The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier event for companies expanding into the U.S. With so much happening in just three days, preparation is key. That’s why we sat down with Daniel Sawko from Shipshape.vc on the Belly2Belly podcast to talk strategy, investor connections, and how to get the most from this high-energy event.
What is Shipshape.vc?
Shipshape.vc is a free investment search engine that helps companies find the right investors worldwide. Their platform also partners with U.S. economic development organizations to match businesses with locations that provide incentives and the right ecosystem for growth. If you’re expanding into the U.S., Shipshape.vc can streamline your investor search and help you find the best market fit.
Why SelectUSA?
Expanding into the U.S. can be complex, but SelectUSA brings all the right stakeholders under one roof—investors, economic development reps, service providers, and potential customers. As Daniel puts it, “You can see all the ingredients, and it’s a very special place to be.”
Key advantages of attending SelectUSA:
✔ Meet investors and potential partners all in one place
✔ Discover U.S. locations that offer the best incentives for your business
✔ Experience the high-energy American business environment firsthand
How to Get the Most from SelectUSA
Daniel’s top tips for making SelectUSA count:
🔹 Plan key meetings in advance – Connect early to start conversations before you arrive.
🔹 Leave time for serendipity – Some of the best opportunities come from chance encounters.
🔹 Be present – Avoid getting stuck on emails; immerse yourself in the event.
He also notes that pre-event engagement is key. By the time you meet an investor or partner at SelectUSA, you should be on your third or fourth conversation, not your first.
Final Thought
If your team can’t manage without you for three days, it might not be time for U.S. expansion! Take this as a test of readiness. Prepare, engage, and make the most of the experience.
See you at SelectUSA 2025!
Additional Resources
For more on this topic, we suggest reading 10 Keys to Maximizing Your SelectUSA Investment Summit Experience.
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.
#selectusa #foreigninvestment #startupexpansion #economicdevelopment #vcfunding #scalability #businessexpansion #networking
