The Human Signal: Cross-Border Sales From London To Japan
Everyone talks about going global. Few talk about what it actually takes to close deals across cultures.
Why do some startups win customers overseas while others struggle, even with a better product? The answer often isn't the product. It's the human signal: trust, communication, relationships, and understanding how people buy in different markets.
Join Julio Alejandro Calanche, Founder of SABI, for an interactive workshop as he shares practical lessons from selling across international markets, from London to Japan. Moderated by Erdinc Ekinci, this session will explore the realities of cross-border sales, cultural nuances, and the strategies founders can use to build trust and accelerate international growth.
Whether you're planning to enter Japan, expand beyond your home market, or sharpen your global sales approach, this workshop will give you practical insights you won't find in a playbook. It's an honest conversation about what really drives cross-border business success.
Agenda:
Welcome & Introduction
Workshop: The Human Signal: Cross-Border Sales From London to Japan
Interactive Exercise: Applying the Human Signal Framework to Your Startup
Audience Q&A
Closing Remarks
Featured Guest:
Julio Alejandro Calanche is the Founder of SABI, where he helps companies build meaningful customer relationships and scale through human-centered sales strategies. Having worked across international markets including the UK and Japan, Julio brings practical experience in navigating cultural differences, building trust, and closing cross-border opportunities. His approach emphasizes that successful global sales are driven not only by strategy, but by understanding the people behind every business decision.
Moderator:
Erdinc Ekinci, Founder & Investment Lead, Co-Capital • Co-Founder & CEO, Openfor.co • Managing Director, Founder Institute Japan, Korea & Taiwan
What You Can Expect
Practical lessons from real cross-border sales experience
Proven strategies for building trust across different cultures
Actionable frameworks you can apply to your own startup
Interactive exercises to strengthen your international sales approach
Honest discussions on common challenges and mistakes founders face
Live Q&A with opportunities to get feedback on your own business
Networking with founders, entrepreneurs, and global business professionals
Who Should Apply
Startup founders planning to expand into international markets
Entrepreneurs exploring Japan or other cross-border opportunities
B2B founders looking to improve their sales and customer acquisition
Business development and sales professionals working with global clients
Early-stage startups preparing for international growth
Anyone interested in building stronger cross-cultural business relationships
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