Collaboration between startups and SMEs offers great potential. While startups stand out through innovative ideas, new technologies, and agility, established companies contribute years of market experience, long-standing customer relationships, and stable structures. Through collaboration, both sides can benefit from one another — for example, in developing new products, the digitalization of processes, or gaining access to new markets. However, for a collaboration to succeed, a few points should be kept in mind to avoid disappointment and frustration on both sides: