Entering the U.S.
For companies beginning their U.S. expansion, we help define positioning and adapt messaging and marketing to the expectations of the local market.
How we help
Strategic marketing consultancy
Clear strategy. Across markets, growth, and AI.
We help companies expand into and out of the U.S., develop focused go-to-market strategies, and create AI Brand Books that make their brands easier for people and AI to understand.
Based in Cambridge, MALed by two international marketers20+ years international expertise
Who we help
Strategic expertise for your next stage of growth
Whether you are entering the U.S., strengthening an existing position, or taking your business into new international markets, we meet you at your stage of expansion.
Growing in the U.S.
For businesses operating in the U.S., we provide strategic marketing expertise to support an existing team or act as a strategic partner when there is no team in place.
How we helpExpanding into Europe and beyond
For U.S. companies pursuing international growth, we bring market-focused marketing expertise that complements existing marketing and international business teams.
How we helpHow we help
Three strategic pillars for what comes next.
Market Entry, Growth Marketing, and AI Brand Book connect commercial ambition to a clear, usable strategy.
01
Market Entry
Enter your next market with a clear strategy.
We help international companies enter the U.S. and support American businesses expanding into Europe and beyond. From market prioritization and positioning to adaptation and localization, we shape a marketing approach that fits your next market.
Explore this service02
Growth Marketing
Turn opportunity into a focused go-to-market strategy.
We help companies clarify whom to target, what value to communicate, and how to reach the market. We connect positioning, channels, and marketing priorities in a practical strategy for growth.
Explore this service03
AI Brand Book
Define your brand clearly for people and AI.
We translate your brand strategy into a structured reference that helps your teams and AI tools understand who you are, whom you serve, what makes you different, and how to represent your brand consistently.
Explore this serviceLoop Marketing
From strategy to continuous improvement.
Your brand and market keep evolving. Through Loop Marketing, we audit how your brand is represented, identify gaps between your intended positioning and observed perceptions, and improve the content and signals that communicate your brand. We repeat the process to assess progress and guide the next adjustments.
- 01
Define
- 02
Activate
- 03
Observe
- 04
Improve
- 05
Repeat
The AI Brand Book establishes the reference point. Loop Marketing uses it to evaluate and improve brand representation over time.
Explore ongoing supportSelected client work
Helping international companies enter the U.S.
Byewaste
Supporting Byewaste's U.S. market entry
Circular economy and textile technology
KVD announced its engagement to support Byewaste's U.S. market entry and go-to-market strategy.
Read moreGradyent
Supporting Gradyent's expansion into the U.S.
Energy technology and software
KVD announced its engagement to support Gradyent's U.S. market entry and go-to-market strategy.
Read morebiotactical
A strategic marketing partnership for biotactical's U.S. expansion
Biotechnology and life sciences
biotactical announced a strategic marketing partnership with KVD to support bringing its rapid microbial detection technology to the U.S. market.
Read moreHow we work with you
International perspective. Close collaboration.
We work closely with business leaders, marketing teams, and international business teams to connect commercial ambitions with a clear marketing strategy. Whether you need an external strategic partner or additional international expertise, we tailor our support to your team and your stage of expansion.
Start the conversation- 01
Understand
We get to the real commercial question behind your expansion and challenge assumptions with market evidence.
- 02
Adapt
We turn insight into positioning and marketing that fits the expectations of your target market.
- 03
Activate
We align teams, partners, and plans so the strategy performs beyond the boardroom.
About KVD
Based in Cambridge. International in outlook.
KVD is a strategic marketing consultancy led by two international marketers and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We help companies enter new markets, develop go-to-market strategies, and define their brands for people and AI.
Marketing strategy
Nathalie van Doorne
15+ years in strategic brand management, digital marketing and business development across global markets.
Market entry
Wilbert Kragten
20+ years in international marketing and business, and author of a practical playbook for U.S. market entry.
Our founding story
From Dutch bicycles to business strategy.
KVD began with a shared bicycle ride in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After moving from the Netherlands, Wilbert and Nathalie connected through cycling—and conversations about international marketing, business growth, and the challenges of entering new markets.
Those conversations became Kragten & Van Doorne Consultancy: a partnership combining their experience in brand strategy and market entry to help companies enter and grow in the U.S., and support American businesses expanding internationally.
Synfiny
International expertise. New England connections.
KVD is part of the Synfiny network, supporting its business development efforts in New England. From our base in Cambridge, Massachusetts, we help build regional relationships and identify opportunities to connect businesses with the network’s expertise.
This role brings together our international marketing perspective and our presence in the New England business community.
Insights & perspectives
The book, the thinking, and where you can meet us.
The marketing playbook
Mastering the Marketing Entry in the United States
A strategic blueprint for European firms, with ten market-entry steps, more than 25 case studies and practical tools.
Explore the book Strategic marketing insights
Perspectives on international marketing
Explore our latest observations on positioning, market entry, and international growth on LinkedIn.
Read our perspectives on LinkedIn Speaking & events
U.S. market entry at Invest in Resilience
Wilbert Kragten presented on U.S. market entry for medtech and digital health companies at Invest International's event.
Read the recap See events and updates CMOtalk USA
Transatlantic marketing conversations
Conversations with marketing leaders on both sides of the Atlantic about brands, markets, AI, and growth.
Explore CMOtalk USAYour next market
Let’s discuss your growth plans.
Entering the U.S., strengthening your marketing, or expanding internationally? Tell us what you want to achieve and where you need strategic support.
Talk to KVD