Partner-led Research

Strengthen credibility and expand reach by working with an industry partner 

Partner-Led Research brings a respected partner into your study

This model is ideal if you want to:

  • Increase response rates by partnering with someone respected in the industry

  • Validate your ideas and strengthen the credibility of your findings

  • Expand the reach and lifespan of your research

Original research your industry trusts — because they helped shape it

Partner-led research is an add-in service to the popular Research Sprint. It’s a strategic collaboration designed to benefit both you and your partner while also serving your industry. 

The partnership is built on value exchange: your organization funds and leads the research, while your partner contributes community access and question validation. Findings serve the industry as a whole.

The partnership is built on value exchange

As the research sponsor, you provide:

  • Strategy 

  • Survey design

  • Survey programing 

  • Data analysis 

  • Final report

Your partner typically provides: 

  • Survey distribution to their community 

  • Survey question validation

  • Subject-matter credibility

  • Promotional reach

When to Add Partner-Led Research

Partner-led research is an extension of the Research Sprint. It’s worth considering when:

  • You want access to audiences beyond your current reach

  • You value added credibility through partner validation

  • You want built-in distribution and amplification at launch

How this works

Partner-Led Research is tailored to your goals and partnership structure. Common deliverables include

  • A plain-language document you can share internally and externally that explains what Partner-led Research is and why it is valuable.

  • A simple agreement outlining both parties’ responsibilities, including response commitments, promotional support, branding expectations, and co-marketing plans.

  • We monitor partner-driven responses and keep you informed during fielding.

  • A brief directional summary outlining expected themes and potential story angles before full analysis.

  • Short, ready-to-use content for LinkedIn, newsletters, Slack communities, and other partner channels.

  • A one-hour working session to help you plan a research launch event or expert panel.

Built in partnership with Devon Point

Partner-led Research is built in partnership with Devon Point Marketing, led by Lisa Shaw. Devon Point works with the partners and develops the strategic content engine from the findings. Mantis brings the survey methodology, data analysis, and research infrastructure. Together, we help B2B companies commission research their industry actually trusts — because the community helped shape it.

FAQs

  • No. If you have a partner identified, that is ideal. However, if Partner-Led Research makes sense for your study, we can identify and evaluate potential partners during the Research Roadmap phase.

  • No. Partner-Led Research is layered onto Research Sprint to expand reach and credibility.

  • Partner-led research typically adds 4–6 weeks to your Research Sprint timeline due to coordination and promotion planning.

  • Because Partner-Led Research affects structure, distribution, and timeline, we typically explore this option during the Research Roadmap phase.

    The Roadmap allows us to evaluate:

    • Whether a partner makes strategic sense

    • Which organizations may be a strong fit

    • How collaboration would impact scope, cost, and timeline

    From there, we move into the Research Sprint with a clear plan.

Want clarity around your research project?

Schedule a call to brainstorm ideas and/or discuss how we may be able to work together.