Partnering momentum

Introduction

You don’t always need a big budget or a master plan to kick off a partnership. Sometimes, it’s about catching the right wave: that moment when people, ideas, and energy align. Momentum can come from anywhere such as a new opportunity, the right mix of skills, or a shared spark of curiosity. These small bursts of action are what can turn good intentions into real collaboration.

What does it mean?

Partnership kick-starters are like the match that lights the fire. They make it easier to connect, build confidence, and move from “let’s talk” to “let’s do”. In fast-moving and resource-limited settings, spotting and acting on these possibilities can be the difference between an idea that fades and one that takes off.

Why does it matter?

Even when partners are aligned, progress can stall. Recognizing and harnessing momentum, whether through catalytic funding, a trusted connection, or an unexpected opportunity, creates early wins that build trust, excitement, and commitment to the partnership.

Ingredients for kick-starting a partnership

Leverage catalytic funding

Small pots of early funding can open big doors. Even modest resources give partners space to experiment, test ideas, and build confidence without heavy risk. Look for flexible, low-barrier opportunities, such as seed grants, donor challenges, or innovation funds, that let you explore a partnership idea.

Build on existing relationships and stay open for new ones

Partnerships often start with people who already trust each other. Lean into these connections can help because they make alignment quicker, communication smoother, and collaboration easier. However, for realizing change, collaboration with the “unusual suspects” may be needed. Therefore, try to stay open and responsive to informal openings, a chance meeting, a shared event, or a pilot with organizations you do not know that well yet. Small experiments can stimulate innovative collaborations but need wise considerations about their scaling potential.

Focus on shared urgent needs

Nothing fuels momentum like a challenge that feels immediate and real. When partners rally around a pressing issue, they can often better align their interests. Name the problem, frame it together, and channel energy into tackling it head-on.

Deliver early wins

It is wise to start small, but make it count. Deliver something tangible, a pilot, a prototype, or a clear improvement that shows collaboration works. Early wins build trust, validate the partnership, and create the proof and energy needed to scale.

Illustration

Example of kick-starting partnerships

The HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) aims to strengthen Africa’s health tech ecosystem by empowering entrepreneurs and scaling impactful solutions.

Supported by partners such as the Novartis Foundation, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Global Fund, and Norrsken, HTHA is united by a shared commitment to driving real impact. Through its Accelerator Program, HTHA supports startups and scale-ups tackling Africa’s most pressing healthcare challenges by connecting them with governments and public sector partners, and providing access to networks, mentorship, and tailored resources to foster innovation and scalability.

Image: The HealthTech Hub Africa

Want to know more?

DCCC network

Join events organized by the DCCC.
Organize networking events yourself and communicate them through the DCCC Communications Working Group.
Join or contact the DCCC Project Funnel Working Group to initiate on-the ground digital health projects in line with the venture approach.
Join or contact the DCCC Impact Investment Working Group to support mobilizing resources for projects.

Readings

This publication in the Stanford Social Innovation Review explores what is needed to start a minimum viable consortia: Agile Collaboration and Collective Impact Through Minimum Viable Consortia