I help AI startup Founders, CEOs, CROs, and Heads of Sales accelerate revenue and secure long-term customers in Japan, Korea, and Asia Pacific—backed by a proven go-to-market strategy and a successful track record
Hi, I'm Mike Kim —
As the founder of Gradient Consulting and a Go-to-Market consultant, I help AI startups like yours break into markets such as Japan, Korea, and the Asia Pacific. I’ve run the Asia Pacific for startups, sourced and closed major deals, and built valuable partnerships. I know what you're up against because I've been there. When you work with me, you get someone who already knows AI, knows startups and knows how to close deals - I seamlessly integrate with you, your leadership, and your team.
Clients
Trusted by startups backed by Sequoia Capital, Y Combinator, Lux Capital, Techstars, and other leading investors
Insights for AI Startups: Want to Win Big Customers in Japan, Korea, and the Asia Pacific?
I'll show you exactly how to break into tough markets like Japan and sign deals with major companies. No fluff – just real strategies that work for AI startups.
“When I first met Mike while at Deloitte Consulting in 2010, I was at Palantir and we collaborated for him to lead the first Palantir project at Deloitte which was for the U.S. government. Many years later, I introduced him to the founder of a startup and under Mike’s leadership as the Head of APAC, the Asia Pacific region became the leading region for the company. Mike has dedicated many years to Asia and has developed an approach that is a valuable resource for startups looking to enter and expand in the region.”
Trae Stephens, Partner
Founders Fund
See How Other AI Startups Are Winning in Asia
My work speaks for itself. Visit the Case Studies and Client Testimonials pages to see the real results. You'll find stories of AI startups that went from zero to signed deals—often within just 3-5 months of our first meeting. Some are now scaling toward $1M in ARR. See how those first wins turned into annual contracts—and how they used that momentum to land even more customers.
“Mike came recommended by our investor, Sequoia Capital, as a key resource to help us navigate the Japan and Asia Pacific market. Partnering with Gradient Consulting proved invaluable—within 12 months, we achieved a 2.5x return on investment. Thanks to Mike’s extensive network and strategic introductions, we secured multiple customers in our target industries within just 5 months. Beyond acquiring customers, Mike played a pivotal role in deepening these relationships, successfully transitioning them into annual subscription. His expertise and hands-on approach have been instrumental in driving our success in the region, with a particular focus on Japan.“
Charles Wong, CEO
Bifrost AI
Go-to-Market Services to help AI Startups accelerate revenue & secure long-term customers
Go-to-Market Consulting & Advisory Service for Startups: With my Market Entry & Expansion service, I’ll help you overcome the challenges of entering and scaling in Japan, Korea, and the Asia Pacific markets, and accelerate revenue and secure long-term customers.
Interim Leadership for Startups: With interim leadership, we can help ensure alignment with company leadership, align teams, improve communication, drive execution, and accelerate growth.
Investors/VCs: With my Investors/VCs service, I’ll help you build relationships with potential investors and strategic partners to support your APAC growth.
“Gradient Consulting’s expertise in Japan has helped us build our business. Their strong relationships and deep track record have helped us increase our pipeline and advance many opportunities. We now have a deal flow of over 15 opportunities. I refer to Mike as our ‘secret weapon’ and our 'boots on the ground'. With his help we already have a robust reputation and have signed a top 15 company in Japan with many others on the horizon. We are very happy with our collaboration with Gradient Consulting and the Japan business we are building together.”
Adam Rice, Vice President of Sales
ClimateAi, Vice President of Sales
Hi, I’m Mike Kim—
I'm a Go-to-Market consultant who helps AI companies/startups tired of guessing in Japan, Korea, and Asia Pacific markets. My expertise will provide a clear plan to help you get customers and partners signed on shortened sales cycles – even if you've had past setbacks or have concerns about geography, language, culture, and business practices. I understand your need to demonstrate traction to your board quickly and show ROI with limited resources. When you're ready to move beyond the mixed messages about market entry and want someone who actually knows how to help AI companies succeed in these markets, let's talk.