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Born and raised in Kyrgyzstan, I have all the time been fascinated by the power of technology and its potential to transform lives. This fascination led me to pursue a profession in software development, where my true passion is not only creating software, but also bringing those solutions to market.
In 2007, I set out with a few friends to start a software company. However, we realized that the domestic market in Kyrgyzstan, with a population of only about seven million, was too small to support our ambitions. We had to think globally to achieve our envisioned success, and it became clear that the American market was our greatest shot. Here’s how I launched my American business abroad.
1. Choosing the right market
After doing some market research, we decided to create and sell classified ad software scripts, turnkey solutions that allow online entrepreneurs to create classified ad sites similar to Craigslist. While the business initially seemed promising, it will definitely stalled. I didn’t see this as a failure, but as a lesson. It emphasized the importance of selecting the right market with sustainable demand. In 2008, I switched to job board software, which I believed had greater potential.
There are many area of interest job boards in the US, each requiring specialized solutions, and I saw an opportunity to adapt to this market. Within a few months, I had hired several programmers who developed software based on my instructions. We had our first clients, and our latest business began to grow.
Recommendation: Be prepared to change direction when mandatory. Choose a market that has potential and aligns with your expertise and long-term vision. Don’t be afraid to change your mindset as you learn more about your market’s needs.
2. Registering a company in the USA
One of the first steps in building credibility in the American market was registering a company in the U.S. Fortunately, this was relatively easy, thanks to quite a few corporations offering registration services and providing virtual addresses for a small fee. The process is much more streamlined today, thanks to corporations like Stripe offering services specifically designed to help foreign startups establish entities in the US.
Recommendation: Register your organization in the USA to gain credibility among customers and partners. Take advantage of recent services that simplify the process, allowing you to focus on growing your online business as an alternative of spending time on administrative tasks.
3. Dealing with banking challenges
Running a business in the US also required having a US business checking account, which proved to be quite a challenge in 2008. No bank would open an online account for a non-US entrepreneur, so in 2010 I had to go to the US to open my first account.
Fortunately, a lot has modified since then and some banks now offer the ability to open accounts remotely for foreign business owners. Mercury Bankfor example, has turn out to be a leader in this field, making it easier for entrepreneurs to do business in the US from anywhere in the world.
Recommendation: Set up a U.S. checking account as soon as possible, as you’ll need one to conduct transactions, pay taxes, and establish financial activity in the U.S. Choose banks that cater to international entrepreneurs and offer distant account setup and management services.
4. Balancing operational efficiency and growth
For a while, I took advantage of the low operating and living costs in Kyrgyzstan while also being profitable in the US market. However, as the company grew, so did our client requirements. More and more clients required regular video calls and meetings, which became increasingly inconvenient due to the time zone difference. Additionally, we saw an opportunity to expand by serving associations and government organizations that usually prefer to work with suppliers they will meet in person. This required me to attend various events and conferences in the US, which was nearly unattainable when I used to be living in Kyrgyzstan.
Recommendation: As your online business grows, be prepared to reassess your operating model. Consider the importance of proximity to the market, especially if your customers value face-to-face interactions. Be open to relocating if mandatory to higher serve your customers.
5. Moving to the USA
By 2020, it became clear that in order to take my business to the next level, I needed to relocate to the United States. Fortunately, the U.S. government offers several visa options for entrepreneurs. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa was the most appropriate for my situation, allowing me to live and work in the United States so long as I had an lively business that employed at least two U.S. employees and received a significant capital investment.
To meet these criteria, I hired an American lawyer to help me prepare the application. Given the company’s success over the years, getting approval was not difficult. In 2023, my family and I moved to the US. Since our company operates remotely, we were able to select where we wanted to live.
We selected Boulder, Colorado, a city that felt familiar because of its mountainous setting, similar to what we were used to in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, Boulder’s proximity to Denver International Airport made it easy for me to travel to conferences and meetings across the country.
Recommendation: If growing your online business requires a presence in the U.S., research the visa options that best fit your situation. Hire a qualified immigration attorney to walk you thru the process and make sure you meet all the mandatory criteria.
6. The importance of resilience
Moving to the US was a game changer for my company. It allowed us to establish the company as a leading provider of AI-powered job board and matching software for organizations. We were able to acquire some of our largest clients to date. This level of growth would have been difficult to achieve if we had operated solely from Kyrgyzstan, and we have even larger plans for the future.
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, resilience stands out as a key lesson. From my early days in Kyrgyzstan to establishing a significant presence in the U.S., my company’s evolution has been marked by learning, adaptation, and strategic considering. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, pivot when mandatory, and keep pushing forward has been the driving force behind our success.
Recommendation: Resilience is key for aspiring entrepreneurs. Embrace change, deeply understand your market, and continually refine your online business strategy. These traits will make it easier to overcome challenges and build a thriving business.
Starting a US-focused business from abroad is more possible than ever before. With the right mindset and determination, it is possible to build a successful business that transcends borders and significantly impacts your chosen industry. I hope my journey inspires other entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity and grow their businesses. With persistence and a clear strategy, you’ll be able to turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality, regardless of where you begin.