EU-Startups Podcast
EU-Startups Podcast
Thomas Ohr
Episode 123: Mastering AI GTM: Lessons from ElevenLabs’ Carles Reina
30 minutes Posted Jun 26, 2025 at 10:37 am.
Introduction to AI GTM Strategies
The Unique Nature of AI GTM
Achieving Product-Market Fit in AI
Scaling AI Globally: Cultural Considerations
Common Pitfalls in AI GTM for Founders
The Importance of Product-Led Growth
Hiring for GTM Success
Balancing Brand and Distribution
Investing in AI Startups: Key Patterns
Misconceptions About GTM Talent
Building a GTM Playbook for AI
Rapid Fire Insights on GTM
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Show notes
Most AI startups don’t fail because of the tech.
They fail because they don't know how to go to market.
Enter Carles Reina, the first investor and GTM strategist at ElevenLabs — the voice AI juggernaut redefining what product-market fit sounds like.
In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin and Carles talk about the real playbook for scaling AI startups. No fluff. Just unfiltered truths from a builder who's done it at breakneck speed.
We cover:
✅ Why AI GTM ≠ SaaS GTM
✅ How to confirm PMF with enterprise contracts
✅ When to hire GTM leaders — and who not to hire
✅ The underrated power of cultural intelligence
✅ Why brand is your best-performing growth channel
✅ And how AI founders can avoid the #1 GTM trap: shipping without strategy
This is the go-to-market MBA every founder and early-stage investor needs — especially if you're building at the intersection of AI, speed, and global ambition.
🔥 Takeaways:
– The first GTM move should focus on sustainable growth
– Execution speed is more important than ever
– PMF in AI is often validated via enterprise contracts
– Global scaling demands deep cultural empathy
– Hiring for energy and adaptability beats experience alone
– GTM isn’t sales. It’s narrative, community & trust
– Brand is not fluff — it’s a growth engine
– Community drives traction before PR ever hits
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