This online feature article is adapted from Arthur D. Little’s recent Viewpoint: ‘Telecom operators: Open Innovation with start-ups.’ As disruptions rock the corporate world, Open Innovation has taken off, yet for telecom operators difficulties remain finding, scaling and sustaining valuable relations. Telcos need to show their hand to start-ups in terms of pitching what they can offer, from piloting fast-paced ideas to scale development. For collaboration relationships to be successful however, a good fit needs to be found in the initial meeting – requiring clear strategic planning, governance and internal processes and resources from telcos for any future collaboration with a good fitting start-up.