Indian AI startups are pursuing the US market for capital and customers, but winning the first customers and meeting US compliance expectations remain hard, according to a Business Standard report by Udisha Srivastava dated 26 October 2026. Spectate Media has not seen the programme data behind the figures and relies on that report, in which the investors describe their own programmes.
What makes it hard
US enterprises usually want a track record before they sign a new vendor. Ashish Bhatia, founder of India Accelerator, said the first two or three customers are the hardest to win. Founders also face higher security and compliance expectations, expensive US sales hiring, visa friction and a lack of trusted local contacts on pricing, legal structures and investor introductions.
What the programmes report
Antler India launched Embark in May 2025. More than 50 startups have taken part across four editions, including over 15 from India. According to Raghav Goyal, its director of investments, 75% now have paying US customers or active pilots, over half have raised their next round and almost 50% have moved to the US, through steps such as flipping holding companies to US entities and obtaining O-1 visas. Startups that moved headquarters include Dodge, KuboCare, Nudge and Aina. All In Capital launched its Golden Ticket programme in January 2026 and received more than 750 applications in the first 10 days, aiming to choose 20 to 30. Its portfolio includes Vasuki AI, Tross and Mowito AI, which opened a Detroit office.
Not everyone moves
Some firms keep engineering in India and build US sales teams. A few reversed their moves because customers or teams were better served in India, according to Antler's Jasnoor Gill.
What founders and investors should note
Three points. First, the figures come from the programmes' own investors. Second, the report gives no data on startups outside such programmes. Third, relocation is one option among several.
Source: Business Standard, 26 October 2026. This is a summary of a news report, published as general information. It is not legal, tax or investment advice.
This article is journalism and commentary. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security, and it is not professional advice. Read the full disclaimer.
