-In this blog, our CEO and Co-founder Doctor Clare Ryan details her recent experience as part of the US Trade Mission alongside the Awaken Angels.
In recent times, Ireland has emerged as an innovative startup hub. There has been a strategic play by the Irish government in encouraging international tech companies to select Ireland as their European hub given its location between Europe and North America. The strong educational system in combination with career opportunities in the tech sector has produced a skilled workforce, and a rath of tech startups. This supportive environment has led to the rise of several tech unicorns include Intercom, a customer messaging platform, Wayflyer, providing financing to e-commerce businesses and Flipdish, offering digital ordering solutions for the hospitality sector. And let’s not forget that Patrick and John Collison, founders of the Stripe gained their initial insights into entrepreneurship and problem solving at the BT Young Scientist Competition in Ireland.
While Ireland is a great place to launch your start-up and test your ‘product-market-fit’, many startups look to the US for growth due to its larger market, higher investment opportunities, and established startup ecosystem. The US offers easier access to venture capital, particularly in Silicon Valley and New York, where investors are more willing to take risks. Regulations in the US can also be more business-friendly, encouraging expansion. Additionally, the US provides a single language and legal framework, unlike Europe's fragmented markets. Strong networks, potential partnerships, and higher valuations make the US an attractive destination for scaling.
For any startup looking to scale beyond its home market, international trade missions can be invaluable. Recently, I had the opportunity to join a trade mission with the Team from Awaken Angels and Awaken Hub visiting two of the most vibrant innovation hubs in the world: Boston and New York. The mission was attended by 15 innovative female-led start-ups in the SaaS, MedTech and health product sectors from across the island of Ireland. In this blog I’ll highlight some of my learnings on the opportunities, challenges, and critical factors that can determine a startups success in entering the US market.
Ease of Travel from Ireland
One of the first things that struck me was how well-connected Ireland is to the East Coast of the US. Direct flights from Dublin (and Shannon) to both Boston and New York make travel relatively straightforward. The pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon Airports are a game-changer, allowing passengers to go through US immigration before departure. This means landing in the US as a domestic traveller, avoiding long queues and delays.
I found the flight costs to be reasonable when compared to some European destinations. A return ticket can range from €400 to over €1,000, depending on the season and level of flexibility needed. If you're planning a trip, early booking is key to keeping travel costs manageable. I found travelling between cities and states within the US equally easy, with low-cost train options for the cost conscious founder.
Cost of Accommodation
Once in the US, one of the most significant expenses—especially for startups on a budget—is accommodation. Both Boston and New York are notoriously expensive, with even modest hotels often exceeding €300 per night. Short-term rental options like Airbnb can sometimes offer better value, but pricing remains steep. On this trade mission, we managed to keep the cost low by grouping together and using self-catering apartments, which also helped to keep food costs to a minimum. It can be helpful to travel with a few start-ups in the same sector, helping to share costs between each company and making arranging meetings within the sector somewhat easier. It also provides great learning opportunities with shared knowledge.
Government Support via Trade Offices
One of the biggest advantages for Irish startups entering the US market is the level of support available through organisations like Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the local Irish Consulates. Enterprise Ireland has a strong presence in both Boston and New York, offering everything from market intelligence to office space through initiatives like their 'Landing Pad' program.
During the trade mission, EI representatives facilitated introductions to key stakeholders, investors, and potential customers. This kind of soft landing is invaluable, particularly when navigating regulatory and cultural differences. It is important to remember that while government agencies can support new market entry, the ‘heavy lifting’ will always be shouldered by the start-up itself. We found the ecosystem works best when we had a specific introduction request. Additionally, there may also be some funding available from your local agency for such a trade mission/feasibility study.
Number of Startup Events for Tech Companies
Both Boston and New York are bustling with startup events, meetups, and networking opportunities. Boston, home to MIT and Harvard, has a particularly strong deep-tech and biotech ecosystem. I’d highly recommend signing up for the Venture Café that runs every Thursday in Cambridge and brings together founders, Angel Investors and VCs (https://venturecafecambridge.org/connect/). Events like the MIT Enterprise Forum, Techstars Demo Days, and local VC networking sessions provide valuable opportunities for startups to showcase their businesses and connect with potential investors or partners. I’d suggest singing up for some of these events to complement your business meetings, helping to maximise the investment in time and money for the trade mission.
New York, with its sheer scale and diversity, is a powerhouse for fintech, SaaS, and consumer tech startups. Events like the New York Tech Meetup, the SaaStr Annual Conference (held nearby in California but with East Coast spin-offs), and various accelerator demo days ensure that startups can find an event suited to their sector. We found that The Knowledge Shops’ newsletter (https://www.foundereventsnyc.com/) was one of the easiest ways of finding out about upcoming events so we could add these to our itinerary. Attending these events is crucial—not just for pitching, but for learning from those who have already navigated the challenges of scaling a business in the US.
The Importance of Local Networks
Never underestimate the effect of a warm introduction. While trade missions open many doors, success in a new market ultimately depends on building and nurturing local networks. The US business culture is heavily relationship-driven. Establishing trust and credibility takes time, and being physically present—rather than just relying on remote connections—makes a huge difference. While there are many options to do this such as employing a local representative or partnering with a local distributor, there is a real expectation that the CEO or another C-Suite team member will base themselves in the US while they service that market.
Boston and New York both have strong Irish-American business communities that can be incredibly supportive. Groups like the Irish International Business Network (IIBN) and the New York Digital Irish provide valuable introductions, mentorship, and even investment opportunities. Engaging with these networks early can help reduce some of the challenges encounter in the early days of landing in a new territory.
And remember, the best relationships are built upon the theory that ‘givers- gain’. If your approach to networking is based solely on asks for your starts, you will find that the networks slowly close their doors. Statistically, people who offer help and support to others, find that their kindness is returned multiple times.
Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead for travel and accommodation costs. While flights are accessible, accommodation in Boston and New York can be expensive, so booking early or considering alternative options can save money.
- Take full advantage of startup events. Whether in Boston or New York, there is no shortage of opportunities to network, pitch, and learn from experienced founders and investors.
- Leverage government support, from introductions to potential clients to office space and funding advice.
- Build strong local networks. Success in the US is as much about who you know as what you do. Irish business groups and networking organisations are valuable allies for making key connections. Connect with other start-up founders who have already made that leap and learn from their insights and experiences.
- Follow-up with connections made and remember to thank those who have helped with an introduction.
Final Thoughts
Participating in this trade mission has reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and strategic networking when entering a new market. The US offers immense opportunities, but it also requires commitment, patience, and the ability to build relationships on the ground. For Irish startups ready to take that step, the support structures are in place to help make the transition smoother and more successful. We’re at the beginning of our journey with ITUS Protect. The US is a key target market for ITUS Protect, so we’ll be starting to build out those networks and create new relationships in Cybersecurity and Cyber Insurance over the next 12 months before we enter that market.
If you're considering scaling to the US, my advice is simple: start planning early, tap into every available support channel, and most importantly—get out there and start meeting people. The right connections can make all the difference in taking your startup from local success to international growth.
