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Mastering the Away Game

How Emerging European startups
thrive in the Bay Area

The Bay Area is a destination for those looking to access blue-ocean markets and build category-defining companies, though it comes with its own challenges.
Through our experience with 50 companies transitioning from Emerging Europe to the Bay Area and raising over $3 billion, we’ve gained valuable insights into what it takes to succeed.
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Mastering the Away Game Series

Chapter 1: Going Global from Day One - Why Start with the US?

Founders operating in newly emerging categories should establish a US presence from the start, ideally from the Bay Area. From securing design partners to accessing enterprise tech budgets and VC funding, the US can unlock significant growth potential.

However, if you’re in a mature, highly competitive market, targeting the U.S. from day one might not be the right move for every business. Our first chapter will explore the reasons why.

Chapter I: Going Global from Day One - Why Start with the US?

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During Plum’s first three years, we considered entering the US, but given the intense competition, it didn’t make sense. Instead, we focused on growth in the UK and then expanded across Europe, with phenomenal results.
Victor Trokoudes
Plum

Move from the start

Startups aiming to target the US from day one should establish a physical presence there. Being on the ground is essential to secure key early customers and funding, so the founding team must relocate. However, this brings its own challenges—starting with a multi-office setup, navigating time zone differences, and maintaining a cohesive company culture.
“I spent most of my time in the U.S., staying close to customers and investors, while managing the product and tech team based in Türkiye. Although this setup was challenging at first, it ultimately paid off, giving us a competitive edge.
Kaan Gunay
Firefly

Tap the right funding circles early on!

VC funding is sparse in most emerging markets, but Emerging Europe faces a unique challenge: funding beyond pre-seed and seed is virtually non-existent, but for a good reason! 90%+ of all funding in Emerging Europe came from outside, with the US leading.

$3b+

Raised by portfolio companies in the US

75%

Raised initial funding from US

9

Joined Y Combinator in the past 2 years

Join our events!

We’ve been throwing events to connect amazing talent and founders in our network ever since we launched our Bay Area office.
Event Calendar
Looking back, we secured our first $2M ARR through your events! That milestone played a key role in helping us raise our Series A immediately afterward.
Görkem Yurtseven
fal

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