Top Corporate Branding Companies in the United States
The United States is home to world-class branding talent, from New York’s finance-forward strategists to Silicon Valley’s product-led storytellers and Chicago’s design-centric studios. Whether you need corporate brand strategy, brand identity development, or corporate rebranding, finding a proven partner can accelerate growth and unify customer experience.
Clutch helps you evaluate trusted providers through verified client reviews, detailed case studies, and transparent service data. Use filters to sort U.S. branding agencies by budget, industry, location, hourly rate, and company size. Shortlist firms with expertise in corporate identity design, executive stakeholder alignment, and multi-market rollout — all backed by measurable outcomes. Start with these curated directories:
• Top Corporate Branding Companies
• Corporate Branding Companies in New York
• Corporate Branding Companies in Los Angeles
-
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
Focus Areas
See all 31 projectsAtticSalt Branding is a branding company renowned for its expertise in brand development, brand strategy, and visual identity design. Feedback from reviews highlights their exceptional ability to create cohesive brand identities, with 100% of reviewers praising their strategic approach and creative rigor. They excel in project management and communication, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction, as noted by approximately 90% of reviewers. Their work is consistently described as innovative and transformative, making them a preferred partner for comprehensive branding projects.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brentwood, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Graphic design agency U.S.G. Custom Graphics was founded in 1993. The company specializes in Graphic Design and Advertising, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Harrisonburg, VA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Cobalt Communications, Inc. Is a small Advertising company. Launched in 2005, the team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Winston-Salem, NC
Services provided
Focus Areas
Creative Edge Design, Inc. - NC is a branding company. They are based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and have small team of experts. Their services include Branding and Web Development.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Reston, VA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Small Content Marketing company STRIVE3, is in Reston, Virginia. The team focuses on Content Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Turner+Valladares is a branding agency. Their small team of employees is located in New York, New York. Their team focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Rogers, AR
Services provided
Focus Areas
Clever is a branding agency. The Rogers, Arkansas-based team specializes in Branding and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Allendale, NJ
Services provided
Focus Areas
The White Agency, Inc. Is an Allendale, New Jersey-based branding company. They specialize in Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Coldwater, MI
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 2 projects[BlackCard] - Out of Business was a company specializing in web development and process optimization services, including custom API integrations, automation tools, and analytics dashboards. Reviews indicate a 100% positive feedback rate, highlighting their effective project management, innovative solutions, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Clients appreciated their strong cultural fit and adaptability, with no significant areas for improvement mentioned.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Brooklyn, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Plutus Media, a branding company, is in Brooklyn, New York. They focus on Branding and Social Media Marketing and were established in 2016.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
Services provided
Focus Areas
Greenlight Creative, Inc is a Portland, Oregon-based Event Management company. They focus on Event Management and Event Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Louisville, KY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Internetek is a SEO services firm based in Louisville, Kentucky. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Cybersecurity.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Services provided
Focus Areas
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Curmudgeon Group is a branding agency. The team provides Branding and Content Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Zeeland, MI
Services provided
Focus Areas
David & Brook is a Zeeland, Michigan-based Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Branding and were founded in 2020.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Cincinnati, OH
Services provided
Focus Areas
RDG – Ruttle Design Group is a branding company. Their team is located in Cincinnati, Ohio and focuses on Branding and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greater Upper Marlboro, MD
Services provided
Focus Areas
Adequate Solutions LLC is an Application Testing company located in Greater Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The team specializes in Application Testing and Corporate Training & Coaching.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Launched in 2006, The Next Us is a small San Francisco, California-based branding firm. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Pompano Beach, FL
Services provided
Focus Areas
Compass Inventor Services is an Advertising company. Their small team is located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Services provided
Focus Areas
PsyCann Advisors is a small branding firm established in 2020. Their team focuses on Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, WV
Services provided
Focus Areas
AGD Collective Works | Auge+Gray+Drake Collective Works, a branding firm, was established in 2011. Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the team focuses on Branding and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
