A new strategy for the convergent synthesis of the ABCD ring system of indole terpene alkaloids has been developed based on a Sonogashira coupling of an o-iodoaniline (the A ring) with an alkyne bearing the D ring. After a tandem palladium-catalyzed cyclization, the tetracyclic ABCD ring structure found in the terpene indole alkaloids was obtained in good yield. © 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.