Helping Global Companies Thrive in the U.S. Healthcare Market
Our U.S. Market Gateway Accelerator provides the strategic guidance, expert mentorship, and ecosystem networks needed for global startups to thrive in the competitive U.S. healthcare landscape. It is our strong foundation of learning and community collaboration that accelerates our cohort startups’ growth.
Our Impact
83
# of Graduates
$285M+
Funding Raised
4
# of Exits
10
# of FDA Approvals
22
# of Participating Countries
What To Expect
12 online training sessions with experts and investors
Six 1-on-1 online mentoring sessions with industry leaders and investors
Introductions to hospitals, medical centers across the U.S.
Pitch to network of life sciences and medtech investors
Experience immersion into one of the greatest life sciences ecosystems
Attend the U.S. Market Gateway Accelerator Showcase
Fall 2025: September 8 - October 30, 2025
8-week Hybrid Program
How Our Accelerator Works
Entering the U.S. market brings both enormous opportunity and unique challenges. To gain traction quickly, international Life Science and MedTech companies need more than ambition—they need expert guidance, proven strategies, and the right connections. That’s exactly what the U.S. Market Gateway Accelerator delivers.
The hybrid program is structured into four focused online modules—Legal Aspects, U.S. Healthcare, Operations in the U.S., and Fundraising & Business Communication—delivered through 12 interactive sessions. Every session is led by seasoned experts offering practical insights you can act on immediately—never generic advice or infomercials.
Alongside group learning, each company receives six one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry leaders and investors. These tailored conversations go deeper into your strategy, identify blind spots, and open doors to valuable new contacts.
The accelerator culminates with an in-person, two-day deep dive in Philadelphia’s ecosystem. On the first day, companies take part in an Industry Showcase, meeting leaders from academia, industry, government, and hospital systems. On the second day, founders pitch their companies to a panel of angel and venture capital investors, building the relationships that can accelerate U.S. entry and growth.
Statistically, only one in five international companies succeeds in U.S. expansion. Our alumni double those odds, with many securing funding, partnerships, and long-term U.S. growth.
Module 1: Legal Aspects
Incorporation – Learn how U.S. company structures align with investor expectations.
IP Protection – Understand how U.S. IP strategy differs from other global systems.
Immigration – Navigate founder and key staff visas to support expansion.
Module 2: U.S. Healthcare
Reimbursement Strategies – Understand how payers drive adoption.
Regulatory Issues – Gain access to information about what U.S. agencies require to reach the market.
Marketing to Patients, Providers, and Payers – Tailor your approach to each key stakeholder group.
Module 3: Operations in the U.S.
Finding & Hiring Talent – Build the right team for U.S. growth.
Site Selection & R&D Credits – Choose locations that maximize incentives.
Banking, Accounting & Taxation – Learn the ins and outs of structuring finances across borders.
Module 4: Fundraising and Business Communication
Cultural Differences – Avoid missteps when working with U.S. partners.
Investor Expectations – Understand what American investors look for before funding.
Sources of Funding & Pitch Structure – Target the right capital and communicating effectively.
What Makes A Great Candidate?
You are considering or ready to expand to the U.S. market.
Your team is actively exploring U.S. entry and prepared to commit resources toward market expansion.
You have demonstrated traction outside of the U.S.
Whether through clinical trials, paying customers, partnerships, or IP milestones, you’ve validated your solution in your home market or other regions.
You have the financial capacity to support expansion.
Your company has secured sufficient funding—or is in an active fundraising process—to pursue U.S. market entry and sustain growth.
Founder Feedback: In Their Own Words
The impact of our work extends far beyond the eight weeks of the program. Our global community of investors, partners, mentors, and graduates brings our cohort participants a rich landscape of perspectives, resources, and insights in real-time. See what some of our incredible graduates have to say about the Accelerator experience - in their own words.
"Participating in the World Up Start Accelerator has been instrumental in helping Wide Therapy navigate the complexities of entering the US market as an international company, offering crucial guidance in building our presence and establishing strong connections within the US healthcare landscape."
- Rinat Hitelman, Co-Founder & Clinical Director, Wide Therapy
"Love this accelerator! You rock! Keep on with the great work!"
- Guy Altagar, CEO & Co-Founder, Unlimited Robotics
"The WorldUpStart Accelerator has been a fantastic experience, full of great insights!! I strongly recommend this to any startup looking to penetrate the US market!"
- Greta Preatoni, CEO & Co-Founder, MYNERVA