Partnering with French firm, Early Charm Ventures looks to European market

Early Charm Ventures is looking to expand sales in Europe for its portfolio of startups through a new partnership.

The Spark Baltimore-based startup studio that works with academic researchers to turn science into startups is teaming with Paris-based business development company Business Crescendo.

Working together, the firms will look to vet new sales opportunities in Europe, as well as discover new technologies that have commercialization potential. Early Charm Ventures Principal Ken Malone said Business Crescendo has expertise in customer discovery for “highly technical products” in areas like materials science, imaging and other new technology. It helps to ask the right questions, identify potential and close on sales, Malone said.

The firm already worked with Early Charm Ventures portfolio startup SilcsBio, and helped to secure seven paying customers for the company, Malone said. The new partnership formalizes that relationship, and extends the work to all 10 Early Charm Ventures companies.

“In today’s global economy, ideas and technologies proliferate faster than ever,” said Michael Mendolia, CEO of Business Crescendo, in a statement. “That’s why this partnership with Early Charm Ventures is so timely. This relationship gives our two firms greater capacity to commercialize new research on an international scale.”

Along with the deal, Maelle Pasquiou is joining on as business development consultant, working for both companies.

The approach fits with something we heard at Startup Global back during Baltimore Innovation Week 2018: When expanding globally, finding partners who already have experience in an area can help ease entry into a new overseas market.