We sent three start-ups across the pond to experience the innovative flair of Silicon Valley and gain valuable inspiration and expert tips for their business ideas. From March 5 to 12, 2023, Naotilus GmbH, StickTo and Sustomer - Sustainable Customer flew to San Francisco together with our CEO Axel Schulz, high-flyer Premium Partner Raitschin Raitschew from GLXY GmbH and NGIO Director Tim Joehnk. They spent a week soaking up the spirit of the innovation and start-up hotspot. The trip began with a preparatory "Silicon Valley Readiness Seminar" in Kiel, where Axel and Tim Ole individually tailored the program to the needs of the start-ups travelling with them. In addition to inspiring conversations, lots of impressions and hard work, the focus of the trip was on pitching, gathering inspiration and networking

Here are some highlights from the packed program:

✈ Spontaneous pitches and direct feedback from investors
✈ Numerous networking events with well-known personalities from the Valley, including Dr. Kai Westerwelle and Mani Honigstein
✈ Visits to renowned universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University and San Francisco State University
✈ Meetings with tech giants from the Valley such as Google, Apple and Linkedin as well as the big tech accelerator Plug and Play
✈ Insight into the "German Hub", where research trends and innovations are exchanged between Germany and the USA (DWIH and German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK))
✈ Personal reception of the high-flyers by the German Consul General Oliver Schramm

Our winners returned from San Francisco with inspiration, valuable feedback and new knowledge. We really enjoyed the trip together and are delighted with the lively contact and collaboration afterwards!