Early users can feel like validation, but that doesn’t mean you’ve nailed product-market fit. At the Elevate Ventures Go-To-Market Summit, speakers warned founders not to confuse compliments or pilots with real demand. From buyer urgency to budget signals, this post outlines the mindset and metrics that separate momentum from mirage.

In the early-stage startup world, visibility is no longer the challenge—memorability is. At the Go-To-Market Summit, experts like Wade Breitzke, Michelle Kidd, and Pat Rodgers revealed how emotional clarity, tailored messaging, and consistent content can cut through the noise. If your brand isn’t sticking, it’s time to rethink your approach.

Many founders assume early sales wins can be passed off to a new hire—but that’s a fast track to stalled growth. In this post, we unpack insights from the Go-To-Market Summit with leaders like Ian Illig, Jeanette Renshaw, and Wade Breitzke. From defining your ICP to building repeatable sales systems and messaging frameworks, this is your guide to turning founder hustle into a scalable Go-To-Market strategy.