U.S. <> Germany

Partnering with German Companies to Launch, Scale, and Succeed in the U.S.

Expanding to the U.S. is one of the most exciting — and most challenging — steps for a German business. The market is huge, but it’s also different: customer expectations, business culture, and speed of execution require a new playbook.

That’s where I come in.

My Background

I’ve lived in the U.S. since 2006, first in New York City, now in San Francisco. I hold a U.S. master’s degree in IP law, worked at a leading law firm for 4.5 years, then founded my own tech company, Gondola, which was acquired in 2019.

As a founder, I’ve sat in every startup seat except engineer. Since my exit, I’ve invested in 30+ startups, co-founded a Silicon Valley-based angel group focused on German companies, and supported countless founders as an advisor, coach, and dealmaker.

Common Challenges for German Companies

From my experience, the biggest hurdles when entering the U.S. are:

Understanding the U.S. market and culture.
Building the first 10 meaningful connections to test hypotheses quickly.
Avoiding over-structuring and moving people over too soon.
Competing in a hyper-competitive, relationship-driven environment — where marketing, storytelling, and connections often outweigh pure product quality.
Adapting to a fragmented market and complex regulations — what works in California may not work in Texas, and federal, state, and local rules can create unexpected hurdles.

I work side by side with founders to overcome these challenges — hands-on, not just advisory.

How I Partner

Test first. We validate the market quickly by getting in front of the right U.S. customers, partners, and investors.
Hands-on execution. I design the first outreach strategy, facilitate key introductions, and even rehearse product pitches, so you are ready when it counts.
Operational setup. When traction is clear, I help establish U.S. operations from scratch and grow the business. If traction isn’t there, we’ve still won — because we’ve learned fast, with minimal cost.
Bridge the cultural gap. I coach founders on adapting leadership, communication, and go-to-market strategies to U.S. expectations without losing their edge.
Accelerate network-building. I leverage my large U.S. network to shortcut years of cold outreach and help founders close early deals, raise capital, and hire talent.

Examples of My Work

Founded and scaled Gondola, a B2B data startup in the gaming industry, to acquisition by a major U.S. publisher.
Helped a European SaaS company pivot through near-death, scale to major clients, and now guide their U.S. market entry.
Built the U.S. “landing pad” for a leading German B2B service provider, sourcing independent U.S. partners and structuring a roadmap toward acquisition.
Supported multiple European consumer tech and mobility companies with U.S. product launches, contract negotiations, and strategic expansions.

Why Work With Me

Cross-Atlantic expertise: I know the U.S. market because I’ve built and sold here.
Founder empathy: I’ve lived the startup grind — I don’t just advise, I execute.
Network leverage: My U.S.-German network accelerates the first 10 connections that make all the difference.

My mission is simple

To partner with German companies and help them launch, scale, and succeed in the U.S.