Expanding to the US: A Guide for Aussie Startups

Entity structure, hiring, taxes, visas, US fundraising & more.

The US is the world’s biggest VC market and deepest pool of enterprise customers – and for many Australian startups, the next logical move. But going in unprepared is an expensive lesson. This free guide walks you through every major decision, in the right order, so you can expand with confidence.

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Why US expansion is harder than it looks

The US is a massive opportunity for Australian startups – but the legal, financial, and structural complexity trips up even the best-prepared founders. Here’s what you need to know.

Set up the right structure before it's costly to change

The wrong US entity structure is one of the most common - and expensive - mistakes Aussie founders make. This guide breaks down your options so you make the right call before you're committed to something that needs unwinding.

Understand what's genuinely different about the US

From Fair Work to at-will employment, from Medicare to private health insurance, the US operates differently to Australia in ways that catch founders off guard. This guide tells you what to expect - and what to budget for - before the surprises hit.

Know what US investors need before you walk in the door

Australian fundraising norms don't travel well. US investors have specific expectations around structure, documentation, and terms - and they move fast. This guide tells you exactly what they want and how to be ready for it.

What's inside the guide

This guide covers everything Australian founders need to know before expanding to the US – from incorporating in Delaware and navigating the EIN process, to hiring, healthcare costs, visas, sales tax, and what US investors expect when you show up with an Australian parent company.

With this free guide, you’ll learn how to:

  • Choose the right entity structure – and when to do the Delaware flip
  • Incorporate in the US and sort out an EIN, registered agent & bank account
  • Understand how US employment law differs from Australia’s Fair Work protections – and what it costs
  • Navigate the main visa routes for Australian founders and key employees
  • Get to grips with federal, state & sales tax before they catch you out
  • Know what US investors expect from your structure, term sheets & documentation
  • Access Austrade support and Australian government programmes to help fund your expansion
  • Stay on top of your ongoing US compliance obligations

"US expansion is expensive, complex, and occasionally maddening. It can also be one of the best decisions you'll ever make - if you time it right, structure it properly, and get the right people around you from day one."

Who is this guide for?

If you’re an Australian founder with the US on your radar, this guide was written for you.

Founders Eyeing the US Market

You're not ready to move yet, but you know the US is coming. This guide helps you understand what's involved, what it'll cost, and what you need to have in place - so when the time comes, you're not starting from scratch.

Founders Ready to Make Their Move

You've got US traction and you're ready to make it official. This guide walks you through every major decision - structure, hiring, taxes, visas - so you can move quickly without making the mistakes that slow founders down.

Founders Already Operating in the US

You've made the move but it's more complex than expected. This guide helps you sense-check your setup, identify any compliance gaps, and make sure your structure is ready for what comes next - including your next raise.

The US market is big - go in prepared

Download your free copy of the Standard Ledger US expansion guide and give yourself the knowledge to expand confidently, structure smartly, and avoid the costly mistakes that trip up most Australian founders.

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