Leo Vance
Events & Ecosystem Reporter
Leo Vance is Startups & Giants' go-to reporter for all things events and ecosystem. Before joining the publication, Leo spent several years embedded in the startup scene, first as a community manager for a co-working space that hosted demo days and pitch competitions, then as a freelance event organizer. He's known for his ability to spot emerging trends and connect the dots between seemingly disparate players. Leo has a knack for identifying the next big thing before it hits the mainstream, and his coverage has helped countless entrepreneurs and investors stay ahead of the curve. He believes in the power of networking and community to drive innovation.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
What Are Cyber Resilience Strategies for Business Leaders in 2026?
A single phishing campaign, targeting employees with a fake website mirroring Reddit's intranet, exposed limited contact information for hundreds of company contacts and employees.
Jun 28, 2026 · 5 min read
NextRise 2026 Seoul Fair Showcases Asia's Leading Startup Innovation
This year, NextRise 2026 hosted over 4,000 1-on-1 business consultations across 170 booths, marking the largest startup showcase in its history, according to Morningstar .
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Development banks' aid risks emerging tech independence by 2026
In a major African tech hub, over 60% of seed-stage funding for local startups now originates from development bank-backed initiatives, raising questions about market-driven investment.
Jun 27, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Sports Innovation Labs and Why Do They Matter for Tech?
Football players now generate physical output data in near real-time.
Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Hybrid Industry Events and Why Are They Surging in 2021?
The verdict is in: 96% of event professionals surveyed firmly believe virtual events won't fully replace in-person gatherings post-COVID, reports impact-xm .
Jun 26, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Fractional Executives for Startup Growth and Scaling?
The annual cost of a full-time Chief Marketing Officer can exceed $320,000, a figure often out of reach for many scaling startups.
Jun 25, 2026 · 4 min read
Top AI Business Research Assistants for Market Analysis
To cut through AI's hype, a recent deep dive tested 16 AI platforms for market analysis and decision making.
Jun 25, 2026 · 5 min read
HKSTP Forges Asia-Europe Innovation Gateway at VivaTech
At VivaTech 2026, Hong Kong's tech delegation exploded, generating over HK$70 million in potential business leads.
Jun 25, 2026 · 4 min read
How Do Startups Protect Their Intellectual Property?
Mark Zuckerberg's $65 million settlement with the Winklevoss brothers over Facebook's ownership stands as a stark reminder: unresolved intellectual property disputes can cripple even the most successf
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Early Legal Counsel for Startup IP Protection & Fundraising
A startup founder, after years of relentless development and initial funding, discovered a devastating truth: they didn't legally own their core technology.
Jun 23, 2026 · 4 min read
Why English Common Law Attracts Tech Firms in Emerging Markets
In Dubai's burgeoning tech hub, an AI logistics startup chose common law, bypassing local civil code.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Open Legal Data for Startups: Why It Matters
The Free Law Project has already scanned over 200,000 pages of case law, with an immediate goal to reach 2.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Legal Tech Solutions for Startup IP Protection?
A single missed regulatory filing or unprotected patent can cost a promising startup millions in fines or intellectual property theft, a risk that 70% of early-stage companies underestimate ( Startup
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Fractional Executives for Startup Scaling in 2026?
By 2027, Gartner predicts over 30% of midsize enterprises will retain at least one fractional executive.
Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read
AI Data Rules Evolve: Legal Compliance Faces Complex Shift
On July 24, 2025, California finalized regulations for automated decision-making technology, effective January 1, 2026.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
What are the benefits and challenges of fractional executives?
Businesses employing fractional executives have reported a 25% improvement in operational efficiency within the first six months.
Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Startup Networking in 2026: Why Scale Fails and Curated Connections Win
At the 2026 National Laboratory of the Rockies Industry Growth Forum, startups and investors were connected through 10-minute rotating meetings, a format designed for maximum efficiency.
Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Strategic Startup Events for Market Entry and Growth
Alumni companies from SXSW Pitch have collectively raised over $22 billion in venture capital and exits since 2009.
Jun 18, 2026 · 6 min read
Top 9 Professional Services for Startup Scaling
The top 10% of tech scaleups explode past 100% annual growth and employ over 50 people, but this breakneck pace often hides a critical financial vulnerability: unsustainable customer acquisition...
Jun 18, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Measure Industry Event ROI: A Complete Guide
During Milan Fashion Week, Prada leveraged Media Impact Value (MIV) to assess celebrity strategies.
Jun 18, 2026 · 4 min read