Israel’s startups are expanding to the U.S.-but hiring and scaling teams here is complex. Here’s how you can overcome the top challenges.

Founders Note: 

When my son Eli moved to Israel last fall, I was very proud-but I also knew I’d need to find ways to bridge the distance between us. After visiting him in December, I turned to LinkedIn and started reaching out to people to learn more about the country’s innovation ecosystem. I was inspired to see so many Israeli startups entering the U.S. market, eager to find partners and talented people to help them grow.

Through these conversations, I’ve seen how resilient and ambitious Israeli founders are and how challenging it can be to hire, retain, and scale teams in a new market.

In this newsletter, I’m sharing key challenges Israeli (and other international) tech companies face when expanding to the U.S.-and practical strategies to help you succeed.

Key Challenges & Solutions for U.S. Expansion

Building U.S. Sales & Business Development Teams

Problem: Competing for customers requires local expertise.

Solution: Proactively network with proven U.S. sales talent via LinkedIn, events, and referrals.

Remote Recruitment & Cultural Fit

Problem: Assessing candidates’ communication and cultural fit is tough from abroad.

Solution: Use behavioral interviews focused on adaptability and experience with new-to-U.S. startups.

Retention & Onboarding

Problem: Effective onboarding is crucial for retention amid global competition.

Solution: Invest in structured onboarding, mentorship, and clear growth paths from day one.

Geopolitical & Perception Risks

Problem: Global events can affect candidate interest and hiring timelines.

Solution: Clearly communicate your mission, values, and resilience to build trust.

Legal & Regulatory Hurdles

Problem: U.S. employment law is complex and varies by state.

Solution: Work with compliance experts to ensure you meet all legal and payroll obligations.

Founder Framework: Keys to a Great U.S. Expansion

• Market Access First: Prioritize customer-facing roles-especially sales and BD-to accelerate traction.
• Leverage Local Networks: Don’t just post jobs-actively build relationships with people who know your target market.
• Culture Matters: Invest in onboarding and integration to bridge cultural gaps and retain top talent.
• Transparency Builds Trust: Be open about your mission and the unique value you bring as an international company.
• Stay Agile: U.S. regulations and market conditions change-review your compliance and hiring strategies regularly.