Access to customers, within the context of the benefits of partnering, refers to the opportunity for a company, particularly a startup, to tap into an established partner's existing customer base and utilize their marketing prowess and brand reputation. This strategic advantage allows the startup to rapidly enhance its market penetration and credibility by reaching a broader audience that already trusts and engages with the established partner. By aligning with a reputable company, startups can bypass some of the significant challenges associated with building their customer base from scratch, thereby accelerating growth and establishing a stronger market presence more efficiently.