The Programme
Rainmaking Expand: United States is a market entry programme for startups and SMEs looking to expand and de-risk entry into the American Eastern Seaboard. We do this by collaboratively working with your company to strategically validate the best method for your business to enter into the United States via New York and support the execution by connecting and building commercial opportunities.
Companies in the programme will go through three phases, adapted to your specific needs, readiness and schedule. We do this because we understand that market expansion cannot be timeboxed and can vary between each company. In the programme, you and your team will work closely with an Expand Lead—who will guide your overall development and expansion—as well as a Partnerships Lead—who will connect you to our broader network in-market to generate strong business leads and support your expansion with the goal to achieve commercial success.
Programme Timeline
The programme is cohortless with regular onboarding. We will be accepting companies like yours into the programme every month, allowing for flexible and dynamic approaches to the American market, which is inline with both your company plans and with the opportunities discovered in-market.
Startups and SMEs who join this programme will go through three phases: Go-To-Market Review, Go-To-Market Execution and Post-Programme Support. The time spent in Phase 1 and Phase 2 will depend on your timeline, market readiness and identified opportunities. After connecting with various commercial leads and making progress towards commercial agreements in Phase 2, companies are able to access 18 months of post-programme support in Phase 3.
Phase 1
Go-To-Market Review: De-Risk Your Market Entry
This phase focuses on working with your company to identify a clear understanding of the market potential for your business in New York and validate your market entry.
The process for this is tailored for every company as we recognise that no two market entry strategies are the same.
Therefore we will adapt the process to your unique situation while also utilising our proven methodology to:
- Identify assumptions on the business model
- (re)Define the customer segments and the value proposition best suited to them
- Master a clear presentation for New York
This phase can take 1 – 2 months to complete.
Phase 2
Go-To-Market Execution: Validate Commercial Opportunities
This phase focuses on the execution of the Go-To-Market strategy. During this phase, we focus on connecting with key players within New York and developing relationships with potential partners.
You can expect us to collaborate and navigate introductions which can lead to commercial outcomes while also:
- Confirming and executing the expansion strategy
- Generating high value market counterpart introductions
- Creating high potential opportunities
- Achieving concrete commercial engagements
This phase can take 2 – 6 months to complete.
Phase 3
Post-Programme Support: Commercial Engagement Development
After completing Phase 1 and 2, your company will move into Phase 3 which focuses on post-programme support. Phase 3 consists of regular check-ins and ad-hoc business introductions when we identify new potential leads in relation to your business needs.
In order to maximise your success in New York, this post-programme support is tailored to your needs and requirements.
This phase is available for 18 months after the completion of Phase 2.
Selection Process
Application
This programme is cohortless, and has regular onboarding. Applications are open throughout the year, allowing startups and SME’s to apply and join the programme at the timing that best suites you.
This programme will be opening for applications soon. If you are interested in joining, or considering market expansion please register your interest below to meet our team and discuss your expansion.
Interview
If your application passes the initial stages, you’ll be invited to an online call for further review. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the programme, and for us to better understand how we might support your expansion goals.
Internal Review
Upon completing the interview, our team internally reviews your company and your expansion plans for New York.
Agreement Review
Upon a successful selection for the programme, we work with you to decide the best timing for your entry into the market and enter the agreement process review to align expectations and outcomes for the programme.
Why New York?
High Concentration of Venture Capital and Funding
New York City is home to some of the world’s largest venture capital firms, including Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners, and Andreessen Horowitz. In 2021, Startups in New York raised a record of $32 billion in funding. Companies looking to enter the New York market are able to tap into this extensive network.
Vibrant Startup Ecosystem
New York City is a hub for innovation, boasting a vibrant startup ecosystem that currently measures over 9,000 companies across various industries. The ecosystem is ranked joint second with London, and is valued around $147 billion.
Strong Support for Entrepreneurship
New York is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and has implemented multiple policies to encourage startup growth. Founders in the city can tap into several initiatives such as NYCx, a programme aimed at making the city a hub for emerging technologies, and they NYC Economic Development Corporation, which provides resources and funding to startups.
Proximity to Major Markets
New York City is one of the most densely populated metropolitan areas within the United States, with just under 20 million inhabitants as of 2020. It is home to many fortune 500 companies and has the largest central business district in the world. It is located on the East Coast of the United States, making it easily accessible to major markets in Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. The city is well connected to other major markets in the United States and Canada via its airports and transportation infrastructure.
Global Business Hub
New York city is a global business hub that attracts companies from all over the world. It is home to many multinational corporations and is an ideal location for startups, scaleups and SMEs who are looking for opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.
Diverse Range of Industries
New York City’s diverse range of industries, including finance, fashion, media, and technology, provides startups with endless opportunities to collaborate and innovate. With a talented and diverse workforce, the city is a hub for businesses across various sectors, from manufacturing to R&D, and more. The city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its government and cultural workforce, with efforts to increase representation at the leadership level and address diversity in the arts.
Powered By
Rainmaking is one the world’s most prolific corporate innovation and new venture building studios. We are a global team of over 200 that creates, accelerates, and scales new businesses with the world’s leading corporations and entrepreneurs across 13 offices on 4 continents.
Since 2010, we have run our programmes under the Startupbootcamp (SBC) brand. We are now a global family of 20+ programmes running +90 cycles in partnership with 200+ industry partners across various sectors.
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Apply Now
We are currently preparing to open the applications for this programme. If you are interested in joining this programme, please register your interest in our form below. We will notify you as soon as the applications are open.