Cracking the US Market + Open Mic Pitching & Networking
From the UK to the US, what UK founders really need to know
Building in the UK, gaining traction, even raising, but still feel completely unprepared for what it actually takes to enter the US market?
This session brings that reality into focus. Transatlantic legal expert Daniel Glazer goes beyond surface-level advice into how the US startup ecosystem really works, from fundraising expectations to the role legal partners play in scaling companies.
Join us for an honest look at the cultural and operational shifts UK founders need to make, and why what works here often doesn’t translate there.
You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to approach US expansion, what investors expect, and how to position yourself to navigate the market with confidence.
Then, we open the mic.
One minute. One mic. A room full of people who could change everything.
This stage is for founders who are fundraising or planning to fundraise, to test their pitch, sharpen their story, and get in front of the kind of room that actually matters.
Open to early-stage founders and anyone in the ecosystem, whether you’re building, investing, or just want to be in the room where it happens, you’re welcome.
The Format
The night is split between the fireside chat and our legendary open mic sessions. Every 20–30 minutes, we randomly select 5–6 fundraising founders. You get 60 seconds to sell your vision.
⏱️ Go over time? 💦 You meet the water guns. We keep it fast and effective. Whether you pitch or listen, this is the room where deals start.
Agenda
6.00 pm - 7.00 pm: Arrival & Networking
7.00 pm - 7.40 pm: Welcome + Daniel Glazer
7.40 pm - 8.10 pm: Networking
8.10 pm - 8.30 pm: Open Mic Pitching (Round 1)
8.30 pm - 9.00 pm: Networking
9.00 pm - 9.20 pm: Open Mic Pitching (Round 2)
9.20 pm - 10.00 pm: Final Networking
Come for the insights. Stay for the connections. Don't miss out. 🚀
👉 Spots are limited—sign up now.
By joining the event, you’re allowing us to capture and share some of the great moments! Photos and videos taken may be used later to showcase our community and for marketing, helping us make future events even better.
Rare Founders is a founder-led community bringing together early-stage founders, operators, and investors through thoughtfully curated events across London. From open mics and intimate roundtables to large-scale Demo Days, our focus is on meaningful connections, practical insight, and creating spaces that feel welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely useful.
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See more details here.
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A Huge Thanks To Our Sponsors & Partners!
Carta
Carta is the equity management platform trusted by 50,000+ companies and 1M+ employees globally from incorporation to exit. They help manage ownership, share plans, fundraising, valuations and compliance at every stage. As of 2026, they're offering Carta Launch free for early-stage founders: set up your cap table in minutes, issue equity, and build the ownership infrastructure you'll scale with. Check out the link for more details.
Daniel Glazer
Daniel Glazer leads the US Expansion group and London office at Wilson Sonsini. He advises UK and EU tech companies on US market entry, scaling, venture financing, and IPO or M&A exits. He serves on the GBx Advisory Board, is a Fellow of the British-American Project and the Royal Society of Arts, and is a GlobalScot trade advisor. Dan also helped create the US Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Tech program and has been recognized as The American Lawyer’s first “Transatlantic Innovator of the Year” and one of London’s top 10 “International Connectors” by UK Tech News.
Safety Partner
Safespace Plus is helping us to foster a safe and inclusive environment at our events. Check out our Code of Conduct so you are aware of what kind of behaviour is not allowed at our events.
Venue Partner
Hosted at The Ministry — Borough’s iconic creative members’ club and workspace, built by the team behind Ministry of Sound. Set inside a beautifully restored Victorian printworks, it features stylish lounges, studios, a gym, a buzzing bar, and everything designed for founders and creators to collide. With flexible day passes, wellness spaces, great coffee and a culture-driven vibe, it’s the perfect home for bold ideas and unforgettable events.
Food will be available for purchase at the venue! Click here for the menu.