STEP USA
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STEP USA 2.0
STEP USA, run by GACC New York, has supported German startups entering the U.S. market since 2014, with more than 600 alumni companies to date. Building on this success, STEP USA 2.0 helps startups take the next step from strategy to execution.
Further expand into the U.S. Market
Designed as an exclusive experience, STEP USA 2.0 is aimed at STEP USA alumni and startups with a validated product and early traction in the U.S. who are planning to further expand into the U.S. market within the next 6-12 months.
Networking and Mentoring
Participants engage with experienced mentors and industry experts to sharpen their approach to the U.S. market, with opportunities for individual mentoring, networking, and exposure to the broader U.S. startup ecosystem along the way.
Showcasing your Startup
The program concludes with each startup presenting their products, solutions and U.S. market entry progress to a curated audience during our Demo Day.
NEXT PROGRAM
March 8 – 11, 2027 (STEP USA 2.0 in New York)
INFORMATION
€3.600,- per startup for one person. Second person extra fee EUR 400.-
(max. 2 participants per same company
takes place in New York City
max. 10 companies per program
WHAT OUR STEP USA ALUMNI SAY ABOUT US
“In only 4 days, the STEP USA program gave us a detailed picture of the American market. It time sensitized us for the challenges of expanding our company to the USA. We can recommend the STEP USA program to anyone who wants to start a first field test for their company and build a solid base for an American business network.”
“The STEP USA program gave us the unique opportunity to gain a deep insight into the American market and to understand its economic complexity and cultural characteristics. With the help of excellent contacts to already established New York startups as well as mentors, we have now been able to position ourselves successfully on the U.S. market. Absolutely recommendable!”
“THE STEP USA program was a week of intensive U.S. market training. In addition to a business etiquette for U.S., numerous contents on legal, strategic and organizational topics were made accessible to us. STEP USA did an outstanding job in providing us with the right contacts to business partners, experts and mentors. It was possible to make many new connections and, above all, find orientation.”
“The STEP USA program was a blast!
As a German startup approaching the U.S. market, the STEP USA program was more than helpful for us. It gave us detailed insights into the legal and financial landscape in the U.S. and helped us to define our go-to-market strategy.
Moreover, we made very good connections to mentors, VC´s, customers and even to new friends.
Absolutely recommendable!”
“The STEP USA program helped us tremendously to prepare for our potential U.S. market entry by teaching us the most important facts in a very understandable way. As a STEP USA participant, you get the opportunity to build up an excellent business network in just 4 days. The GACC New York has strong partners on-sote, and the organization of the program was perfect. The entire cohort was extremely positively surprised and the learnings from the STEP USA program will be super helpful going forward.”
“STEP USA is a 4-day startup program designed to help startups enter the U.S. market. It is remarkably outstanding as the team provides insights into the markets, makes valuable connections tailored to the startup’s industry, and puts you really into the position to understand how to enter the American market the best way – all of that within just 4 business days! Having been on quite a lot of these programs, I recommend STEP USA to everyone who is interested in doing business in the U.S.”
“The STEP USA program was completely different than what we had expected. Not only the team around the STEP USA program and GACC New York, but also the incredible locations, people and events organized around the program and the PITCH Night were truly mind-blowing.
Through the STEP USA Program we are on the verge of establishing a subsidiary in the USA.”
“In my opinion, many startup programs are actually not worth attending. In case of the STEP USA program however, we were all highly surprised by the opposite! The GACC NY team organizing the 4 days does a great job, squeezing in as much value as possible. Personally, I recommend traveling to New York City and meeting everyone in person. I’d definitely recommend taking part in the STEP USA program!”
“The Step USA Program in New York was absolutely relevant and extremely rewarding. The fast-paced and dense schedule in combination with the social events provided the perfect framework to get to know the New York startup ecosystem as well as the American way of life. The whole trip was highly motivating and I can only recommend to take part in it! Dear GACC-Team thank you very much for making us feel so welcome!”
“You can read a lot of books and join classes on how to enter the U.S. market. For me, the best source for getting an understanding on how to successfully do business with American customers is connect to the right networks. The STEP USA program did exactly that for us. Thank you for 4 extremely valuable and fun days in New York!”
“I joined the STEP program after an intense 3 months stay in San Francisco and was amazed by the insights we received into the NYC startup ecosystem. By this I could compare the east coast with the west coast perfectly and gained priceless insights and networks for fund raising and market launch in the USA. I would recommend everyone this program who is interested in US market for first insights, market launch or fund raising. Thanks to the whole GACC and VentureOut team for the great organisation!”
“Step USA is a 4-day educational program where I was able to learn a lot about entering the U.S. market, and also many best practices for my startup in general. I couldn’t recommend it any higher.”
“Participating in the STEP USA program was worthwhile for me in two ways: It not only provided important information on legal and organizational aspects of starting a business in the USA, it also gave a wonderful impression of the spirit that drives business people in New York and the U.S. — very inspiring!”
“As CEO of Evergreen, a digital sustainable asset manager, I am immensely grateful for having participated in the STEP USA program. The program provided a comprehensive and enriching platform for learning, networking, and understanding the intricacies of establishing a business in the USA, specifically from a German company’s perspective. An absolute “YES!” for entrepreneurs.!
