Conquer the U.S. Market

Do you plan to take your company to the U.S.?  Is your company really ready for this highly-competitive market?  Does your financial model hold up to U.S. market pressures?  Is your sales team ready to drive your success?  Are you diligence-ready for America’s top VCs?  In short, do you know what your company needs to thrive in the United States?

Studio G in Zaragoza is a year-long program consisting of four quarterly Master Class workshops designed to accelerate European startups’ drive into the U.S. market.  Each Master Class brings experts and entrepreneurs from the U.S. to work with you on your business in preparation for your expansion to the U.S.  The four 3-day workshops will hone your business plan and model, sharpen your sales skills, develop capitalization plans, and get you ready to pitch American style.

Master Class I: Laying the Groundwork

May 18-20, 2010

A smart U.S. market entry stragegy begins with understanding the competitive landscape and opportunity map for your business.  You will work with our mentors in groups and one-on-one to gain:

  • A clear understanding of the dynamics of the U.S. technology market, competitive environment, and venture investment scene.
  • A strategic framework for U.S. market entry
  • A diligence roadmap to prepare your company for expansion into the U.S. market

Workshop I Agenda

Tuesday, May 18

18h00 – Welcome and Level Setting

Get to know your fellow Studio G in Zaragoza participants and Workshop I faculty.  We’ll introduce the Studio G methodology, review the agenda for Workshop I, set goals, and establish work teams.

19h30 – Cocktails & Dinner

Wednesday, May 19

9h00 –  Morning Session: Understanding The U.S. Environment

The morning session separates myths from the realities of the U.S. market, culture, competitive environment, and  venture climate.  Session objective: Set realistic expectations as basis for strategic planning.

11h30 – Late Morning Session:  Team Reviews

An introduction to the Studio G teams: where are they today and what are their perspectives on the U.S. opportunity.

14h00 – Lunch at local restaurant

16h30 – Afternoon Session:  The Diligence Framework

Studio G uses a Diligence Framework to establish action plans and set benchmarks for participants’ U.S. Market Entry Plan.  Session objective: identify key milestones of your Market Entry Plan.

20h30 – Drinks and Tapas

Relax with your fellow participants and get one-on-one time with Workshop faculty.

Thursday, May 20

9h00 –  Market Entry Plan Framework

Teams will work independently and one-on-one with Workshop Faculty to build the framework for their US Market Entry Plan, identify diligence-readiness challenges, and set a work plan for the Studio G program.

14h00 – Lunch at local restaurant

16h00 – Market Entry Plan Framework

Teams will continue to work on their US Market Entry Plan frameworks with their peers and the Workshop Faculty.

16h00 – Framework Challenges and Opportunities

Teams will present their Market Entry Plan Frameworks to the class for feedback and input from their peers and Workshop Faculty.

19:30 – Workshop Concludes


Studio G in Zaragoza Workshop Schedule

Workshop II:  Business Models and Financial Plans

June 29 – July 1

This workshop will evaluate current business models and their adaptation for the U.S. market, and lay the foundation for U.S. expansion  financial plans and projections.  Faculty will include experienced startup CEOs and CFOs.

Workshop III:  Sales and Distribution Channels

September 14 – 16

This workshop will focus on building an effective sales and distribution strategy to reach and win customers in the U.S.  Faculty will include experienced sales executives who have worked in both large companies and startups, as well as seasoned business development executives.

Workshop IV:  Positioning and Communicating Your Company

November 29 – December 2

This workshop will solidify your company’s positioning and messaging its U.S. market entry. Workshop faculty will include seasoned marketing executives, presentation coaches, and market analysts.  The workshop will conclude with a public “graduation” and celebration.

Tuition for each of the workshops is €1,250 per company.  You can secure your place in the 4-workshop series for €5,000.  To register for the workshop, visit our registration page.