Born and raised in Kyrgyzstan, I have always been fascinated by the power of technology and its potential to transform lives. This fascination led me to pursue a career in software development, where my true passion lies not only in creating software, but also in bringing these solutions to market.

In 2007, together with some friends, I embarked on a journey to create a software company. However, we realized that the domestic market in Kyrgyzstan, with its population of only about seven million, was too small to support our ambitions. We needed it think globally to achieve our predicted success and it became clear that the US market was our best shot. Here's how I started my business in the US from abroad.

1. Choosing the right market

After committing market researchwe decided to create and sell classifieds software scripts, pre-built solutions that enable online entrepreneurs to create classifieds websites similar to Craigslist. Although the business showed initial promise, it eventually stalled. I didn't see this as a failure, but as a lesson. He underlined the importance of choosing the right market with stable demand. In 2008, I turned to job board software, which I believed had more promise.

The US has many distinct job boards, each requiring specialized solutions, and I saw an opportunity to cater to this market. Within a few months, I hired several developers and they developed the software based on my instructions. We landed our first customers and our new business started to take off.

Recommendation: Be prepared to rotate when necessary. Choose a market that has potential and matches your expertise and long term vision. Don't be afraid to adjust your focus as you learn more about your market's needs.

Related: Your business will not grow until you address these 3 leadership blind spots

2. Incorporating your business in the US

One of the first steps in establishing credibility in the American market was to incorporate the company in the U.S. Fortunately; this was relatively simple, thanks to the many firms that offer incorporation services and offer virtual addresses for a small fee. This process is even more effective today, with companies like Tape offering services specifically designed to help overseas startups establish US entities.

Recommendation: Incorporate your business in the USA to gain credibility with customers and partners. Use modern services that simplify this process, allowing you to focus on growing your business instead of spending time on administrative tasks.

3. Navigating banking challenges

Running a business in the US is also required a US business bank accountwhich turned out to be a significant challenge in 2008. No bank was willing to open an online account for a non-US business owner, so in 2010, I had to travel to the US to open the account my first.

Fortunately, things have changed since then, with some banks now offering the ability to open accounts remotely for overseas business owners. Mercury Bankfor example, it has become a leader in this space, making it easier for entrepreneurs to run a US-based business from anywhere in the world.

Recommendation: Secure a US bank account as soon as possible, as it will be essential for handling transactions, paying taxes and establishing a financial presence at select US banks that cater to international entrepreneurs and provide services of remote account configuration and management.

4. Balancing operational efficiency and growth

For a while, I enjoyed the benefits of low operating and living costs in Kyrgyzstan while earning income from the US market. However, as the business grew, so did he the requirements of our customers. More clients required regular phone calls and video meetings, which became increasingly inconvenient due to time zone changes. Additionally, we saw an opportunity to expand by catering to associations and government organizations, which often prefer to work with vendors they can meet in person. This required me to attend various events and conferences in the US, something that was almost impossible when I lived in Kyrgyzstan.

Recommendation: As your business grows, prepare reappraise your operational model. Consider the importance of proximity to your market, especially if your customers value face-to-face interactions. If necessary, be open to relocation to better serve your customers.

5. Making a move to the US

By 2020, it became clear that in order to take my company to the next level, I needed to move to the U.S. Fortunately, the U.S. government offers several visa options for entrepreneurs. of E-2 Treaty Investor Visa was more appropriate for my situation, allowing me to live and work in the US as long as I maintained an active business that employed at least two US workers and received a significant capital investment.

To meet these criteria, I hired an American lawyer to help me prepare my application. Given the success of the business over the years, getting approval was not challenging. In 2023, my family and I moved to the U.S. Since our company operates remotely, we could choose where to live.

We chose Boulder, Colorado, a city that felt familiar because of the mountainous setting, similar to what we were used to in Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, Boulder's proximity to Denver International Airport made it convenient for me to travel to conferences and meetings across the country.

Recommendation: If your business growth requires a US presence, explore the visa options that best suit your situation. Hire a qualified immigration attorney to navigate the process and ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.

6. The importance of resilience

The move to the US has been a game changer for my company. It has allowed us to establish the company as the leading provider of AI-powered compliance and job board software for organizations. We have been able to bring together some of our biggest clients to date. This level of growth would have been difficult to achieve when operating solely from Kyrgyzstan, and we have even bigger plans for the future.

Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, ENDURANCE stands out as a key lesson. From the early days in Kyrgyzstan to establishing a significant presence in the US, my company's evolution has been marked by learning, adapting and strategic thinking. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, move when necessary and keep moving forward has been the driving force behind our success.

Recommendation: Sustainability is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs. Embrace change, deeply understand your market and continuously improve your business strategy. These qualities will help you overcome challenges and build a thriving business.

Starting a US-focused business from abroad is more feasible today than ever before. With the right approach and determination, it is possible to build a successful business that transcends boundaries and significantly impacts your chosen industry. I hope my journey will inspire other entrepreneurs to take the opportunity and advance their ventures. With persistence and a clear strategy, you can turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality, no matter where you start.