Sara LeWinter
Startup ecosystem strategist specializing in growth, partnerships, and community engagement
United States
I am a startup ecosystem strategist with more than 15 years of experience advising startups, early-stage technology companies, nonprofits, and community initiatives on go-to-market strategy, customer development, partnerships, positioning, and growth. I build relationships across startup, corporate, nonprofit, and government ecosystems and create presentations, workshops, and resources that help communities and organizations move forward. My experience includes developing market strategies for energy, cleantech, advertising technology, publishing, and sustainable technology companies, as well as leading strategic planning and relationship management for enterprise clients including Mars, Chewy, PetSmart, Bose, and the Pedigree Foundation. I have also managed community technology initiatives, supported local business growth, mentored team members, and organized startup and networking events. I bring a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to complex programs and enjoy connecting entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, and community stakeholders around meaningful opportunities.
Experience
Consultant – Startup Growth & Strategic Partnerships
Independent Consultant · Freelance
Feb 2008 – Present · 18 yrs 7 mths
I advise startups, early-stage technology companies, and nonprofits on go-to-market strategy, customer development, partnerships, and growth opportunities. I build relationships across startup, corporate, nonprofit, and government ecosystems and develop community presentations, workshops, and resources. Selected work includes go-to-market strategy for Variable, Inc. and Mediageeks, plus developing and managing a community technology center for the City of Seattle.
Associate Media Director
WorkReduce / Nimble Talent · Full-time
Mar 2022 – Dec 2022 · 9 mths
I led strategic planning and relationship management for enterprise clients including Mars, Pedigree Foundation, Chewy, PetSmart, and Bose. I managed complex marketing programs involving cross-functional teams, external partners, and multiple stakeholders, while mentoring team members and supporting collaborative, high-performing teams.
Associate Media Director
Assembly Global · Full-time
Nov 2021 – Mar 2022 · 4 mths
I led strategic planning and relationship management for enterprise clients, managed complex marketing programs involving cross-functional teams and external partners, and coordinated multiple stakeholders. I also mentored team members and supported collaborative, high-performing teams.
Community Ambassador, Chattanooga
Yelp · Part-time
Nov 2019 – Apr 2020 · 5 mths
Chattanooga, US
I built relationships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. I developed community engagement strategies, supported local business growth, and organized events and networking opportunities connecting businesses.
Startup Week Volunteer
The Company Lab (CO.LAB) · null
Oct 2015 – Oct 2015 · 1 mth
I supported startup ecosystem programming that connected entrepreneurs, investors, and community stakeholders.
Pro Bono Brand Strategist
Taproot Foundation · null
Aug 2010 – Aug 2012 · 2 yrs
I provided strategic brand consulting to nonprofit organizations on a pro bono basis.
Senior Account Executive
SustainLane · Full-time
Sep 2008 – Feb 2009 · 5 mths
I represented the company in the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) market and developed go-to-market strategies for early-stage cleantech companies across energy, food and land use, transportation, carbon, and sustainable technology sectors. I supported cleantech startups with positioning and community engagement strategies.
Marketing Manager
Amazon · Full-time
Aug 2003 – Aug 2004 · 1 yr
I developed the go-to-market strategy for a publishing company later acquired by Amazon. I built strategic partnerships, managed client relationships, and created market strategies supporting company growth and acquisition readiness.
Education
University of San Francisco
MA
Appalachian State University
BS
Skills
Languages
English
Native or bilingual proficiency