{WFTD} GTM for Early-Stage Startups-How to Get Started + (Pitches + Investor Feedback)
📅 Wednesday, February 25
⏰ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT
📍 Venture Dock-Palo Alto, CA
About the Event
This week at Work From the Dock, we’re diving into one of the most critical early-stage topics: Go-To-Market.
Raising capital, building product, and hiring talent all depend on one thing- knowing who you’re for, how you win, and how you grow.
In this session, we’ll break down how early-stage founders should think about GTM from day one-not as an afterthought once product is built.
This is a highly practical, founder-focused working session designed to help you leave with clarity and direction.
And as always — we’ll close with Founder Pitch Hot Seats, where 5 selected startups pitch live and receive direct investor feedback.
👋 Meet the Speaker
Keith Lam
Principal, Rebel LLC | Berkeley SkyDeck Mentor
Keith advises B2B founders and executive teams on go-to-market strategy, product-led growth, sales, and customer success. With over 20 years of global marketing experience, he has worked across AI/ML, SaaS, Fintech, CX, and emerging technologies.
He specializes in helping companies stand up GTM operations quickly by building strong product marketing and sales foundations.
Founders will leave with a clear, practical understanding of how Go-To-Market should shape product decisions from day one — not once it’s too late.
What You’ll Gain
A GTM-first mindset for building products that are ready to scale
Key considerations in the earliest stages of building
Practical frameworks for designing with growth in mind
The most common GTM mistakes early-stage founders make-and how to avoid them
A sharper understanding of what truly needs to be in place before you scale
This is also your opportunity to ask hard GTM questions directly to experienced operators who have seen what works (and what breaks) as companies grow.
If you’re an early-stage founder thinking seriously about traction, growth, and scale — this session is built for you.
Agenda
10:00–11:00 AM Arrivals + Coffee + Coworking
Settle in, connect with founders, and get focused work time in.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM Workshop: GTM for Early-Stage Startups-How to Get Started
Led by Keith Lam.
12:00–12:50 PM Founder Pitch Hot Seats (5 Startups) + Investor Feedback
Five selected founders pitch live and receive candid feedback on GTM, positioning, and scale readiness.
12:50–1:00 PM Open Networking + Wrap-Up
Make key connections before heading out or stay and continue coworking.
🎤 Founder Pitch Hot Seats - Apply to Pitch
We will select 5 startups to pitch live during the session.
To apply:
📩 Email monica@venturedock.com
🗓 Deadline: Tuesday at 3:00 PM PT
Include:
Startup name + one-liner
Stage (Pre-seed, Seed, etc.)
What you’re building + who it’s for
What you want feedback on (GTM, ICP, pricing, positioning, etc.)
Pitch deck
Selected founders will receive a confirmation email.
Built for founders.
Now let’s scale. 🚀