In Europe and beyond, the startup support model is evolving. And it must.
For years, founders have been surrounded by a growing ecosystem of advisors, VCs, accelerators, and consultants — each offering input, strategy, frameworks, funding. Yet ironically, as the support network grows, so does founder dependency.
Startups get advice overload, not execution support. Founders are coached, but not enabled. Talent is hired, but not integrated.
And when the market shifts, many founders are left alone — overwhelmed, underprepared, and unable to act. It’s time for a new support model. One that doesn’t just orbit the founder — but builds their capacity to lead.
The new support model doesn't just orbit the founders - it builds their capacity to lead.
Founders don’t need more advice — they need operating leverage
A great founder is visionary by default, but rarely experienced across every operational discipline. That’s normal.
The problem is that most startup ecosystems are built on the assumption that “smart founders will figure it out.”
They might — but at a huge cost in time, energy, and competitive advantage.
What they need instead is structured, embedded support to:
Not done for them. Not left to them. But done with them. That’s what makes founders stronger.
Some support models unintentionally create dependency:
These can drive short-term results — and long-term fragility.
True value creation comes when founders are coached on the how, not just told the what. When systems are implemented alongside their teams, not for them. When confidence and clarity come from seeing things work — not from outsourcing responsibility.
Stronger founders = founders who can execute with clarity, autonomy, and velocity.
To build this strength, support needs to focus on:
This is where Operating Partners come in — not as outsourced executors, but as embedded catalysts. Fractional, flexible, and focused on outcomes.
An effective Operating Partner helps founders:
The ultimate goal of any Operating Partner, advisor, or coach should be this:
“Make yourself redundant.”
That’s not just a nice principle. It’s the mark of real value.
When a founder no longer needs the operating partner to clarify metrics, manage sales ops, write content briefs, or define OKRs — that’s success.
Because what’s left behind is more than results — it’s a stronger founder, with a stronger team, and a company built to scale.
A call to founders and investors
If you’re a founder:
Ask yourself — Is this support making me stronger, or just busier?
If you’re an investor:
Measure your value creation not just in dashboards and exit multiples — but in the operating independence of your founders.
The next phase of European (and global) startup wave will belong to those who can operate — not just ideate.
Let’s build the next generation of founders who don’t just survive scale — they lead it.
by Lise Yacoub
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