StepOne is structured to operate as your “one-stop-shop” for entering the US, meaning we do everything from evaluating your business’s potential for expansion into the US, to actually executing the transition with you.
The process breaks down as follows:
Step 1 – Assessment
We believe in each client that we take on, and so we tie our success to your success. Therefore, we must be highly selective, only working with clients whom we feel possess outstanding potential. Only by raising the bar to a very high level can we consistently present our clients to top-tier venture capitalists and other exclusive partners in Silicon Valley and Europe. Because we consistently bring them such high quality companies, they treat our clients as high priority firms with whom to meet.
The application process for becoming a StepOne client depends on the stage of your company. We usually only work with companies that have already accomplished some degree of success, such as having a well-received product already launched or being cashflow positive. That said, we do occasionally consider early-stage companies with extremely high market potential.
We focus on the following sectors:
- Information Technology
- Cleantech
- Internet
- Life Sciences
Without exception, we only work with firms that:
- Are able to operate primarily in English once in the US
- Possess, in our judgment, an excellent fit with the US market
Our assessment begins with us speaking to you, your executive team, and domain experts familiar with your company’s category. We tour your office (if you have one), explore your product or idea, speak with your customers (if you have any), and rigorously analyze your business model and plan. All the while, we gauge your potential for US expansion, as well as the fit between your particular needs and the value that we can add.
Step 2 – Proposal
If both parties decide to work together, we present you with a full proposal, spelling out exactly what our roles and responsibilities will be, our compensation structure, and the metrics we will use to measure our success.
No two firms are alike. Some require a lot of assistance while others only require help in one or two specific areas. Whatever your situation, we custom tailor an approach that is exactly what you need to succeed in the US.
Step 3 – You Become Our Client
If you accept our proposal, then we begin working for you. The work breaks down into two phases.
Phase I – Preparation
During the Preparation Phase, we:
- Revisit your business plan, improve upon it, “Americanize” it (adapt it for expansion into the US), and package it for presentation to funding sources in both Spain and Silicon Valley. This is performed by our Madrid office.
- Assist you in raising capital from Spanish-based funding sources, if appropriate.
- Conduct cultural training sessions designed to prepare you for meeting, interacting, and working with US businesses.
- Help define a US strategy that is right for you- this includes identifying goals, analyzing the steps needed to achieve those goals, and creating metrics for success.
- Host a quick visit to Silicon Valley for your executive team. The trip includes meetings with our Silicon Valley office, relevant experts, and logistics-oriented vendors (such as accountants and lawyers), as well as tours of San Francisco. If your business model necessitates a visit to another city, we can help organize this as well.
- Optionally, you may take a short Executive Education course conducted by one of the top US business schools (such as Harvard Business School). In addition to the world-class education that you will receive, you will benefit from all the contacts you will have made with fellow students.
Phase II – Implementation
During the Implementation Phase, the real work of expanding your business into the US begins. Depending on your particular needs, this may range from just one to all of the types of assistance that we can provide, including connecting you to Silicon Valley venture capital providers; introducing you to potential partners, customers, key hires, advisors, or other specialists; or providing procurement and logistical support for all of the tactical items required to execute the day-to-day components of your expansion plans, such as lining up visas, office space, lawyers, accountants, recruiters, PR firms, etc. (See our Partners page for a more complete list.)
We continue helping you, doing whatever it takes to make you succeed, as defined by the performance metrics outlined in our proposal, such as success in raising capital, relocating your business, or hitting certain revenue goals.
The most important thing to understand is that we will do what it takes to make you succeed. We are your partner in this. Remember, we exist for one reason only: We’re here to help you succeed in the US.
Read about our team.