s called ecosystem-led growth (ELG), and it’s quickly becoming the go-to strategy for founders and growth leaders who want to scale faster, build credibility, and create sustainable success through partner ecosystems.
But what exactly is ecosystem-led growth? Why is it gaining traction in the B2B space? And how can early-stage companies start building an ecosystem to support this type of growth?
This article breaks it all down in simple terms, whether you're just starting to build your first B2B partner network or you're exploring new ways to grow beyond traditional marketing and sales.
What is Ecosystem-Led Growth?
Ecosystem-led growth (ELG) is a go-to-market strategy that leverages a network of interconnected partners such as technology partners, channel partners, integrations, and communities, to drive mutual growth.
Instead of growing in isolation, companies grow with and through others in their ecosystem.
Think of ELG as shifting from a solo performance to an orchestra. You're still playing your part, but you're creating more impact because you're connected with others playing in harmony.
A Simple Example
Let’s say you're a SaaS company that helps e-commerce brands optimize their checkout experience. Instead of only targeting brands directly, you can partner with:
E-commerce platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce
Agencies that build e-commerce stores
Payment providers or logistics companies
Communities where e-commerce founders hang out
These partners already have the trust and attention of your ideal customers. By working together through co-marketing, integrations, referrals, or shared content you gain credibility and reach in a way that cold outreach simply can’t match.
That’s ecosystem-led growth in action.
Why Ecosystem-Led Growth Matters in 2025 and Beyond
1. Buyers Trust Their Ecosystem
Today’s buyers rely less on sales reps and more on their ecosystem of peers, tools, and advisors. In fact, deals are 53% more likely to close and 46% faster when a partner is involved. That speed and trust make ELG a compelling strategy.
2. Bigger Deals, Lower CAC
Partner-influenced deals aren’t just faster, they're more valuable. Deals involving partners have a 40% higher average order value compared to those without partner involvement.
And it’s not just about revenue, it's also about efficiency. 72% of companies say customer acquisition cost (CAC) is lower when customers come through partners, making ELG a highly cost-effective growth strategy.
3. Revenue That Scales With You
ELG isn't just for lead generation, it fuels long-term growth. Consider this:
58% of revenue for top-performing companies comes from partners
49% of organizations say that more than a quarter of their revenue is partner-driven
30% forecast that partnerships will drive 25–50% of revenue in 2024
The message is clear: Partner ecosystems are not side channels. They're a core revenue engine.
4. Ecosystems Build Market Reach and Resilience
45% of companies report increased brand awareness thanks to partnerships. And 50% of executives say ecosystems helped them enter new markets—without building everything from scratch.
Case in point: Shopify’s partner ecosystem generated over $6.9 billion in 2019. And Microsoft generates 95% of its revenue through partners a powerful validation of the ELG model.
The Building Blocks of Ecosystem-Led Growth
If you're ready to explore ELG, here are the key building blocks to understand:
1. The Ecosystem Itself
Your ecosystem includes every entity that influences your ideal customer. These could be:
Tech integrations
Channel partners
Service providers
Communities and media
Consultants and thought leaders
Start by mapping your customer’s journey and asking: Who do they trust? What tools do they use? Who do they turn to for advice?
2. Partner Programs
A partner program gives structure to your ecosystem strategy. It defines how you work with partners, what’s in it for them, and how success is measured. For example:
Referral or affiliate programs
Co-marketing partnerships
Integration partnerships
Strategic alliances
Each type of partner relationship serves a different purpose in the ecosystem.
3. Co-Creation and Collaboration
ELG thrives when you collaborate, not just transact. This means creating joint value with your partners through:
Shared campaigns and content
Co-branded webinars
Integrated solutions
Customer success collaboration
It’s not about extracting value, it’s about creating something valuable together.
65% of organizations say partnerships drive innovation, helping launch new products, features, or services.
How to Get Started with ELG (Even If You’re Early Stage)
You don’t need a massive team or budget to start leveraging ecosystem-led growth. Here’s a simple step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Identify Your Ecosystem
Map out the partners that influence your customers. Use tools like:
Customer interviews
Partner mapping platforms (e.g. Crossbeam, Reveal)
Competitive research
Start small, aim for 5–10 potential partners who already work with your audience.
Step 2: Define Your Value Exchange
Ask yourself: Why should a partner work with us? It could be:
Revenue (e.g. referral commission)
Visibility (e.g. co-marketing exposure)
Product enhancement (e.g. useful integration)
Customer success (e.g. joint support)
Partners need to see a clear mutual benefit, especially since 90% of successful partnerships are built on mutual trust.
Step 3: Start Building Relationships
Reach out to potential partners with a clear, win-win proposal. Keep it light and collaborative.
“We noticed many of our customers also use [Tool X]. Want to explore a way we could support each other’s growth through content or a simple integration?”
47% of managers say alignment on goals is critical to partnership success. Focus on shared objectives, not just short-term wins.
Step 4: Measure and Scale
As partnerships start delivering value, track what’s working:
Leads or customers influenced by partners
Partner-sourced revenue
Co-marketing performance
Partner engagement
Mature partnerships generate 28% of company revenue on average, compared to 18% for less developed programs. So don’t just start, optimize as you grow.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
As exciting as ecosystem-led growth can be, there are a few traps to watch for:
1. Treating Partners Like Channels
ELG is not the same as performance marketing. Don’t treat partners like another ad platform. Relationships drive ecosystem success, not transactions.
2. No Clear Value Exchange
38% of partnerships fail due to lack of communication or trust. Avoid this by being transparent about goals and giving partners a real reason to care.
3. Not Enabling Your Partners
89% of companies say co-selling takes less time and money than traditional reselling. But only if partners have the tools and support they need. Give them:
Messaging guides
Case studies
Onboarding support
Clear incentives
Real-World ELG in Action
A few success stories:
Atlassian’s ecosystem includes over 700 channel partners and drives a third of its business.
Zoom’s Japan revenue was driven 40% by local partners, showing how ecosystems enable global growth.
Microsoft’s partner network, one of the largest in the world, powers 95% of its total revenue.
Even if you're small, the same principles apply. Focus on trust, mutual value, and solving customer problems together.
The Future is Ecosystem-First
70% of executives say partnerships are critical to growth, and 45% of companies already use them as their primary growth strategy. The market is shifting, buyers now prefer ecosystems over isolated products.
As ecosystem strategies mature, the global value of integrated networks is expected to hit $100 trillion by 2030. That’s not a niche trend, it’s a full-on transformation.
Ecosystem-led growth is not a side bet. It’s your next growth engine. And the sooner you start building your partner ecosystem, the stronger your competitive edge will be.
Let’s make B2B partnerships simple and let’s grow together.
Suggested Further Reading
Happy partnering!
Comments