We Exist to Help International Companies Succeed in America
1st Foot USA Inc. is a strategic consulting firm dedicated to helping companies from around the world enter, establish, and grow in the United States.
Our Mission
We believe every ambitious international company deserves a fair shot at the American market. Too many promising businesses stumble not because their product isn't good enough, but because they lack the local knowledge, networks, and operational guidance to navigate a complex new market. That's why we exist.
1st Foot USA was founded to bridge the gap between international ambition and American opportunity. We combine deep hands-on experience in U.S. business operations with a genuine understanding of what it means to be an outsider looking in. From your first market assessment to your first American customer, we are with you every step of the way.
Our Values
Integrity
We provide honest, data-driven recommendations - even when it means advising against market entry.
Partnership
Your success is our success. We're committed to long-term relationships built on trust and results.
Excellence
We deliver work of the highest quality, combining strategic rigor with practical execution.
Serial entrepreneur and product executive with 20+ years of hands-on experience building and scaling companies in the U.S. market. Co-founded and successfully exited two American startups, including a mobile VoIP telecommunications company that expanded operations across 18 countries. Has personally navigated entity formation, regulatory compliance, team building, and international expansion - from seed stage through acquisition.
Previously held VP of Product roles at global fintech and blockchain companies, where he led cross-functional teams, managed P&L, and drove market entry strategies across North America, Europe, and Asia. Deep expertise spanning go-to-market strategy, operations management, fundraising, investor relations, and building high-performance teams in complex regulatory environments.
Specializes in helping international companies - from startups to established enterprises - successfully establish and scale their American operations. Based in Houston, Texas, with an extensive local and international network. Mikael holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and Philosophy from Copenhagen Business School and multiple certifications in product management and artificial intelligence.
