As part of the annual Partner Program Guide, CRN designates some vendor channel programs as 5-Star Programs. Here are the 5-Star Programs among startup companies for 2025.
The most comprehensive, most developed partner programs are usually offered by large, more established IT vendors. Solution providers naturally expect more resources, assistance and incentives from the partner programs offered by such companies as Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
IT startups, early in their development, often work with smaller numbers of customers and generally have channel operations that are more limited in scope. And yet some startups, recognizing the value of the channel, operate world-class channel programs early in their evolution.
The CRN 2025 Partner Program Guide offers the information solution providers need to evaluate the channel programs operated by the IT vendors they work with or are considering partnering with. The guide is based on detailed applications submitted by vendors – 250 this year – outlining all aspects of their partner programs.
As part of the Partner Program Guide, CRN designates some programs as 5-Star Partner Programs because they provide the most comprehensive lineups of incentives, resources, training, services and benefits. Details of every vendor’s partner program can be found at CRN.com.
Here we provide snapshots of the 5-Star designees among companies founded in 2019 or later.
Slide shows in the 5-Star Partner Program Guide series running this week include companies that provide products and services in eight technology categories: cloud, computing, data center, MSP platforms, networking, security, software and storage.
While many companies provide products and services that span multiple technologies, we’ve assigned each vendor to the slide show for the technology category in which they are most prominent.
11:11 Systems
Company Founded: 2020
Program Name: 11:11 Systems Partner Program
Channel Chief: Moosa Matariyeh, VP, Global Channels and Solutions Architecture
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year:
Through our groundbreaking partnership with AWS, partners can tap into new growth opportunities with cutting-edge solutions like object storage and managed connectivity and offer their customers customized discounts on their AWS EDP, providing a unique acquisition vehicle with greater impact of every dollar invested in these solutions.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2025-details?c=1
Halcyon
Company Founded: 2021
Partner Program Name: Halcyon Revolution Partner Program
Channel Chief: Chris Catanzaro, Worldwide Vice President of MSSP Sales and Channel Ecosystems
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year:
Over the past year, Halcyon developed its “Revolution” Partner Program. This program will streamline the partner experience in working with Halcyon. The company doubled the size of the partner team, implemented a partner portal, created MDF guidelines, and rolled out a certification program in late January 2025.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2025-details?c=107
Company Founded: 2019
Partner Program Name: Judy Security Channel Program
Channel Chief: Brian Stoner, Senior Vice President, Growth
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year:
Judy Security has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity platform focused on MSP partners that support SMB customers. This last year the company converted to be 100-percent channel through MSPs, resellers, and referral partners. With the release of the program the company was able to add over 60 partners this year.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2025-details?c=128
Company Founded: 2021
Program Name: N-able Partner Program
Channel Chief: David Weeks, Vice President, Partner Experience
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year:
Increased training and support via N-able’s Head Nerds team. Additional resources for partners for go to market, certifications, marketing and sales. Enhanced coverage for partners through the company’s Partner Success teams.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2025-details?c=148
Torq
Company Founded: 2020
Partner Program Name: Torq Partner Acceleration Program
Channel Chief: Sheldon Muir, Head of Global Channels & Alliances
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year:
Torq’s Partner Acceleration Program has been enhanced to prioritize key partner incentives, including: 1. Guaranteed Margin, 2. First right of refusal on partner-delivered services, 3. Comp neutrality. These enhancements aim to maximize customer outcomes and ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2025-details?c=229
Zero Networks
Company Founded: 2019
Partner Program Name: ZEROtoSIXTY
Channel Chief: Adam Hofeler, Vice President, Channels
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year:
1. Expansion across EU, APAC, and NAMER markets. 2. Increased partner technical certifications by 30 percent. 3. Increased partner registrations by 400 percent. 4. Global partner team growth to support scale.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2025-details?c=246
