With the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025 on the horizon, preparation is key for international companies looking to expand into the U.S. To help founders maximize their time at the event, we sat down with Zeynep Ilgaz, General Partner at Cross Ocean Ventures, to discuss funding, strategy, and the power of networking.
Backing Immigrant Founders for U.S. Market Success
Cross Ocean Ventures focuses on early-stage immigrant-founded tech startups, primarily from Europe and parts of Asia, helping them establish a presence in the U.S. With investments ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, their goal is to support companies with strong U.S. market potential.
As a former tech founder herself, Zeynep understands the challenges international entrepreneurs face. “I wish I knew about SelectUSA when we were starting out,” she shared. “It’s a one-stop shop for market entry strategy, from choosing a state to connecting with investors, legal experts, and business consultants.”
Hot Industries for Investment
Cross Ocean Ventures is particularly interested in:
- Digital Health
- Software
- AI & IoT
- Security Solutions
However, they don’t focus on hardware or pharmaceuticals. The key, according to Zeynep, is a strong team and a scalable product ready for the U.S. market.
How to Maximize SelectUSA 2025
For companies attending, Zeynep’s top advice is:
- Do your research – Know which investors, partners, and resources you want to connect with.
- Pre-book meetings – Use the SelectUSA app to schedule time with speakers, panelists, and potential partners.
- Have your pitch ready – Whether you’re early-stage or scaling, a compelling elevator pitch is essential.
- Leverage state representatives – Many states offer incentives and funding opportunities for international businesses.
- Follow up – The real work starts after the event. Keep building and nurturing those connections.
“Out of 100 investors, maybe one will invest—but that one can change everything,” Zeynep noted. Persistence and preparation make the difference.
Paying It Forward
As an immigrant entrepreneur who successfully built and sold a company in the U.S., Zeynep is passionate about helping others navigate the journey. If you’re an international founder looking to break into the U.S. market, she’s happy to connect and share insights.
See you at SelectUSA 2025 in National Harbor, Maryland!
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 #selectusainvestmentsummit #startups #venturecapital #internationalbusiness #immigrantentrepreneurs #globalexpansion #techstartups #founderjourney #networking #usmarketentry
