The Blueprint for a Successful Blockchain Partner Ecosystem

Introduction

For this edition of the Greatest Minds in Partnerships series, we sat down with David Dolhomut, Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Traced Systems, to explore building and scaling a thriving partner ecosystem in the blockchain industry.

With years of experience fostering B2B and B2G collaborations, David has played a pivotal role in bridging traditional enterprises and Web3-native projects. From working at the Embassy of Canada in Poland to shaping the Nordic Blockchain Association, his journey into blockchain partnerships has been defined by a passion for trust, innovation, and real-world adoption.

In this conversation, he shares key insights into overcoming blockchain-specific challenges, onboarding the right partners, balancing traditional and decentralized partnerships, and leveraging technology to scale collaborations in this rapidly evolving space.

Navigating the Challenges of Blockchain Partnerships

Unlike many industries, blockchain partnerships must contend with technical and reputational challenges. According to David, one of the biggest hurdles is the negative perception of blockchain, often fueled by sensationalized media coverage of crypto-related scandals.

"While illicit activities occur in all financial sectors, blockchain and crypto-related crimes receive disproportionate attention, making it harder to advocate for the technology’s legitimate and transformative applications." 

This perception affects not only enterprise adoption but also regulatory frameworks. Many policymakers react to negative headlines rather than evaluating blockchain’s potential, leading to regulations that fail to differentiate between speculative crypto markets and enterprise blockchain solutions that improve transparency, security, and efficiency.

Despite these challenges, real-world use cases are proving blockchain’s value. In supply chain industries like textile and battery manufacturing, blockchain is already enhancing traceability and accountability, helping businesses comply with sustainability standards, and combating counterfeiting. However, partnerships in this space require a proactive approach to shifting the narrative, highlighting tangible success stories over hype-driven fears.

How to Identify and Onboard the Right Partners in a Decentralized Industry

In blockchain, partnerships drive adoption, interoperability, and innovation. Unlike traditional industries, where partnerships often follow structured, centralized agreements, Web3 collaboration thrives on flexibility and shared ecosystems.

At Traced Systems, David and his team focus on four key types of partners:

• Consulting firms that guide businesses into Web3 adoption
• Technology providers that enhance blockchain solutions
• Compliance experts that ensure regulatory alignment
• Marketplaces that connect businesses to decentralized tools

Onboarding is structured yet adaptable. Strong relationships are further reinforced through co-marketing efforts and thought leadership, helping educate partners and end users.

"We start by aligning objectives, improving adoption, compliance, or interoperability. For tech partners, we focus on seamless integration through APIs, while compliance partnerships ensure regulatory adherence.”

The Key Incentives That Drive Blockchain Partnerships

David highlights three fundamental factors that create successful blockchain partnerships:

First, technical expertise and innovation. Blockchain is still an emerging industry, and companies that offer cutting-edge solutions such as smart contracts, decentralized applications (DApps), and interoperable ledgers create the strongest partnerships. The team leverages Chromia’s relational blockchain technology at Traced Systems to ensure scalable and efficient solutions.

Second, trust and security. "Trust is everything in blockchain," David emphasizes. Strong partnerships require secure technology and compliance-driven processes that help businesses transition smoothly into Web3. Traced Systems ensures that partners can operate safely and efficiently by integrating advanced security measures backed by the Chromia blockchain and potentially integrating the Asgard upgrades, such as the Oracle extension and AI agent evaluation plugin.

Third, industry-specific knowledge. Blockchain is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it needs to be adapted to different sectors, regulations, and use cases. David’s team tailors its decentralized app (Dapp) solution for industries like supply chain management, particularly in preparation for the upcoming ESPR legislation from 2027, among many others. By aligning its solution with partners' goals, Traced Systems creates partnerships that are not only strategic but also highly impactful.

Balancing Traditional Enterprises and Web3-Native Partnerships

One of the biggest challenges in blockchain partnerships is bridging the gap between traditional businesses and Web3-native projects.

“With Web3-native collaborations, things move faster because there’s already a shared understanding of tokenomics, NFT integrations, and interoperability.” 

This allows for rapid innovation, as seen in projects like My Neighbor Alice, a decentralized gaming ecosystem built on Chromia.

On the other hand, traditional enterprise adoption requires patience and structured engagement. Large corporations often need clear, value-driven blockchain solutions, usually facilitated by trusted Web3 consultants like Doors3. A great example of this approach is Traced Systems’ collaboration with fashion brand BLK DNM, where they’re building a Web3-driven consumer experience that blends exclusivity with digital ownership.

To successfully bridge these two worlds, David focuses on three key competencies:

1. Deep industry knowledge to speak the language of enterprises
2. Translating complex Web3 concepts into business-friendly strategies
3. Problem-solving to align decentralized ecosystems with corporate needs

By combining these elements, Traced Systems ensures its partnerships are innovative and scalable.

The Role of Technology in Scaling Blockchain Partnerships

Partner Relationship Management (PRM) platforms are critical in managing and scaling blockchain partnerships. These tools streamline communication, track engagement, and ensure collaborations stay on course.

“PRM platforms provide shared dashboards for goal alignment, deal tracking, and co-marketing efforts, making partnerships more effective.” 

A well-implemented PRM platform is more than just a relationship management tool. It helps execute pilot projects, track milestones, and ensure transparent reporting, which is especially crucial in blockchain’s trust-driven ecosystem.

By leveraging PRMs, blockchain companies can drive co-innovation, manage complex multi-party collaborations, and attract enterprise clients who require structured processes and clear ROI.

How to Measure the Success of a Blockchain Partner Ecosystem

The success of a blockchain partner ecosystem isn’t just about the number of signed agreements; it’s about delivering real value to clients through combined competencies.

“The true value lies in offering clients a bundled deal rather than individual solutions,” David explains. By integrating multiple partner offerings into a cohesive solution, businesses can better align with customer needs and industry-specific KPIs.

An effective ecosystem thrives on trust and collaboration. Partners must actively engage in shared projects to scale successfully, introduce new business opportunities, and contribute to long-term ecosystem growth.

Advice for Companies Looking to Build a Thriving Blockchain Partner Ecosystem

For companies looking to build and scale their blockchain partnerships, David offers four key takeaways:

1. Find the right partners by aligning values and strengths.
2. Engage in transparent communication and provide partners with the necessary resources to succeed.
3. Drive innovation through interoperability and enhanced security measures.
4. Promote success stories to establish credibility and attract new collaborators.

“Blockchain thrives on community and shared growth.”

Companies that focus on trust, collaboration, and innovation will build strong ecosystems and shape the future of decentralized industries.

Conclusion

Scaling a thriving partner ecosystem in the blockchain industry requires navigating regulatory challenges, aligning incentives, and leveraging technology for efficiency. As David Dolhomut and his team at Traced Systems demonstrate, a strong partner strategy must combine deep industry expertise, strategic onboarding, and technology-driven collaboration.

Blockchain companies can build ecosystems beyond the hype and drive long-term adoption across industries by prioritizing trust, transparency, and real-world applications.

One thing is clear: The future of blockchain is built on partnerships.