NJ BASE - International Landing Center

About NJ BASE

NJ BASE is the state's flagship initiative supporting international companies in expanding and growing their business in New Jersey, and across the United States. NJ BASE will combine a collaborative workspace with hands-on programming and market access, enabling international companies to validate their solutions, build commercial pipelines, and establish a strong foothold in the U.S. market.

Led and operated by SOSA, NJ BASE will focus on supporting the growth of participating companies. By connecting participants with genuine demand from New Jersey corporates, investors, and public institutions, SOSA’s model fosters meaningful engagement and creates opportunities for companies to successfully establish and grow their presence in the Garden State.

Requirements

Bootcamp in Madrid

The selected companies will be invited to an in-person launch of the program. During a full-day bootcamp in Madrid on October 9th, the companies will align objectives, refine their U.S. value proposition, and prepare for the San Francisco program.

Two-week intensive immersion program in San Francisco

The in-market immersion, operated by SOSA and local partners, will offer the selected companies a personalized agenda aligned with their U.S. expansion and fundraising goals.

Workshops and strategic content sessions

An array of expert-led sessions will cover U.S. market entry fundamentals, legal and regulatory landscape, go-to-market strategy, how to win over U.S. investors, and other key topics.

Targeted meetings with investors in Silicon Valley

The program will include strategic meetings with VCs, angel networks, and family offices, focused on validating startups' market opportunity, refining their fundraising pitches, and building meaningful relationships.

Connections with key players in the San Francisco tech ecosystem

The immersion program will offer opportunities to meet SF ecosystem leaders, including innovation directors from corporates, accelerators, industry experts, and growth advisors.

Mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs

Founders who have successfully scaled their companies in the U.S. will offer direct insight into the realities of operating and fundraising in Silicon Valley.

Networking opportunities

This program will provide selected startups with a multitude of in-person touch points with key stakeholders in the San Francisco ecosystem, enabling them to build their U.S. contact base and explore commercial, investment, and collaboration opportunities.

Participation in a final Demo Day

During the San Francisco immersion, the selected startups will deliver a 5-minute pitch to a curated audience of investors, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Ongoing support through the Desafía Alumni Network

Upon completion of the program, the founders will connect to a broader community of Spanish startups and international partners, with continued access to resources and visibility.

Requirements

Be an entrepreneur with a technology startup

Have an annual turnover increase of more than 20% year over year (YoY)

Be headquartered and operating primarily out of Spain

No previous participation in a Desafía San Francisco Program

Have full professional proficiency in English

Full participation in all program phases, including the in-person Program Launch in Madrid (October 9th), the Virtual Program, and the entire two-week San Francisco Immersion (November 10-21st)

NJ BASE is an initiative of:

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the state’s principal agency for driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. NJEDA supports businesses of all sizes through financing and incentives, invests in innovation and manufacturing, advances real estate and community development, and works with partners across government, academia, and industry to create high-quality jobs and a stronger, more competitive New Jersey.

Learn more at njeda.com

This center is operated by:

SOSA is a global open innovation company that connects governments, corporations, and tech companies through a range of accelerator and market entry programs. From two day bootcamps to six month accelerators, SOSA delivers tailored initiatives that help companies navigate new markets and scale internationally. With offices in New York, São Paulo, and Tel Aviv, and partnerships across Europe, Asia, and North America, SOSA supports the global exchange of innovation.

For more information, visit sosa.co

Elan Fox, Senior Program Manager

Dani Forman, Associate Partner