Why become a partner
This page is for owners and managers deciding whether to join the Exponential Partner Program. It sets the reasons the program itself gives next to the costs and commitments, and ends with a self-assessment.
The reasons the program gives
The program's "Why" page (https://exponential.earth/partner/why, read 18 October 2026) lists four:
- "Joining the Exponential Partner Program connects you to a global ecosystem built on excellence and collaboration."
- "Partners grow through structured levels, from students to professional strategic alliances."
- "Profiles like IT, Creative, Hosting, and Distribution ensure clients find the right expertise."
- "With revenue opportunities, visibility, and official recognition, your growth is our shared success."
The program-levels page adds: "Gain exclusive access to cutting-edge technologies and resources. Receive personalized support to help you reach your goals. Collaborate with a network of experienced and like-minded partners. Achieve recognition and credibility in the Exponential ecosystem" (https://exponential.earth/partner/program-levels).
The reasons in business terms
| Reason | What it means for you | Source of the benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | Commissions (10% of the contract value for a cold lead, 20% for a hot one), project referrals, joint projects, OEM resale | Partner benefits |
| Visibility | A listing and an own page on share.exponential.earth; the certified logo from Silver | Partner directories |
| Support | GitHub issue tickets with response times by level; guidance meetings | Support levels |
| Knowledge | Partner meetings, mailing lists, briefings, training and certification | Partner meetings |
| Influence | Product roadmap requests from Silver | Taking part in the roadmap |
| Discounts | On 7x services, subscriptions and knowledge products | Partner benefits |
| Sustainability | Your subscription and your contributions keep the platform you sell maintained | Who is the Exponential Foundation? |
The last reason is easy to forget and the most important. Exponential continues a code base whose original vendor ended it; it is alive because 7x, the Foundation, sponsors and partners carry it (Who is 7x?). Every partner who earns from it and gives back makes the next release more likely.
The costs and commitments
| Cost | As published | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | From $25 (Student) to $2,600 (Platinum) | Partner plans and prices |
| Revenue requirement | From $1,800 per quarter at Professional to $7,500 at Platinum | Partner requirements |
| Certifications | Required for Silver and higher | Certifications |
| Time | Reporting activity, partner meetings, contributing back | Logging your partner activity |
| Conduct | Open source values, quality, brand rules, 30-day logo changes on downgrade | Partner code of conduct |
Self-assessment
Answer each question with yes or no.
- To do: We deliver, or plan to deliver within a year, paid services based on Exponential.
- To do: We can name at least one customer project or internal project where we used Exponential (or a plan for one).
- To do: We are willing to publish work back under the GPL (code) or GFDL (documentation).
- To do: We can budget the monthly fee of the level we aim for for at least one year.
- To do: We have one person who owns the partnership: reporting, meetings, renewals.
- To do: We are comfortable being reviewed and listed publicly.
- To do: We understand that the program can change and that the Foundation's role in it is still to be defined.
Five or more yes: read How to apply. Fewer: start as a supporter (Supporters: start here) or at the Student or Now level, and revisit in six months.
Related pages
- The partner program at a glance
- Partner levels from Student to Platinum
- Application checklist
- Partner FAQ
- Free documentation: this page is free to copy, translate and improve under the GNU FDL 1.3.