US Market Entry for Growing Startups

Ready to scale stateside? In this practical session, you'll learn how growing startups validate demand, localize pricing and messaging, and win first U.S. customers—without burning runway. We'll cover lean legal/tax setup, hiring options, and a 90-day GTM sprint across PLG, outbound, and partners, plus funding signals U.S. investors look for. Walk away with templates, tool stacks, and a clear next-step checklist.
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❯ What You'll Learn:

• U.S. market entry strategies from leading founders, GTM, and legal experts.
• How to launch in a beachhead (state/segment) and scale nationwide (then global).
• Tactics that resonate with diverse U.S. buyers across regions and cultures.

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❯ Featured Speaker:

• Guc Ozenci - Managing Director at Founder Institute Washington DC & Managing Partner at Connect-OP - Seasoned entrepreneur, technology professional and thriving leader with strong people skills and proven track record in connecting business needs with technology and innovation. Extensive consultative sales experience at global vendors. Co-founded a SaaS startup, raised two rounds of VC funding and recently exited by acquisition. Angel investor and advisor to multiple early stage ventures with 7x,3x and 2x markups. Mentor to social entrepreneurs, sponsor to social impact organizations.

Additional Resources:
Find more Startup Events, learn about Finding a Co-Founder, or visit our Insights Blog for more startup tips.

About Penn West Accelerator:
The Penn West Accelerator, powered by the Founder Institute and the Penn West Equity & Innovation District, is a premier equity-free program designed for post-MVP and seed-stage founders who are ready to expand in the U.S. East Coast.

Running from October 27, 2025 to February 23, 2026 in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Golden Triangle, this program offers intensive in-person workshops, hands-on mentorship, workspace at WeWork, and a high-profile investor demo day. With no cost and no equity required, founders gain unparalleled access to resources, investors, and mentors to accelerate their growth.

❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/378104/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live!