Expanding to the US: A Guide for UK Startups

Structure, hiring, taxes & fundraising across the pond.

The US is the world’s biggest market, deepest pool of venture capital, and the next logical step for many UK startups. But getting there without the right knowledge is an expensive way to learn. This free guide walks you through every major decision – in the right order – so you can expand with confidence, not crossed fingers.

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What nobody tells you before you expand

The decisions you make early will follow you for years. This guide makes sure you’re making the right ones.

Get your structure right before it's expensive to fix

Choosing the wrong entity structure is one of the most common - and costly - mistakes UK founders make. This guide breaks down your options clearly, so you can set up the right way from day one rather than unwind a mess later.

Know what's coming before it catches you off guard

US taxes, employment law, healthcare costs, and visa requirements are all significantly more complex than the UK equivalent. This guide tells you what to expect, what to watch out for, and where founders most often come unstuck.

Understand what US investors actually want

US fundraising norms are different from the UK - from entity structure to term sheet terms. This guide explains what US investors expect, why they want a Delaware C-Corp, and how to position yourself to raise successfully.

What's inside the guide

This guide covers everything UK founders need to know before expanding to the US – from incorporating in Delaware and opening a bank account, to navigating visas, sales tax, payroll, and what US investors expect when you walk through the door.

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

  • Choose the right entity structure – and find out 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 the UK – and what it costs
  • Navigate the main visa routes for UK 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 UK government support 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 a UK founder with one eye on the US market, this guide was written for you.

Founders Exploring US Expansion

You're not ready to move yet, but the US is on the roadmap. This guide helps you understand what's involved, what it costs, and what you need to have in place before you make the leap.

Founders Planning Their Move

You've got US traction and you're ready to make it official. This guide walks you through every major decision - entity structure, hiring, taxes, visas - so you can move fast without making expensive mistakes.

Founders Already Operating in the US

You're across the pond but realising it's more complex than you expected. This guide helps you sense-check your setup, spot any gaps in your compliance, and make sure your structure is ready for what comes next.

The US market is waiting - go in prepared

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

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