U.S. Market Discovery
AI at SXSW
Test the market, sharpen your positioning, and build the right U.S. connections at SXSW 2026.
Remote | Austin, Texas
A focused Market Discovery program for German AI startups, combining expert preparation and curated ecosystem access during SXSW in Austin.
Access the U.S. Market Through the Right Ecosystem and Partnerships
The U.S. is the world’s most competitive and opportunity-rich market for AI startups — but entering without the right positioning, network, and timing can slow traction and waste valuable resources.
U.S. Market Discovery AI at SXSW helps you validate your startup's U.S. market fit, refine your positioning, and build high-quality connections with customers, partners, and ecosystem players. By combining targeted preparation with an immersive on-the-ground experience at SXSW in Austin, the program enables founders to turn exposure into meaningful conversations and informed next steps.
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What You Get
U.S. Market Positioning & Validation
Pressure-test your value proposition, use cases, and messaging for U.S. customers, partners, and investors in AI markets.
Direct Access to the Austin & SXSW Ecosystem
Connect with startups, corporates, investors, and ecosystem players through curated introductions, site visits, and a featured pitch event during SXSW.
Conference-Ready Execution
Prepare strategically for SXSW with targeted workshops on U.S. business culture, networking, and conference execution — ensuring your time on the ground translates into real outcomes.
Expert Feedback & Actionable Next Steps
Receive focused mentor input through pitch reviews and pipeline office hours, and leave with clear insights and priorities for your U.S. expansion journey.
Walk Away With Clear Outcomes
A validated go-to-market strategy
A sharpened U.S.-ready value proposition and pitch, tested with real market feedback
A curated set of U.S. contacts across customers, partners, and ecosystem players
Clear insights into who to talk to, how to position, and what to prioritize next
Is This Program Right for You?
German-incorporated startup (UG, AG, GmbH, GmbH & Co. KG; others case-by-case)
Established MVP and early commercial traction
Strong team committed to international expansion
Companies building AI solutions
Program Snapshot
Onboarding & Preparation
Targeted preparation sessions designed to get startups ready for the U.S. market and SXSW. Individual mentor hours for pitch review and conference pipeline planning.
Immersion Week at SXSW in Austin
On-the-ground immersion during SXSW in Austin. The week includes a featured startup pitch event, curated site visits to key Austin ecosystem players, and structured networking opportunities.
After the Program
Consolidate insights and feedback from the U.S. market and translate them into clear next steps. Participants leave with a grounded understanding of their U.S. opportunity and guidance wheter and how to continue with deeper market engagement.
Upcoming Cohort
Location:
Remote & Austin, Texas
Onboarding Week:
February 16 - 20, 2026
Immersion Week:
March 9 - 13, 2026
Application Deadline:
February 9, 2026
Format:
Workshops, 1-1 Mentoring, SXSW Conference Prep, SXSW Conference Participation
Cost:
Free*
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The Process
From application to SXSW — your path into the U.S. AI ecosystem
Submit Your Application
Apply with your pitch deck and key information about your startup, including your product, traction, and interest in exploring the U.S. market in AI. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Selection Process
Our team evaluates applications and conducts rolling interviews. Selected startups receive confirmation and next steps as soon as decisions are made, allowing teams to plan early for the program and SXSW.
Get Ready
Join the onboarding phase, prepare strategically for the SXSW conference, and take part in targeted workshops on U.S. market culture, networking, and conference execution. You’ll also have access to 1:1 mentor sessions with our experts for pitch review and conference pipeline planning.
Experience SXSW & Build Connections
Participate in SXSW in Austin, connect with relevant ecosystem players, potential partners, and fellow founders, and use the immersion week to validate your positioning, build relationships, and gain concrete insights for your U.S. market journey.
What Previous Program Participants Say
Do You Have Any Questions?