U.S. Market Discovery AI at SXSW
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Program Ends
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A focused Market Discovery program for German AI startups, combining expert preparation and curated ecosystem access during SXSW in Austin.
Program Overview
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, the program enables founders to turn exposure into meaningful conversations and informed next steps.
What You Get with the
Market Discovery
Program
Curated Market Understanding
Industry-specific insight into the market relevant to your business.
Faster, Evidence-Based Validation
Structured product-market fit validation based on real market signals.
Risk-Mitigated Market Decision
A risk-reduced market entry decision, based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Build Your Network
Direct access toindustry experts,strategic investors, andindustry mentors.
Walk Away With Concrete Deliverables
- 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?
Your company must be incorporated in Germany with one of the following legal forms: UG; AG; GmbH; GmbH & Co. KG. We also consider GbRs on a case-by-case basis
Qualify as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) based on the EU definition of a SME
Be under the limit of the official EU De-minimis aid regulation
What You Will Work On During the Program
The Market Discovery program guides you through a structured journey — from first assumptions to a clear market decision. Each phase builds on the previous one, combining expert guidance, real market exposure, and practical outcomes.
Decision framing and market understanding
Define your key market entry hypotheses and validation priorities with experienced mentors.
Gain industry-specific insights into the UK Life Sciences landscape, including customers, partners, regulators, and reimbursement structures.
Testing assumptions through real market interactions
Test assumptions through curated 1:1 meetings with UK experts, customers, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Access the UK investment ecosystem via an investor roundtable with London-based VCs and public funders.
Generate early commercial, clinical, and partnership signals to de-risk future scaling (incl. US expansion).
From discovery to decision
Assess regulatory, commercial, and partnership readiness.
Make clear go / no-go / timing decisions for the UK market.
Outline an initial UK go-to-market and stakeholder engagement approach.
What You'll Experience
Three intensive days designed to transform how you new markets.
Expert-Led Guidance
Get individual coaching and guidance from dedicated market experts during one-on-one mentor sessions.
Ecosystem Deep-Dive
Understand the markets landscape: key actors, procurement pathways, and decision-makers.
Save Valuable Resources
Protect your business by avoiding costly mistakes, saving valuable resources, and succeeding quickly.
Access Our Network
Tap into a global network of potential partners, customers, investors, and other program participants.
Program Snapshot
U.S. Market Discovery AI at SXSW — Phase 1 — 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.
U.S. Market Discovery AI at SXSW — Phase 2 — 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.
U.S. Market Discovery AI at SXSW — Phase 3 — 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.
Program Details
Location:
Program Dates:
In-Country Dates:
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How to Get Started
Follow these simple steps and begin your journey with German Accelerator.
Submit Your Application
Submit your pitch deck along with answers to key questions about your business, including your vision, market-fit, and current growth stage. This information will help assess your company's potential for success and eligibility for the German Accelerator program.
Selection Process
Our team will carefully evaluate your application, reviewing all provided materials including your pitch deck and company details. If your startup is selected and meets the eligibility criteria, you will be notified of the next steps.
Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves
Participate in the program and start working on the basics for international expansion via 1:1 mentor sessions, workshops, and fireside chats with our expert mentors.
Ready, Set, Go!
Receive an in-depth market readiness assessment from our experts, with advice on the right time to take the next steps towards your expansion plans.
What Previous Program Participants Say
Do You Have Any Questions?
