Location decisions for early stage startups are typically more complex for capital intensive, venture-backed firms. The United States has many of the conditions needed to launch new ventures: stable capital markets, a large venture capital sector, federal support for research, and development, well-established infrastructure, access to human capital, including world-class scientists and skilled manufacturing labor, proximity to a set of end users with a willingness and ability to pay for goods and services, and, a strong rule of law.

With these changes, you will likely see more examples of truly multinational startups emerging. Saphlux, which recently launched in Connecticut, is one such startup. The company was co-founded by Professor Jung Han of the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Dr. Chen Chen, a Yale School of Management graduate. Early stage R&D at the company was conducted in Yale University labs under the supervision of Professor Han. As the company has grown, the founders have developed partnerships with Chinese multinational corporations and the Chinese government. They have manufacturing facilities in the United States and China. They have received investment from US- and China-based venture capitalists and corporate venture arms, as well as government support from the United States and China. The core R&D for the firm is in Connecticut, due to the proximity to the primary scientific staff, while the manufacturing operations that will enable the company to produce product at scale are being developed in China. As it becomes easier for corporations to operate across country lines, it is likely that we will see more ventures pursuing a similar path.