“REALTORS are rivals for listings and buyer clients but when they put them on MLS, they cooperate which means that he or she becomes a co-opetitor.”

Say you are bootstrapping a new home builder. A trade creditor (supplier) might extend credit to you for building materials and supplies or a client might give you a sizable down payment on a home purchase; in essence, each of them become a strategic investor in your business. Or say you are starting an athletic wear clothing business, department stores might give you a cash advance in return for exclusivity or a sports drink company might sponsor your line of clothing in return for co-branding opportunities.