Many venture capital firms are no longer just writing checks—they’re actively providing hands-on guidance to help startups succeed. Post-investment support in venture capital has evolved from a nice-to-have to a key differentiator for firms and a vital resource for portfolio companies. This is where the Platform Teams come in. Over the past decade, Platform teams have become a staple at many VC firms—by 2024, just over 52% of firms had a dedicated team, with one in eight employees focused on Platform.
Platform teams act as a Swiss Army Knife, providing strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational support to help startups scale effectively. Some team members specialize in areas like corporate partnerships, finance, or legal, while others take on a more generalized, multifaceted role. Regardless of structure, their mission remains the same: to help portfolio companies grow beyond capital alone.
For early-stage startups, a strong Platform Team can be an invaluable asset, offering expertise, networks, and resources that extend far beyond funding. As venture firms recognize the importance of consistent, specialized support, startups are increasingly prioritizing investors who bring not just capital, but a true strategic partnership.
Here are seven ways startups can leverage a VC’s Platform Team:
Branding and Marketing
Visibility in the right channels is crucial for attracting customers, partners, and talent. Platform Teams help amplify their portfolio companies by sharing success stories, announcing milestones, and providing guidance on branding, public relations, and marketing strategy. They help ensure consistent and effective messaging across social platforms and a brand that resonates well within the market. PR activities can also generate buzz around funding rounds or major partnerships, further enhancing visibility and brand reputation.
Partnerships and Business Development
For early-stage startups, landing the first few customers is often the hardest. With a lack of proven traction, a warm introduction to a potential design partner or client can go a long way. Many VC firms specialize in specific industries and have strong ties to key players, opening the door for introductions to potential partners or clients. These connections can help accelerate sales cycles and access opportunities that might otherwise take years to unlock.
Community Connections
One of the most valuable resources a startup can tap into is a strong founder community. Many Platform Teams organize founder retreats and peer groups to foster knowledge-sharing, allowing startups to learn from those who have faced similar challenges. There’s much to gain from others who have walked in your shoes and may be able to offer a different perspective. Platform Teams also connect founders with local events, speaking opportunities, and opportunities to participate in demo days, helping to build brand awareness.
Investors
When it’s time to raise another round of financing, the Platform Team can facilitate introductions to aligned investors. They can introduce you to other VCs for co-investments and guide you toward relevant accelerators. If it’s a state or regional-specific fund, there may be additional resources and funding programs to secure the capital needed for growth.
Recruiting
Hiring the right people at the right time is crucial for scaling a startup, yet recruiting can be costly and time-consuming. Platform Teams often have extensive networks and can facilitate introductions to top talent, particularly for executive and specialized roles. By tapping into their connections, startups can expand their search and find candidates who better align with their business needs.
Resources and Vendor Discounts
Most startups are likely strapped for cash and/or need to be prudent on spend. Platform teams can secure vendor discounts on software tools for development, marketing, CRM, and more. By leveraging these cost-saving opportunities, startups can free up resources to focus on areas like product development, which can make a significant difference in the early stages of growth.
Personalized Strategic Help
Every startup faces unique challenges and needs. Whether it’s navigating a new industry or refining a go-to-market strategy, Platform teams can provide tailored support that may be outside of the core strengths of the startup’s founding team. Some firms may offer dedicated support in finance, legal, compliance, and technology.
Ultimately, the greatest value of a Platform team is access—access to knowledge, networks, funding, customers, and strategic guidance. By fully utilizing these resources, startups can get a leg up in accelerating their growth and better position themselves for long-term success.
If a VC has invested in your company, odds are they want to see you succeed. Platform teams exist to provide the tools, connections, and expertise to help you scale. Make sure to tap into every resource available—because the right support can be just as valuable as the capital itself.
About the author: Kaitlyn Shevlin is a Business Analyst at Stratyfy, a startup offering transparent and interpretable AI solutions that help financial institutions make better-informed decisions in credit risk, fraud prevention, and compliance.
Comments