How to Successfully Grow Your Startup in the U.S.

Expanding into the U.S. is a bold step for growing startups—but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this session, experts unpack the essentials of company setup, compliance, and hiring, plus practical GTM strategies for landing your first U.S. customers. You'll learn how to localize pricing, navigate investor expectations, and design a 90-day growth roadmap that balances speed with sustainability. Whether you're B2B or consumer, walk away with clear steps to grow your venture in the world's most competitive market.

❯ What You'll Learn:

• U.S. expansion strategies from seasoned founders & experts.
• How to launch lean in one market and scale nationwide.
• Tactics that resonate with diverse U.S. buyers & investors.

❯ 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.

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❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/378103/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live!
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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.

About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
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❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/378103/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live!