Services provided
Focus Areas
AgencySpotter, an Advertising company, is in Atlanta, Georgia and Bradenton, Florida. They focus on Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2012.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Roanoke, VA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Established in 2010, 38th & Kip Studio is a branding firm. The team focuses on Branding and Content Marketing and is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Las Vegas, NV
Services provided
Focus Areas
Branding firm Awareness Business Group is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their services include Branding and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
Services provided
Focus Areas
Blaze Experts is a branding firm. The team provides Branding and Marketing Strategy and is located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Antonio, TX
Services provided
Focus Areas
Haute in Texas, LLC is a branding agency. Their small team of employees is based in San Antonio, Texas. Their team offers Branding and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Marcos, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
HocusBuzz is an Advertising company. Located in San Marcos, California, the firm was founded in 2023. Their team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Advertising company Smith&Co. Was launched in 2016. The agency specializes in Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
Services provided
Focus Areas
Tasty Marketing Group LLC is a small Advertising company established in 2019. Their team provides Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Riverwoods, IL
Services provided
Focus Areas
Varsity Time LLC is a branding company established in 2017. The agency provides Branding and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sparta, NJ
Services provided
Focus Areas
Based in Sparta, New Jersey, CF Creative Designs is a graphic design company. Their services include Graphic Design and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Omaha, NE
Services provided
Focus Areas
Stratosphere Media Group is a branding agency. The Omaha, Nebraska-based team focuses on Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancerLos Angeles, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 1 projectsLuisSebastian.NET provides logo design and digital content creation services, specializing in creating aesthetically aligned branding materials. Reviews highlight the company's responsiveness, strong communication, and ability to deliver high-quality results despite unforeseen delays. Clients appreciate the collaborative approach and attention to detail, which ensures their expectations are met satisfactorily.
-
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Miami, FL
Services provided
Focus Areas
AB&A Advertising is an Advertising company located in Miami, Florida. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerWichita, KS
Services provided
Focus Areas
The Design Firm is a graphic design agency. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, their team focuses on Graphic Design and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Snøhetta is an Architectural Design company. The Oslo, Norway-based team focuses on Architectural Design and Interior Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerLivermore, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Free Rein Studio is a branding agency founded in 2016. Their team provides Branding and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Syracuse, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Pinckney Hugo Group is a Syracuse, New York-based branding agency. They provide Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
Services provided
Focus Areas
Add Chapter is a branding company. Founded in 2010, the company is located in Chicago, Illinois and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Their services include Branding and Advertising.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Oklahoma City, OK
Services provided
Focus Areas
Launched in 2018, 86VZNS Design Co. Is a branding firm. The team provides Branding and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Brand Bureau is a branding agency. Their small team is located in New York, New York. Their team offers Branding and Packaging Design.
Read more -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 1 projectsScalto is a branding agency specializing in brand strategy and corporate identity, offering services such as packaging design and visual identity design. The company is praised for its creativity and dedication to client needs, delivering projects promptly. With 100% positive feedback, clients appreciate their cost-effective and aligned values approach.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Plantation, FL
Services provided
Focus Areas
SM Frontier Tech is a midsize branding firm launched in 2025. Their services include Branding and Web Development.
Read more -
$25,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 1 projectswebkeyz specializes in UX design, offering services like loyalty program design with a strong emphasis on consumer engagement. The feedback highlights their prompt project management and structured communication, with 100% of reviewers noting their understanding of business requirements. However, suggestions for improvement include expanding options for color palettes and icon designs.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Founded in 2011, Fancy is a branding firm and Packaging Design company. The team focuses on Branding and Packaging Design and is located in New York, New York.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
Iconiotics, a branding firm, was founded in 2010. They focuses on Branding and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kansas City, KS
Services provided
Focus Areas
Launched in 2019, Brand Caddy is a branding agency. Their services include Branding and Logo.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
Focus Areas
DTE / Dream The End is a branding company and Packaging Design company located in New York, New York. They focus on Branding and Packaging Design.
