Expanding into the U.S. is a major growth moment for any company. It is also a moment where many founders unknowingly leave money and support on the table.
In a recent Belly2Belly conversation, Bill Kenney sat down with Kajal Sanghrajka, Founder of Upsite, to unpack the U.S. incentives landscape and why so many companies fail to take advantage of it.
A $90 Billion Opportunity Most Companies Miss
Kajal shared a striking stat. The U.S. incentives market is worth roughly $90 billion, yet around 60 percent of it goes unused.
The reason is simple. Many founders do not know these programs exist. Others assume incentives are too complex, too time consuming, or only relevant for very large companies.
Upsite was built to solve exactly this problem.
What Upsite Does Differently
Upsite is building an AI powered operating system for global expansion, starting with the U.S. market.
The platform consolidates more than 2,500 federal, state, and local incentive programs into one place. Founders can explore opportunities through an interactive map and tailor results based on company stage, industry, and expansion plans.
The goal is clarity. Less guesswork. Better decisions.
Incentives Are Not Just for Manufacturing
There is a common perception that incentives only apply to manufacturing or life sciences. Kajal explained that while those sectors often qualify for large programs, incentives exist across industries.
Early stage companies can access innovation programs, landing pads, and in kind support. Later stage and venture backed companies may qualify for payroll offsets, R&D tax credits, workforce training funds, and regional development incentives.
For some companies, incentives can cover up to 40 percent of payroll costs for highly skilled roles.
Strategic, Not Transactional Decisions
One of the most important takeaways from the conversation was how incentives should be used.
They are not the sole driver of location decisions. Instead, they are part of a broader strategic equation that includes talent, customers, partners, and long term growth.
For venture backed Series A and Series B companies, there is also an expectation that leadership teams are doing this level of optimization.
The Hidden Value of Incentives
Incentives are not just about money.
Kajal highlighted the relationship side of the equation. When a state or region invests in your company, they become a stakeholder in your success. That often leads to introductions, partnerships, facilities access, and long term support.
In some cases, states even offer matched funding alongside private investment.
These intangible benefits can materially change a company’s growth trajectory.
Final Thought
U.S. incentives are not a niche topic. They are a strategic growth lever.
As Kajal made clear, founders who take the time to understand what is available can unlock capital, relationships, and momentum that many competitors never access.
About
MEET helps 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.