Upstream

Strategic context

Launching a startup inside a global enterprise requires balancing corporate structure with startup agility. Early commercial traction is essential to proving viability, securing leadership buy-in, and unlocking ongoing investment. SLB’s new venture needed to validate external demand for repurposed oil and gas technologies in an adjacent market—fast.
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The challenge

The venture had to quickly demonstrate market interest, quantify its business potential, and build a credible case for Phase 2 funding. Key objectives included:

  • Confirming engagement from priority industry players
  • Developing financial projections
  • Identifying barriers to entry
  • Justifying continued internal investment
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The HexaGroup & SLIC Growth Engine

SLB engaged HexaGroup to deploy our Growth Engine—a structured growth system that integrates strategy, marketing, and sales enablement for rapid validation. As part of the deployment, SLIC acted as HexaGroup’s sales excellence implementation partner. This embedded sales excellence directly into the go-to-market process. 
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Execution highlights

Together, the HexaGroup and SLIC teams delivered a fast, integrated path from market positioning to commercial engagement. HexaGroup built the go-to-market roadmap and all market-facing assets. SLIC transformed technical engineers into confident business developers using hands-on training and role play. Highlights of our collaboration include:

  • Accelerated GTM Plan:
  • A three-week sprint produced a tactical roadmap, positioning guidance, and execution sequence.
  • Sales Team Enablement (SLIC):
  • Structured coaching and role-playing to help engineers communicate value and engage prospects effectively.
  • Marketing Toolkit (HexaGroup):
  • Discovery presentations, email templates, and tradeshow collateral supported consistent, professional outreach.
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Strategic impact

Working together within the Growth Engine framework, HexaGroup and SLIC helped SLB rapidly validate a new venture, transform its technical teams and secure internal investment within a corporate innovation environment. This collaboration delivered rapid, tangible results:

  • Validated Market Demand: Within two months, the SLB team generated meaningful conversations with high-value targets.
  • Delivered Commercial Proof: The startup secured a Memorandum of Understanding—key evidence of viability.
  • Helped Secure Phase 2 Funding: With strong validation and a clear business case, the venture gained internal approval for continued development.

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