In September, MEET joined events in Rome, Dublin, and London to connect with founders, advisors, and government leaders on the challenges and opportunities of U.S. expansion. Across three countries, one message stood out: success in the U.S. depends on clarity, preparation, and the right partners.
Rome – An Inside Look at Expanding to the U.S. With Italian and U.S. Experts
The Rome session brought together experts in law, regulation, and scaling strategies.
Speakers included:
- Chris McHattie & Michael Gattoni – The McHattie Law Firm
- Ludovica Russo – Lawyer
- Serena Mattei – Lawyer
- Riccardo Di Veroli – Lawyer
- Antongiulio Lombardi – WINDTRE
Discussions centered on market entry planning, regulatory alignment, and strategies for scaling internationally, with practical guidance for Italian founders preparing to cross the Atlantic.
Dublin – An Inside Look at Expanding to the U.S. With Irish and U.S. Experts
The Dublin panel was highlighted by remarks from both the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, underscoring the strategic importance of transatlantic trade.
Speakers included:
- Neil Keenan & Gerry Beausang – Pinsent Masons
- Edward Walsh – U.S. Ambassador to Ireland
- Thomas Byrne – Government of Ireland, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence
- Chris McHattie & Michael Gattoni – The McHattie Law Firm
- Steve Lenox – Choose New Jersey
- Marisa Mannion – Enterprise Ireland
- James Tedd – GridBeyond
- Lucinda Creighton – Vulcan Consulting
- Adrian Mullett – JP Morgan Ireland
Bill Kenney noted: “Yesterday’s content was spectacular, highlighted by the Ambassador’s comments and the Minister’s insights.”
The discussion focused on building confidence, accessing networks, and navigating regulation — critical factors for companies targeting the U.S.
London – Gateway to Growth: Expanding Your Business to the U.S.A.
MEET joined founders, investors, and advisors at HSBC Innovation Banking in London for Gateway to Growth: Expanding Your Business to the USA. The evening session combined expert insights with networking, giving international companies practical guidance on how to successfully enter and scale in the U.S. market.
The discussion was moderated by Russ Shaw CBE, Founder of Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates, who guided a panel of experts through the critical building blocks of U.S. expansion:
- Daniel Sawko, Ship Shape VC – How to access venture capital, what investors look for, and how to prepare for fundraising.
- Christi Hufford Jackson, Laura Devine Immigration – Understanding key U.S. visa routes and the challenges facing founders, employees, and global businesses.
- Flora Bergshoeff, TABS Inc. – Practicalities of doing business in the U.S., including entity setup, back-office operations, team recruitment, and compliance.
The audience posed excellent questions that spanned everything from product–market fit to managing regulatory hurdles. Together, the panel painted a clear picture of both the opportunities and complexities of U.S. expansion—emphasizing that while the journey is challenging, with the right planning, partners, and strategy, success is achievable.
Key Takeaways
From Rome to Dublin to London, the conversations made one thing clear: success in the U.S. requires both ambition and preparation. Whether through legal alignment, funding strategies, or trade show readiness, international companies need to approach the market with clarity and confidence.
If you’re planning to expand to the U.S., MEET can help. Contact us to explore how we support international B2B and B2G companies in gaining traction and scaling successfully.
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.