STEP USA University Program

STEP USA
Cohorts

Participating Startups

Number of STEP
USA Alumni

U.S. Company
Foundations

VC Investment
Received

STEP USA
University Program

In order to specifically meet the needs of the fast-growing and dynamic scene of university startups in Germany, the GACC New York has partnered up with the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH New York). Together, we assist German university startups to identify their business potential in one of the most vibrant startup hotspots — New York City.

STEP USA University program in a Nutshell

This 3-day startup program for university startups is designed to support entrepreneurs to successfully grow their business in the U.S. market. Our experts help you master your U.S. market entry step by step.

Access to Venture Capital

Present your startup to carefully selected venture capital investors and business angels focusing on very early investments at our STEP USA Pitch Night. Learn how to effectively fundraise venture capital in the U.S

Strategy Workshops and Mentoring

NEXT PROGRAM

Nov 10 – 12, 2025 – in cooperation with DWIH New York

INFORMATION

Program fee is covered by DWIH New York. (max. 2 participants per same company)

takes place in New York City

8 companies per program

WhAt we Cover in STEP USA

Network Access to VC Investors, Clients, GACC NY Members, Startup Entrepreneurs & Local Accelerators
U.S. Economic Update, Doing Business with American Clients, Intercultural Skills
Legal Requirements, Tax Basics, Immigration Landscape, IP Law & VC Law
Sales Strategies, Marketing Workshops, Storytelling & Presenting Skills for a U.S. audience
Engaging with U.S. Investors, Pitch Training, Outreach to U.S. VCs
Getting the Stage at our STEP USA Pitch Night, Local Networking Events with Industry Focus

Why New York?

New York’s allure for university startups lies in its robust venture capital ecosystem, fostering ample funding opportunities, while its concentration of prestigious universities facilitates collaborative innovation. Furthermore, the city’s vibrant cultural landscape and strategic global positioning offer startups unparalleled access to markets and talent, propelling their growth and success on an international scale.

OUR STEP USA University PrOGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU, IF YOU…

are curious about New York’s academic scene
seek ways to expand your VC network.
explore opportunities for your product in the U.S.
seek Venture Capital in the U.S.
target American customers.
consider establishing a U.S. subsidiary.
want to connect with top-notch industry contacts.

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.”

Jakob Höflich

Co-Founder & CCO,
Groovecat

“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!”

Oliver Kray

CEO, MyPostcard.com

“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.”

Naomi Owusu

CEO, Tickaroo GmbH

“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!”

Nicolas Neubauer

Managing Partner, Lhotse Analytics GmbH

“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.”

Lennard Schäfer

Co-Founder & COO, enduco GmbH

“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.”

Daniel Putsche

CEO, 021 Software GmbH

“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.”

Maximilian Schlosser

Co-Founder, Picstagraph GmbH

“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!”

Andre Siegl

CEO, enduco GmbH

“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!”

Felix Weger

CEO, Packwise GmbH

“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!”

Marcus Stein

CEO, watttron GmbH

“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!”

Lennardt Hachmeister

Co-Founder & CEO, iotis GmbH

“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.”

Philipp Stoffers

CEO, Hepacura UG

“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!”

Stefan Harries

Managing Director, Friendship Systems AG

“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.!

Iven Kurz

CEO, Evergreen GmbH

FAQs STEP USA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM

The STEP USA University Program is a 4-day program for German startups, who want to scale their business in the USA. It exists both in a virtual and travel format.
In order to specifically meet the needs of the fast-growing and dynamic scene of university startups in Germany, the GACC New York has partnered up with the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH New York). Together, we assist German university startups to identify their business potential in one of the most vibrant startup hotspots—New York City.

In the virtual format, for four consecutive days, we will offer participation in customized workshops information on the following topics:

U.S. economic update
Cultural differences and the way of doing business with U.S. customers
Legal requirements: Setting up your U.S. entity, visa regulations, employment & product liability law
Pitching & storytelling in the U.S.
Sales strategies
How to engage with US investors and build your investor funnel

Whether life sciences, IT, humanities and social sciences, materials research, or natural sciences – the Start-up Call applies to all research areas! Only the following requirements must be met:

The business model is suitable for internationalization
Proof of affiliation to a German university

The STEP USA University Program is organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GACC NY) and the German Center for Research and Innovation NY (DWIH New York).

EUR 3.600.- per company and person for a 4-day STEP USA University Travel program for 2 attendees from the same startup, Second person extra fee EUR 400 (max. 2 participants per same company)
Not included: flight & accommodation.

EUR 750.- per company for a 4-day STEP USA University Virtual program for 2 attendees from the same startup.