Over the last decade, the GSMA Mobile for Development team has worked extensively with start-ups seeking partnerships with MNOs, directly through various innovation funds as well as more broadly through research and convening. We have seen that often start-ups lack in-depth understanding of the mobile industry, as well as access to legal counsel. Conversely, the MNOs seeking to innovate through such partnerships often have set legal procedures, little known by the start-ups, leading to delays in contracting, and extra work for the MNO legal team. We seek to help start-ups be more prepared for legal negotiations with MNOs through this short report.