David vs Goliath: How Startups Crack the Automotive Industry Code - Derek Kerton, AutoTech Council EP06

🌉 THE INNOVATION BRIDGE DECODED

In this episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" from The Storytelling Tribe, we connect with Derek Kerton, Managing Director of the Kerton Group and founder of the Auto Tech Council, to explore how storytelling and collaboration drive automotive innovation across continents.

🎯 KEY INSIGHTS

• Silicon Valley vs. Detroit: The Culture Clash

Derek reveals the stark differences in pace and mindset between fast-moving Silicon Valley startups and traditional automotive giants working on five-year development cycles—and how to find common ground.

• Startup Storytelling for Automotive Success

Discover how startups can craft clear, compelling pitches that immediately communicate value, avoid common pitfalls, and arm internal champions within automakers with actionable partnership proposals.

• The Democratization of Innovation

Learn how the global landscape for automotive innovation has opened up, with opportunities now spanning from Toronto to Toulouse, and why Silicon Valley remains a critical hub for connecting startups and OEMs.

💡 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• State Your Value Upfront: In a 10-minute pitch, clearly communicate what you do in the first minute so automotive scouts can quickly assess fit.
• Know Your Audience: Tailor your story to the needs and expectations of automotive industry insiders, who already understand the sector’s challenges.
• Offer Concrete Next Steps: End your story with specific partnership proposals, not open-ended invitations to talk.
• Equip Your Champion: Ensure your story is easy for internal advocates to retell and champion within their organizations.

🌟 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Derek Kerton brings over 25 years of experience bridging the worlds of startups and automotive giants. As founder and chairperson of the Auto Tech Council, he has facilitated thousands of startup presentations, connecting nimble innovators with the world’s largest corporations. Derek is passionate about open innovation, early EV adoption, and helping startups translate technical excellence into compelling value propositions.

Ready to discover the stories behind the steering wheel?

#UnderTheHood #AutomotiveStorytelling #AutoTechCouncil #InnovationBridge

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" – Where technology meets narrative, and mobility's future is told through visionary voices.

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.