Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast
The Impact of Early Strategic Investment on Product and GTM Momentum (with ServiceNow & Tenon)
Episode Summary
Drew Beechler hosts Ben Person (CEO of Tenon) and Shuchi Rana (Global Head of Whitespace Intelligence, ServiceNow Ventures) to discuss how early strategic investments accelerate both product and go-to-market momentum. The episode unpacks practical lessons for aligning startups with enterprise partners from the start.
Episode Notes
Episode Breakdown
- Strategic alignment vs. financial return in corporate venture
- Tenon's origin story: spotting white space, pitching, and co-founding with enterprise partners
- What product co-development with an enterprise really looks like
- Joint go-to-market: “sell with” field teams, shared decks, and landing global clients
- Navigating the balance between startup agility and corporate process
- Keys to successful collaboration: executive sponsorship, stakeholder communication, and mutual focus
- Lessons, red flags, and advice for founders and CVC leaders
Featured Guests
- Ben Person — Co-founder & CEO, Tenon (LinkedIn)
- Shuchi Rana — Global Head of Whitespace Intelligence, ServiceNow Ventures (LinkedIn)
- Host: Drew Beechler — VP of Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)
Referenced in the Show
Resources & Related Links