Last week marked a significant milestone for the finalists of the Academic Startup Competition as they gathered in London for the USA Preparation Program. Over the course of two intensive days, the cohort was immersed in hands-on sessions, strategic discussions, and meaningful connections — all designed to prepare them for their upcoming U.S. journey.

Day 1: Building Foundations and Crafting Stories

The program kicked off with a focus on cohort building, led by Bas Rogaar, fostering a spirit of collaboration that will guide the group through the months ahead.

The rest of the day featured a series of sessions packed with actionable insights.

• Andy Shannon guided startups through the nuances of go-to-market strategies, offering real-world frameworks for international growth.

• Rebecca Offensend unpacked the essentials of fundraising, a key pillar for any startup aiming to scale beyond borders.

• To close the day, Janet Bumpas dove deep into U.S.-style scaling and storytelling, showing founders how to craft compelling pitches that resonate in a Silicon Valley context.

One of the true highlights of the day was the Founder Dinner, graciously hosted by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Daniel Glazer. The dinner was more than just a meal — it was a masterclass in navigating the complexities of the U.S. startup landscape, with candid conversations around regulation, fundraising, and founder pitfalls.

Day 2: From Theory to Practice

If Day 1 was about absorbing knowledge, Day 2 was about application. Founders took to the stage for VC pitch practice, delivering their refined stories in front of a friendly panel of investors and experts.

The feedback was immediate, honest, and invaluable — giving each startup the opportunity to hone their pitch and clarify their unique value proposition before setting foot on American soil.

A Glimpse of What’s Ahead

This London prep event was just the beginning. Thanks to ScaleNL and a host of dedicated mentors, investors, and partners, the finalists are now better equipped to tackle the opportunities and challenges of entering the U.S. market.

From refining go-to-market strategies to embracing transatlantic storytelling techniques, these founders are charting a path forward with confidence and clarity.

Up Next: Salt Lake City and Beyond

With London behind them, the finalists are now en route to Salt Lake City — ready to take their first steps in the U.S. startup ecosystem. We’re excited to follow their journeys and see how these science-driven ventures evolve and thrive on the global stage.