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Helping Founders Master the Art of Selling Without Slides
The Challenge:
Most International Founders Arrive in the U.S. With...
Strong technical backgrounds but limited understanding of American business culture
Confusion about what investors and customers really want to hear
Rehearsed pitches that don't work in casual conversations
Discomfort "selling" at networking events
The result? Missed opportunities at the exact moments that matter most.
Our Solution
Master the Cocktail Party Pitch
We teach founders to sell their vision while holding a wine glass—because if you can pitch your company in a social setting without slides, you can sell it anywhere.
Our Focus:
Founder-led sales in social situations
Cultural intelligence for the U.S. market
Objection handling that builds curiosity
Authentic relationship-building over rehearsed pitches
Proven Results
Michael Dobersberger
Austrian Trade Commissioner, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA San Francisco
"Ashley and Carl's masterclass offered a glimpse into a different side of Silicon Valley; one without electronics or rehearsed pitches, where founders have to dive into a social setting and must connect personally with Valley veterans to sell their vision. The session was very well received by all participating startups and provided the perfect counterbalance to the many pitch sessions."
Founder
European AI startup
"Before this workshop, I was pitching our technology. After, I learned to pitch the outcome our customers actually care about. That shift changed everything."
What Founders Learn
Sales & Cultural Intelligence
  • The POS Formula: Problem + Outcome + Story (60-second intros)
  • Bay Area sales hacks that work in conversation
  • Decoding American business culture ("That's interesting" ≠ interested)
Objection Handling
  • The ARR method: Acknowledge, Reframe, Re-engage
  • Converting skepticism into curiosity
Investor Readiness
  • What Bay Area investors really look for
  • Demonstrating coachability and momentum
Our Signature Format
The Cocktail Pitch (6 hours total)
Part 1: Masterclass (2 hours)
Interactive training on:
  • Founder-led sales fundamentals
  • Value-based selling techniques
  • Social persuasion skills
  • Live objection handling practice
Part 2: Evening Networking Event (4 hours)
Founders practice with real investors and customers
  • No podiums, no slides—just conversations
  • Real-time coaching from Ashley and Carl
  • Leave with actual connections and next steps
Outcome: If you can sell at a cocktail party, you can sell anywhere.
Sample Program:
Pre-Departure
  • 2-day In-Country Bootcamp
Silicon Valley (Week 1)
  • 3-day Intensive with masterclasses
  • The Cocktail Pitch evening event
Mid-Program
  • Business Model Pit Stop Breakfast
  • The Founders' Burger Lab
Follow-Up
  • 3 months virtual coaching
Result: Founders gained confidence, made real connections, and learned to navigate U.S. business culture authentically
What Makes Us Different
01
We Practice What We Teach
Active investors and operators, not consultants
02
Experiential Learning
Founders practice in real situations with real feedback
03
Cultural Translation
We explain why American business works differently
04
Lasting Relationships
Programs often lead to investments, partnerships, and ongoing coaching
05
Perfect Counterbalance
While others teach pitch decks, we teach the conversations that happen before and after
Who This Is For
Ideal Partner Organizations
  • Trade associations supporting market entry
  • Chambers of commerce with startup programs
  • Government agencies promoting international business
  • Accelerators with global cohorts
Ideal Founders
  • B2B SaaS and tech companies
  • Pre-seed to Series A
  • Product-market fit in home market
  • Serious about U.S. expansion
Let's Start a Conversation
Next Steps:
Discovery Call
Discuss your founders' needs and timeline
Custom Proposal
We design a program for your budget
Program Delivery
We bring the expertise and networks
Meet Your Expert Guides
Ashley Trick
Seasoned venture capitalist with expertise in early-stage investment, portfolio growth, and strategic fundraising. Ashley helps global founders refine investor pitches and navigate U.S. market entry complexities. LinkedIn
Carl Hinrichsen
Expert in sales and business expansion who built global reseller programs at Meta and Amazon. A Global Startup Awards jury member specializing in helping international startups master U.S. sales strategies. LinkedIn
Let's Get Your Founders Selling in the U.S.
Because entering the American market isn't just about having a great product—it's about knowing how to sell it, one conversation at a time.