Max Menke

Co-founder / Head of Platform / The Revenue Accelerator

2015 - Current

• Co-found and lead venture firm that invests in and scales startups by providing hands-on GTM execution and sales acceleration as a core investment strategy. • Build, lead, and scale GrowthX’s portfolio services model, integrating GTM strategy and revenue acceleration into the firm’s investment approach to drive startup success and maximize portfolio valuations. • Develop and oversee partnerships with VCs, accelerators, banks, and economic development agencies to increase deal flow and program revenue while expanding startup access to capital and commercialization support. • Lead end-to-end sales effort, identifying and executing strategies to secure product-market fit while developing a sustainable revenue stream to complement management fees. • Serve as embedded Head of Sales, driving customer acquisition, revenue growth, and sales team development for 100+ startups. Lead high-value sales calls, build outbound lead engines, implement CRM infrastructure, and recruit top-tier sales talent to advance scalability and market traction. Select Achievements • Built and scaled The Revenue Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind virtual B2B accelerator that helped 300+ founders across 60+ tech hubs validate markets, acquire customers, refine sales processes, and attract new investors. • Achieved 2.4x YoY growth and 5x revenue scale in three years while utilizing lean resources and maintaining NPS score of 82, nearly double the industry benchmark; solidified GrowthX’s position as top-tier accelerator. • Spearheaded firm-wide strategic shift, transitioning GrowthX from traditional VC firm to accelerator-based model that monetized GTM expertise as pipeline for investment opportunities. • Facilitated 100+ GTM and sales workshops at accelerators, conferences, and universities worldwide, empowering founders with practical, real-world sales methodologies. • Created and produced over 25+ hours of tactical sales coaching videos to power our on-demand learning platform.

Member of Cohort #6

2023 - 2023

Sales and Business Development Lead

2014 - 2015

• Designed and led sales and business development curriculum, equipping early-career professionals with expertise in customer acquisition, revenue strategy, and outbound sales execution to secure roles in technology industry. • Directed strategic consulting to early-stage startups, providing expertise in defining ICPs, optimizing sales infrastructure, and establishing predictable revenue engines. • Served as strategic advisor to founders, providing hands-on coaching and developing GTM roadmaps to expedite traction and scalable growth for 30 startups. • Conducted sales-focused due diligence by analyzing founder engagements, extracting key insights, and communicating findings to in-house venture team to guide investment decisions and portfolio strategy. • Optimized sales infrastructure by implementing outbound email technologies & CRMs, managing pipelines, and building high-performing sales teams to drive sustainable growth. Hint Health VSporto Cargo Chief Trak by Addy SpotOn Parking

Associate Consultant

2013 - 2014

• Managed $1M+ portfolio, providing strategic investment guidance to expatriates and international clients in highly competitive financial market. Ranked as top advisor for U.S.-based real estate investments. • Delivered tailored financial strategies by combining quantitative analysis with personalized guidance, ensuring long-term client success. • Developed and executed personalized investment strategies, identifying high-return opportunities and navigating complex financial markets to maximize client wealth. • Built and managed a self-sourced sales pipeline leveraging cold calling, executing consultative sales strategies to acquire clients, expand assets under management, and drive long-term portfolio growth. • Advised clients on market-driven investment strategies, providing insights on risks and opportunities to optimize financial outcomes.

Co-Founder

2013 - 2014

Dax Bros Games is an international start-up that specializes in the rapid development of iPhone/Android games that reflect current events and trends in popular culture. • Sourced developers in China and negotiated terms of business and contracts. • Created and developed 20+ game concepts. • Acted as liaison between US and China teams.

Junior Consultant

2012 - 2012

Infinity Solutions is one of the leading financial services companies in Asia, and provides a unique brand of personalised financial solutions to clients across the region. Specialties: Inside sales, Direct sales, Lead generation, Lead qualification, Personal Financial Planning, Investment Management, Education Fee Planning, Alternative Investments, International Property Investments, Cross-border financial planning, Financial Life Planning, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Estate planning.

Managing Director

2011 - 2012

• Secured ¥1M+ in contract sales within three months by scaling business operations, forging strategic partnerships, and developing high-performing educational model that delivered measurable outcomes and positioned company for sustained growth. Oversaw team of 24 native Chinese speakers. • Led a 24-person team composed primarily of native Chinese speakers while serving a local Chinese customer base. • Reduced trainer turnover by 85% and increased student attendance by 60% after reorganizing departmental structure for operational efficiency and recruiting top-tier talent. • Designed and launched innovative educational programs to expand company’s service portfolio, strengthen market positioning, and drive competitive differentiation. • Positioned company for expansion and long-term success by collaborating with executive leadership to identify high-growth market opportunities and secure VC funding through strategic pitching.

Client Service/Sales Trainer

2011 - 2012

Lead seminars in customer service practices, sales techniques and employee time management to the managers and employees of the flagship Nokia store in Shanghai; Created a bespoke program to meet Nokia's corporate needs; Implemented a product quality assurance and auditing program.

Founder

2010 - 2012

Provided customized English language services to Chinese students and professionals of various ages and skill levels. Services provided include: Sales/Customer Service training, SAT/SSAT test preparation, American high school/university admissions counseling, cultural training.

Operations Consultant/Coordinator

2009 - 2009

Shanghai Green Oasis is a Shanghai based NGO focused on raising awareness about environmental issues in Shanghai. At Green Oasis, I worked as a consultant on public relations and community awareness events aimed at reaching and organizing both the local and expat communities; Lead presentations on various US NGO’s structures and strategies that could be used within the restrictions of the Chinese NGO environment; Wrote successful grant proposals to US institutions for funding.