The United States

Why the US

• One very large marketOne language and one currency give access to the largest consumer market in the world, so a win in one state can be repeated in others.
• Buyers and capitalThe US leads the world in corporate R&D investment, software spending and unicorn valuations.
• Company law investors knowMost large companies and most US IPOs use Delaware corporations, so the structure is familiar to investors and buyers.

Source: SelectUSA · WIPO, Global Innovation Index 2025

Priority sectors

Source: SelectUSA

How companies enter

1. Step 1Soft landingA first trip with booked meetings in one city or state, to test demand before spreading out across the country.
2. Step 2PilotA paid pilot with a US client or partner, often still billed from home.
3. Step 3Local companyA Delaware C corporation if you plan to raise venture capital, or an LLC in the state where you operate, registered with the state and with the IRS.

There is no startup visa: founders often look at the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability (up to 3 years at first), and the E-2 investor visa is only open to citizens of treaty countries.

Source: USCIS, O-1 visa · U.S. Department of State, treaty countries

Costs to plan for

• State registration and registered agent fees
• Federal and state tax filings, with a US accountant
• Immigration lawyers and visa fees
• Salaries and health insurance, highest in San Francisco and New York

Source: IRS, Publication 542 · SBA, business guide

Who can help