Being in the US is a privilege

Being in the U.S. as a startup founder, especially in tech and as an immigrant, feels like a true privilege. The support here—from the ease of starting a business, registering it, opening a bank account, to signing contracts—is remarkable.

The structure of this country actively encourages entrepreneurship, with tax incentives and systems designed to support new businesses.

The infrastructure is in place, and culturally, people are inclined to give newcomers or underdogs a chance to prove themselves. If you show your worth, the opportunities only grow.

This supportive culture is one of the things that make the U.S. ideal for those who want to build something of value. In the U.S., entrepreneurship and building a business are seen as honorable pursuits.

The startup and business communities here, including people in positions of influence, offer substantial support. Many who have built successful companies willingly share advice, financial support, and their most valuable asset—their time. All these factors make the U.S., in my opinion, one of the best places to have a startup.

Having previously started a business in India, I can say that the support I've received here is unmatched.

While there are many successful startups and talented people in India, my experience as an immigrant in the U.S. has offered more opportunities.

I imagine it’s even more advantageous for those born and raised here, with access to an ecosystem set up for success.

Moving to the U.S. in my late 20s gave me a special appreciation for the resources and opportunities I’ve found. This gratitude, I believe, is one reason why immigrant entrepreneurs tend to thrive—they truly value what’s available here.

It's a good mindset to appreciate all the opportunities given, and I think it’s unfortunate when people don’t take full advantage of this privilege—not just for startups, but in appreciating the resources, infrastructure, and support provided by the government and communities alike.

To provide context, Xena is working with large organizations, including Fortune 100 companies. It’s challenging to break into such partnerships, but the U.S. culture of giving people chances to grow, trusting in their capabilities, and seeing the value that tech startups bring has made it possible. This aligns with the core idea of capitalism here, which isn’t solely about profit but about building lasting value.

Starting a business is relatively easy, with clear financial structures, tax benefits, and accessible legal support.

Add to this the massive consumer-heavy economy of the U.S.—one of the largest and most desirable markets worldwide, known for its demand and purchasing power—and it’s clear why the country is a global business hub.

All of this has been made possible by cultural values and systems built over decades.

I am a grateful recipient of these benefits and am thankful for the chance to become a U.S. citizen. Despite the years and challenges it took, this opportunity is directly tied to the infrastructure in place.

Starting from scratch with no connections, I’ve been able to build a fantastic network across cities—an experience I consider magical and the essence of pursuing the American dream.

Another aspect I admire about the U.S. is its view on failure. Failure here isn’t necessarily negative; it can even be a mark of honor.

It’s seen as a learning experience, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to overcome challenges. This cultural nuance of accepting failure as a growth step is another reason why so many people thrive and build here.

In summary, it is an absolute privilege to be in the U.S. and to have a platform to pursue your dream of building something from scratch.

Akhil