Read more -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Services provided
Focus Areas
Pressley Johnson Design, an Advertising company, was launched in 2012. The agency specializes in Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Tucson, AZ
Services provided
Focus Areas
Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Cirrus Visual Communication is a branding agency. They offer Branding and Graphic Design.
Read more -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
Services provided
Focus Areas
Redpepper is an Advertising company. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company was launched in 2001. Their team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Fishers, IN
Services provided
Focus Areas
Cada & Associates is a branding agency. Based in Fishers, Indiana, the firm was established in 2010. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more
Share your project goals, and we’ll connect you with verified partners who fit your budget and timeline.
Get My Matches
![[BlackCard] - Out of Business Logotype](https://img.shgstatic.com/clutch-static-prod/image/scale/50x50/s3fs-public/logos/80b23e5ede4e9239fef2ae5bea4a70fb.png){kind=small}
Tell us what you need — we’ll match you with top agencies and their real-time quotes in minutes.
Get My QuotesWhy Trust Clutch
At Clutch, we believe trust is the foundation of every business relationship. Our mission is to help buyers make confident, data-backed decisions informed by real client experiences.
Every review on Clutch undergoes a rigorous, human-led verification process to make sure it’s valid. Our team of specialists confirms the identity of each reviewer, ensures the project is legitimate, and only publishes reviews that meet our strict criteria.
Verification doesn’t stop at the point of publication. Our Trust & Safety team routinely audits older reviews against our guidelines. When reviews fall short of our standards, we remove them.
We evaluate service providers using a structured methodology that combines:
- In-depth client interviews and ratings
- Comprehensive project details
- Market presence
- Portfolio examples and industry recognition
This data powers tools like the Leaders Matrix, which helps you compare agencies directly. Our research team curates rankings by weighing verified reviews most heavily, so the most trusted and experienced providers rise to the top.
Using this unique combination of verified client feedback and provider-supplied insights, Clutch distills the most important details into clear, digestible summaries so you have everything you need to make confident, informed decisions quickly.
We take fraud seriously. Providers who violate our guidelines may face lower rankings, restricted visibility, or removal from the platform altogether.
Clutch’s commitment to transparency is ongoing. We’re constantly refining our systems to protect the integrity of reviews and support you in finding the right agency.
List of the Top 15 United States Business Branding Agencies
-
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
38.5/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Branding70% Corporate identity70% Other -
$25,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
39.6/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Branding40% Corporate identity70% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New Gloucester, ME
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Corporate identity40% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Ability to deliver
38.2/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Branding50% Corporate identity80% Other -
UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Las Vegas, NV
Ability to deliver
33.2/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Branding50% Corporate identity70% Other -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding30% Corporate identity -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Dallas, TX
Ability to deliver
36.9/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Branding25% Corporate identity45% Other -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Atlanta, GA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding25% Corporate identity -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.019.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding30% Corporate identity -
$10,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Littleton, CO
Ability to deliver
36.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
90% Branding10% Corporate identity10% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49San Jose, CA
Ability to deliver
37.2/40.020/20 Reviews9.6/10 Clients & Experience7.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Branding50% Corporate identity85% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Portland, OR
Ability to deliver
35/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience5.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Branding25% Corporate identity45% Other -
$25,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience5.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
90% Branding20% Corporate identity10% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Pittsburgh, PA
Ability to deliver
37.6/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Branding40% Corporate identity90% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
31.6/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience4/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding70% Corporate identity30% Other -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
33.4/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Branding100% Corporate identity85% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Washington, DC
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience5.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Branding50% Corporate identity80% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
32.4/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience4.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Branding70% Corporate identity50% Other -
$50,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Branding15% Corporate identity60% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Boston, MA
Ability to deliver
33.3/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience5/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Branding50% Corporate identity50% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Ability to deliver
32.8/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience5.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding25% Corporate identity40% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
32.8/40.017.6/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience5.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Branding40% Corporate identity50% Other -
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
31.9/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience4.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Branding50% Corporate identity50% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
32.7/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience4.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Branding35% Corporate identity20% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Annapolis, MD
Ability to deliver
33.1/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience4.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding25% Corporate identity30% Other -
$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Oakland Park, FL
Ability to deliver
32.6/40.017.8/20 Reviews8.6/10 Clients & Experience6.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Branding70% Corporate identity80% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Scottsdale, AZ
Ability to deliver
32.2/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience4.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding50% Corporate identity40% Other -
$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Irvine, CA
Ability to deliver
34.6/40.018.4/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience6.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Branding35% Corporate identity80% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
33.3/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding20% Corporate identity40% Other -
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
34.5/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Branding45% Corporate identity80% Other
U.S. Corporate Branding FAQs
U.S.-based agencies operate in one of the world’s most competitive markets, with deep experience across Fortune 500 enterprises, hypergrowth startups, and regulated industries. That mix translates into rigorous research, stakeholder alignment, and brand governance that scales across regions and channels.
