We are excited to introduce our next network spotlight feature with Hovik Torkomyan,  Fractional & Interim CMO and Marketing Consultant at 36 Growth Marketing.

Hovik joined the D2XCEL scaling programme as a mentor because he truly believes in its mission. He loves working directly with founders—helping them break down the complexities of marketing, positioning, and go-to-market strategies into practical, actionable steps.

In his own words: "It's not just about scaling businesses; it's about contributing to a more resilient and innovative future for Europe."

What skillset do European startups need to succeed in digital and deep tech (Sustainable Logistics, Trade, Transport & Mobility, Energy, Construction, and Smart Cities)?  

Startups face a common challenge: balancing rapid growth with maintaining focus. It all starts with a product that people really need and love. Too often, the rush to scale means trying to do too many things at once, which ends up scattering that focus.

Once you’ve nailed your product-market fit, the next step is building a robust revenue engine. That means setting up the right sales, marketing, and customer success strategies that align with where you are in your growth journey. By concentrating on these fundamentals, you can avoid the pitfalls of overextension and pave the way for sustainable success.

How will you contribute to their development and acceleration?  

I bring a strategic marketing playbook that helps startups pinpoint where they are, refine their positioning, and craft a go-to-market strategy that gets them to product-market fit—and beyond. I work closely with founders through an intensive program, ensuring they execute these fundamentals and continuously iterate as they scale.

What advantages do European digital and deep tech startups have vs. non-European startups in their fields?

European startups have a few standout advantages. They benefit from a huge, integrated market where harmonized regulations make cross-border collaborations much simpler. Plus, the backing of the EU brings significant institutional support, funding, and initiatives that fuel innovation. While many of us in Europe might take these perks for granted, it’s clear—that such a cohesive ecosystem isn’t common everywhere.

To support our growing network and startups, we invite potential stakeholders (investors, lead customers, mentors, and supporting partners) to apply here.

This project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement Nº101121100. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.