1:1 Startup Consulting

1-Day VIP Intensives for founders who refuse to bet their futures on trial and error.

In just one day, get the clarity and roadmap you need to fast-track profitability and get funded.*

*Optional consulting packages (aka Velocity Plans) available to get you on the fast track.

There may not be any “shortcuts” to business success. But there is a fast track.

You have a big vision. But data shows that it takes most startups an average of 10 years to become truly successful (and 90% won’t even make it that long).

Some people may be okay with spending a decade in the red while trying to figure things out on their own. But if you’ve had a healthy income and been waiting for forever to turn your dream into a reality, the idea of waiting a decade to replace your income might drive you to the nearest pint (drink or ice cream…  your choice).

Having spent the last 20-plus years advising entrepreneurs across all industries, I’m here to tell you that you can create your own shorter timeline for success.

Give me one day, and I’ll help you do it.

Buckle Up

Choose your adventure…

1

VIP Day:
Business Blueprint

Most startups fail to grow and get funded for one very simple reason: they can’t see the weaknesses and gaps that are keeping investors from investing (and buyers from buying).

During this custom 1-day session, we’ll dive into the details of your vision, laying a foundation that paves the way for profits.

You’ll walk away with  the roadmap you need to hit the fast track as you build a growing business and attract investors.

2

VIP Day:
Financial Roadmap

The single biggest reason startups fail is running out of cash. While you don’t need to be a numbers expert, you do need to have a working knowledge.

This custom 1-day session is the day you’ll take control of your financial destiny (even if you’re “not a numbers person”).

No matter how much or how little you know, I’ll meet you where you are as we create your financial roadmap.

3

2-Hour 
Startup Intensive

Pressed for time? This startup intensive is a condensed version of my Business Blueprint VIP Day.

In just 2 hours, I can give you the light-bulb moments you need to fast-track your success.

Using my signature process, we’ll pinpoint the weaknesses and blindspots that are holding you back.

The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Rusty and Buster, happy clients of Startup Distillery.

"Diane's guidance was a key reason we were able to secure investors."

“Diane’s unique collaborative approach helped us build a stronger business.

She had the experience to quickly recognize our core strengths, and challenged us in an effort to improve our concept.”

Rusty Sproat

Figo Pet Insurance

Result: Multimillion-dollar exit; acquired by German conglomerate.

Why VIP Days?

Instead of dragging things out over weeks or months (delaying results), these immersive 1:1 sessions are the fastest, most effective way to give you clarity and next steps.

In just one day, you’ll walk away with:

A Foundation

A strong business foundation that paves the way for profits.

Clarity

Knowing exactly what strengths to lean into, weaknesses to shore up, and gaps to address.

Investor Insight

A clear understanding of exactly what investors are looking for so you can get funded.

Next Steps

An action plan with the steps you need to take to develop a business model that attracts both investors and customers.

Strategies

My specific strategies and tactics for collecting the critical market data you need to confirm there’s enough market demand.

Momentum

The expert guidance you need to speed up your learning curve, fast-track profitability and avoid expensive mistakes.

I believe that when starting a business, you have two choices:

Go it alone.

You might save a few thousand dollars up front, but in my experience you will spend more money (and time) in the long run as you guess and pivot.

Get expert guidance.

This is how you can accelerate your learning curve and avoid making expensive mistakes. You’ll be more likely to get funded, less likely to fail, and get profitable sooner.

You’re in the driver’s seat.

Success is never guaranteed, and you won’t be able to completely avoid making mistakes. But the great thing is that you’re in the driver’s seat.

You have the power to reduce your risk of failure and become profitable sooner. It starts with a simple phone call.

Andrew S, happy Startup Distillery client
“The greatest strength Diane brings to the table is her business background combined with her critical thinking.

She’s insightful, asking challenging questions about key business issues.”

Andrew Shamrao
Divaker Inc.

Dick Burkett, happy Startup Distillery client.
“Diane led us through the startup process, asking tough questions and getting us to focus on important issues we’d either missed or were avoiding.

Her business experience and critical thinking is invaluable.”

Dick Burkett
Karas Hotels

Reina Takahashi, happy Startup Distillery client
Diane helped me organize and vet my business ideas, prioritize them, and break them down into actionable steps.”

Our work together helped me to transition to seeing myself as a business owner.”

Reina Takahashi
Reinasaur