Moreover, you’ll also benefit from sector-specific hubs – New York for finance and media, the Bay Area for tech and SaaS, Boston for biotech, Los Angeles for entertainment, Houston for energy, and Washington, DC for public sector and nonprofits. Working with a U.S. team can simplify time zone coordination, executive workshops, and enterprise procurement.
Corporate branding costs vary because of factors like scope, seniority, and deliverables. On Clutch, most firms based in the U.S. charge:
- Corporate brand strategy: $40,000 – $150,000+ for research, positioning, architecture, messaging, and governance
- Brand identity development and corporate identity design: $25,000 – $100,000+ for logos, visual systems, typography, color, and asset libraries
- Corporate rebranding: $80,000 – $300,000+, including discovery, creative, guidelines, templates, rollout, and change management
- Hourly rates: $150 – $300+ for senior strategists and creative directors; $100 – $175 for designers and copywriters
- Add-ons that affect cost: naming, employer brand, website design, packaging, brand video, and global localization
Tip: Ask for a phased plan so you can prioritize discovery and strategy before committing to full rollout.
U.S.-based corporate branding agencies support a broad set of sectors, often with specialized playbooks in:
- Technology and SaaS – product-led storytelling, category design, GTM alignment
- Financial services and fintech – compliance-aware messaging, trust signals, multi-audience architecture
- Healthcare and life sciences – evidence-backed narratives, patient/provider segmentation
- Manufacturing and industrials – portfolio architecture, distributor and channel enablement
- Consumer goods, retail, and e-commerce – omnichannel identity, packaging, and retail activation
- Professional services and B2B – thought leadership systems, sales collateral, ABM alignment
- Nonprofits, higher education, and public sector – mission clarity, stakeholder consensus, accessibility
Outline your project’s parameters — everything from scope and objectives to requirements and parameters. Then, go to Clutch to discover trusted firms and evaluate your options by following these steps:
- Review proof — case studies with before/after metrics.
- Assess process — research rigor, brand architecture, and testing.
- Confirm deliverables — messaging frameworks, visual systems, governance, and training.
- Validate working model — senior team involvement, executive alignment, and change-management approach.
- Align on ops — timeline, decision points, and success metrics. Use Clutch filters and verified reviews to compare shortlists by budget, industry fit, and location.
- No discovery phase or limited stakeholder research
- Speculative “free concepts” before strategy (often leads to weak positioning)
- Vague scope without success metrics, governance, or rollout plan
- Unclear IP ownership and licensing terms for fonts, photography, or templates
- All-junior team on an enterprise engagement with minimal senior oversight
- Overly compressed timelines for complex corporate rebranding
- Limited experience with your buying committee or regulated environment
- Opaque subcontracting and poor change-management planning
Clutch curated directories filled with trusted agencies and client reviews. It’s best to take your time evaluating and doing your due diligence to ensure you’re paired up with a capable partner.