Build your path into the US cybersecurity market.
A virtual program delivered across five sessions, helping international cybersecurity and AI security startups refine their US positioning, prepare for enterprise buyers and build relevant relationships with Silicon Valley corporate leaders, partners and investors.
Applications are reviewed based on product maturity, market relevance and readiness for the US market.
Strong technology is not enough to enter the US cybersecurity market.
The US is one of the world's largest and most competitive cybersecurity markets. International startups often arrive with strong products but struggle to communicate their value to US buyers, navigate enterprise expectations, build trusted relationships and convert initial conversations into market progress.
Positioning
Messaging that works in a startup's home market may not resonate with US enterprise buyers.
Enterprise readiness
Corporate security teams expect clear use cases, integration readiness, compliance awareness and measurable business value.
Market relationships
Access must be relevant and earned. Generic networking rarely produces meaningful commercial outcomes.
Follow through
Introductions create value only when a startup has the positioning, materials and execution plan required to progress the relationship.
Learn how the world's most competitive technology market evaluates cybersecurity.
The program connects participating founders with the perspectives of Silicon Valley cybersecurity leaders, enterprise practitioners, investors and ecosystem operators. Every interaction is designed to help startups understand how US stakeholders assess products, teams, market opportunities and commercial readiness.
Enterprise perspective
Understand how US cybersecurity buyers evaluate urgency, differentiation, integration, risk and return.
Market intelligence
Learn what is changing across cybersecurity, AI security and enterprise adoption.
Relevant relationships
Engage with selected leaders, partners and investors where there is a credible basis for further conversation.
Designed for international cybersecurity startups ready to build in the US.
Suitable applicants
- B2B cybersecurity or AI security startups
- Startups with a functioning product
- Companies with existing customers or credible pilots
- Founders or senior commercial leaders able to participate
- Companies actively considering US market entry or expansion
- Teams capable of following up after introductions
Not suitable for
- Companies that are still at the idea stage
- Startups without a functioning product
- Security products designed only for consumers
- Teams seeking only investor introductions
- Companies unable to continue US market conversations after the program
Priority categories
Admission is selective. We consider product maturity, market relevance, existing traction and readiness for US conversations.
Four working sessions. One curated Demo Day. A focused US market plan.
Readiness diagnostic
- Product and customer traction
- Current positioning and target market
- US expansion objectives
- Enterprise readiness and fundraising status
- Priority introductions
US market focus and positioning
- Understanding the US cybersecurity market
- Selecting the right customer segment and US ideal customer profile
- Clarifying the priority business problem
- Differentiating in a crowded category and building a credible US value proposition
Output. US ICP and positioning statement.
Enterprise buyer readiness
- How enterprise cybersecurity leaders assess new solutions
- Buyer priorities, internal stakeholders and security, compliance and integration expectations
- Preparing for discovery conversations and demonstrating measurable business value
- Common reasons enterprise conversations stall
Output. Enterprise buyer readiness checklist and discovery framework.
US market entry and partnerships
- Direct sales versus entry through channel partners
- Strategic and technology partnerships, design partners and pilot opportunities
- Building an initial US pipeline and structuring an effective pilot conversation
- Following up after introductions
Output. Initial US market entry and relationship plan.
Investor readiness and Demo Day preparation
- What US cybersecurity investors evaluate
- Explaining category, differentiation and defensibility
- Connecting traction to the US opportunity and building a credible market entry narrative
- Pitch structure, delivery and preparing for investor and corporate questions
Output. Refined pitch narrative and Demo Day presentation.
Preparation week
No group session. Startups use this week to refine their presentations, complete their materials and prepare for the final Demo Day. Individual pitch feedback may be scheduled during this period.
Silicon Valley Demo Day
Participating startups present to a curated audience of Silicon Valley cybersecurity leaders, corporate practitioners, ecosystem partners and investors. The format includes startup presentations, moderated questions, corporate and investor feedback, and relevant follow up and introductions based on fit and mutual interest.
Please note. Participation in the program does not guarantee investment, customer contracts or a specific number of introductions.
Apply the program to your startup, not a generic case study.
Private strategy clinic
One private strategy session lasting 60 minutes focused on US positioning, customer priorities, market entry strategy or partnership development.
Private pitch review
One private pitch review lasting 30 minutes before Demo Day.
Final recommendations
Individual feedback outlining the startup's immediate US market priorities and next steps.
Leave with the materials and direction required to move forward.
- US Market Readiness Scorecard
- US ideal customer profile
- Refined US positioning statement
- Enterprise buyer readiness checklist
- Discovery conversation framework
- Initial US market entry plan
- Partnership and channel strategy
- US execution roadmap for the first 90 days
- Refined investor and corporate pitch
- Private strategy clinic
- Private pitch review
- Silicon Valley Demo Day participation
- Post program feedback and recommendations
Relevant access, built around readiness and fit.
Z Nation Global will bring selected Silicon Valley cybersecurity leaders, corporate practitioners, partners and investors into the program. Introductions may be facilitated when there is a clear strategic fit and mutual interest.
The practical details.
| Program dates | 27 October to 1 December 2026 |
| Applications close | 16 October 2026 |
| Format | Live virtual program delivered via Zoom |
| Working sessions | Four |
| Session duration | Two hours |
| Session time | 8:00 to 10:00 AM Pacific Time |
| Final session | Silicon Valley Demo Day |
| Private support | One strategy clinic and one pitch review per startup |
| Language | English |
All core sessions require founder or senior commercial leader participation.
USD 1,500 per startup.
Early bird fee of USD 1,350 per startup for applications submitted on or before 5 October 2026. The standard fee of USD 1,500 applies thereafter.
- One founder or senior company representative
- Four working sessions of two hours each
- One private strategy session lasting 60 minutes
- One private pitch review lasting 30 minutes
- Program frameworks and templates
- Individual feedback
- Silicon Valley Demo Day participation
- Curated follow up after the program, where relevant
Applications are free
Payment is required only after a startup has been selected and formally accepts its place.
Payment
Selected startups will receive an invoice from Zsolt Ventures LLC. Payment must be made by wire or bank transfer. A startup's place is confirmed only after full payment is received.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellation 14 or more days before the program: 90 percent refund.
- Cancellation within 14 days of the program: 70 percent refund.
- Transfer to another representative from the same startup is permitted.
- Missed sessions are non refundable.
- A full refund is provided if Z Nation Global cancels the program.
Application process.
Submit the online application.
Z Nation Global reviews product maturity, traction and US readiness.
Shortlisted startups may be invited to a brief selection conversation.
Selected startups receive an acceptance email and payment instructions.
The place is confirmed after acceptance and payment.
Apply for the 2026 cohort.
Applications close 16 October 2026. Applications are free and take about ten to fifteen minutes. Payment is only required after a startup is selected and formally accepts its place.
Is your cybersecurity startup ready for the US market?
Join a focused cohort of international founders preparing to engage with Silicon Valley enterprise leaders, partners and investors.