EU-Startups Podcast | Episode 123: Carles Reina, investor and go-to-market strategist at ElevenLabs
Most AI startups don’t fail because of the technology; they fail because they struggle to bring their product to market. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, we’re joined by Carles Reina, the first investor and go-to-market strategist at ElevenLabs, one of the fastest-scaling AI startups in Europe with €281 million raised to date.
We dive into the key differences between AI and SaaS go-to-market strategies, how to validate product–market fit with enterprise contracts, when to hire GTM leaders (and who to avoid), why cultural intelligence and brand matter more than people think, and much more. It’s a conversation packed with practical insights for founders and early-stage investors building at the intersection of AI, speed, and global ambition.
Video version of episode 123:
Audio version of episode 123:
Key Takeaways
- The first GTM move should focus on sustainable growth
- Execution speed is more important than ever
- PMF in AI is often validated through enterprise contracts
- Global scaling demands deep cultural empathy
- Hiring for energy and adaptability beats experience alone
- GTM isn’t sales — it’s narrative, community, and trust
- Brand is not fluff — it’s a growth engine
- Community drives traction before PR ever hits
The post EU-Startups Podcast | Episode 123: Carles Reina, investor and go-to-market strategist at ElevenLabs appeared first on EU-Startups.
