Do not build your US market on assumptions.
Build the customer focus, positioning and go to market plan your startup needs to enter or grow in the US.
A six week virtual program for international startups preparing for US entry and startups already operating in the US that need a stronger go to market approach.
The US changes the questions.
A strong product and traction at home do not automatically translate into US market success. Before entering or investing further in the market, your startup needs six clear answers.
Is this the right time?
Which segment should you focus on first?
Who is the real buyer?
Why should they choose you?
How will you reach them?
What must happen in your first 90 days?
From market ambition to market readiness.
Readiness Diagnostic
Assess your product, traction, team, resources and current US assumptions.
Market Reality
Understand the market, competitive environment and conditions required to compete.
Customer Focus
Define the first segment, ideal customer and buying committee to pursue.
US Positioning
Translate your value proposition into a clear and relevant US market narrative.
Go to Market
Design the sales motion, validation plan and early market priorities.
Operating Readiness
Identify the setup, resources, partners and risks that must be resolved for effective execution.
US Market Plan
Turn the decisions into a focused roadmap for your first 90 days.
Built through working sessions, not lectures.
Decisions your team can act on.
Ready to test your plan in the market?
Startups that complete US Market Readiness can apply for two focused market access packages.
Curated investor conversations.
Meet investors whose stage, sector and investment thesis align with your company.
- Investor fit and fundraising review
- Target investor identification
- Pitch and meeting preparation
- Curated outreach and introductions
- Five one on one virtual investor conversations
- Follow up strategy and debrief
Curated customer conversations.
Test your proposition with relevant US buyers, decision makers and innovation leaders.
- Customer and buyer mapping
- Target company identification
- Outreach and meeting preparation
- Five one on one virtual customer conversations
- Market feedback and insight capture
- Follow up and validation plan
These packages are available only after the final readiness review. Every introduction is subject to recipient interest and mutual fit. ZNG does not guarantee investment, sales, pilots or other commercial outcomes.
Built for startups ready to make real decisions.
This program is for startups that:
- Have a working product
- Have early customers or market validation
- Are preparing to enter the US or need to strengthen an existing US go to market approach
- Can involve a founder or senior decision maker
- Are prepared to test and challenge their current assumptions
It is not designed for:
- Idea stage companies
- General market exploration
- Startups seeking only fundraising introductions
Frequently asked questions.
Is the program fully virtual?
Yes. The six week program is delivered entirely online.
Who is the program for?
It is for international startups preparing to enter the US and startups already operating there that need stronger customer focus, positioning, validation or go to market direction.
When should we apply?
Apply 6 to 12 months before entering the US, or after entering if you need to refine your target segment, positioning, validation plan or go to market approach.
What is the time commitment?
The program includes six weekly two hour labs, a one hour diagnostic, two one hour private clinics and a one hour final review. Each lab includes a 30 minute moderated expert Q&A. Total scheduled time is 16 hours. We recommend participation from the founder and one senior team member.
How does the application work?
Applications are reviewed for readiness, US objectives, timing and program fit. Each cohort is limited to up to 20 selected startups.
What is the program fee?
The fee is US$1,000 per startup. It covers the complete program for one founder and one senior team member. Post program access packages are priced separately.
Is the fee refundable?
Fees are non refundable once your place is confirmed and payment is made. If ZNG cancels the program, you may transfer to the next cohort or receive a full refund.
Are investor or customer conversations included?
The core program includes moderated group Q&A sessions with investors, corporate leaders and US market experts. Curated one to one conversations are not included.
Can we access investors or customers after the program?
Eligible startups may select a post program add on:
- US Investor Access: Five curated virtual investor conversations.
- US Customer Validation: Five curated virtual customer conversations.
Connections depend on relevance, availability and mutual interest. Specific organisations, investment, customers or commercial outcomes are not guaranteed.
Still have questions?
Email programs@znationglobal.com or contact us.
Readiness comes before access.
Prepare the strategy.
Meet the market.
Execute and grow.
Investor and customer introductions are not included in the core Readiness program. Eligible startups can add a focused virtual access package after completing their final readiness review.
Know what must be true for your US market to work.
Build the focus, positioning and next 90 day plan before committing more time, team and capital.
Apply for US Market ReadinessApplications are reviewed for program fit.