The [[partnership risk]] of unclear ownership of the customer arises when there is ambiguity or a lack of agreement between partners in a [[strategic alliance]] or [[joint business development]] regarding who holds the primary relationship and responsibility for the customer. This risk is particularly serious for startups because they often rely heavily on these partnerships to accelerate growth, access new markets, or leverage complementary resources. For startups, unclear customer ownership can lead to conflicts over customer data, misaligned sales and marketing efforts, and inconsistent customer experiences, ultimately damaging the startup's brand reputation and eroding trust with customers. Furthermore, it can hinder the startup's ability to build a loyal customer base and secure long-term revenue streams, which are critical for its survival and success in competitive markets. Clear agreements on customer ownership are essential to ensure that both parties can effectively collaborate without undermining each other's business objectives.