U.S. site selection might sound like a small step in your international expansion, but as David Rose from USXP shares, it’s one of the most strategic decisions a company can make when entering the U.S. market.
In a recent Belly2Belly podcast episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with David about why this crucial step is often misunderstood—and how USXP is helping companies get it right from day one.
David, a serial entrepreneur with deep roots in venture-backed tech, noticed a major gap when helping a German software company enter the U.S. He realized there was no streamlined, reliable system to support international companies in launching here effectively. That realization sparked the founding of USXP—a managed service platform that handles every step of a U.S. market launch. And it all starts with choosing the right site.
Why does location matter so much? David breaks it down clearly: “You need an address before you can do anything else.” That location affects your talent pool, taxes, time zone overlap, and even your credibility with potential U.S. customers.
To simplify the decision, USXP digitized their site selection framework. The tool evaluates nine criteria—including access to talent, startup ecosystem, ease of travel, operating costs, and yes, even local politics. What’s weighted most heavily? Time zone. Overlap with the parent company’s working hours is a game changer for speed and collaboration.
As David explains, companies often assume Silicon Valley or New York are the default choices, but the best option depends on your industry, team needs, and strategy. For example, biotech firms might thrive in Boston, while payments companies will find Atlanta more fertile ground. The tool helps founders cut through assumptions and explore lesser-known—but highly strategic—locations.
There’s also a cultural factor to consider. David shared a humorous but insightful story of a client who chose Tallahassee for its charm, only to later discover a DevOps talent shortage and limited flight options. It’s a reminder that beyond spreadsheets and costs, the human experience of operating in a location really matters.
So if your team is thinking about expanding to the U.S., don’t just Google “top cities for startups”—start with a strategy. USXP’s free site selection tool offers customized insights based on your business model and preferences. It could save you months of time, countless dollars, and a few embarrassing surprises.
👉 Try the tool at USXP.co and head to the Tools section to get started.
Additional Resources
For more on this topic, we suggest reading Going Small to Grow Big: The Power of Focused Growth Strategies.
About
MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.
