Jan Luc Blakborn

Building Business Bridges Between Europe and The USA | Market Entry, Expansion & Ecosystem Access | Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas, United States

About

Expanding into the United States, or the broader Americas, is rarely about opportunity alone - it’s about execution, timing, and local reality. For over 30 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of technology, media, innovation, and international business, helping European and global companies successfully enter, operate, and grow in the U.S. market and key Latam markets, like Mexico, Colombia and Brazil. I support founders, CEOs, and executive teams with: - U.S. market entry strategy & validation - Entity setup, positioning, and go-to-market alignment - Local ecosystem access (partners, accelerators, public & private stakeholders) - Growth strategy once “boots are on the ground” My background combines: - Senior roles at international companies (Philips, Compaq, HP, Sonos, Nortek) - Entrepreneurial experience (founder of own online video venture) - Deep hands-on work with startups, scale-ups, and established firms - Ongoing involvement in innovation, energy, tech, sports, and international trade ecosystems What clients value most is not theory - but practical insight: - Understanding how the U.S. really works - Avoiding common (and expensive) market entry mistakes - Translating European strengths into U.S.-ready propositions - Moving faster with confidence and local credibility I currently work with companies across: Technology, consumer electronics, energy & energy transition, medical & life sciences, flood prevention, sports tech, marketing tech and digital media. 📍 Based in Houston, Texas 🌍 Active across the U.S. and Latin America If you’re exploring U.S. expansion - or already here and ready to scale - let’s connect and compare notes. Book a meeting via the Calendly link in my profile.

Experience

  • Board Co-Chair at TEAM HOUSTON
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Owner, Founder - Business Consulting & Business Development at MAXIMUM Ventures LLC
    Apr 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 4 mos

    MAXIMUM Ventures advises companies on successfully doing business in the USA and Latin America. Services include conducting in-depth market research, developing effective go-to-market strategies, identifying ideal partners, facilitating sales and business development, and providing ongoing sales management.

  • Owner, Managing Partner - Various Roles In Entertainment Industry (Music, Video) at MAXIMUM Entertainment
    Apr 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 4 mos

    MAXIMUM Entertainment was born out of passion for online video and the DJ / EDM business. Activities for this company involve: Video Storytelling Platform (YOURSTORYZ), Online Video Management (TRADECAST), DJ/Artist Talent Support (SOMNIA MUSIC), Event Creation & Management (ORANGE JUIZZE), plus AI-powered Advertising (MAXIMAIZE) (2026).

  • Owner, Managing Partner - Sales Representation (Retail & E-commerce) at MAXIMUM Export Import
    Apr 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 4 mos

    USA based company executing marketing- and sales representation and/or cross-border e-commerce for top CE brands into Latam consumer markets: Hypercel, Accuro, MIO, SBS Mobile, 360FLY, VSN Mobil, Klipsch, Sengled, Blaupunkt, IOT, TRNDLabs, Air Selfie, ROC and others.

  • Consultancy Partner - Technology, Commerce, Entertainment - Texas at Van Holland Group
    Aug 2022 - Aug 2025 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Within Van Holland Group consultancy network operate as industry specialist for consumer electronics, technology, retail, and media. Also acting as the Houston-based, Texas representative for Van Holland Group.