For many high-growth tech companies, the US is the next big move—offering access to the world’s largest market, top-tier talent, and abundant funding opportunities. But here’s the catch: scaling into the US without the right setup can feel like a joyride with no clear destination. Compliance, payroll, hiring—where do you even start?
That’s where Emerald Technology and Stratus HR come in. We’re teaming up to make your US expansion frictionless, combining Emerald’s expertise in global hiring and EOR services with Stratus HR’s deep knowledge of US PEO solutions. Together, we provide a seamless, scalable way to hire and grow in the US—without getting bogged down in admin.
Why Stratus HR? Why Now?
More UK and European Tech companies are setting their sights on the US. But with so many PEO providers in the US, why did Emerald choose to partner with Stratus HR?
“Stratus HR stood out as the most human-centric and customer-focused provider, which aligns perfectly with Emerald’s DNA,” says Adam DeSanges, Director at Emerald Technology. “Not only have they supported our own US expansion, but our clients have also found the transition from Emerald to Stratus HR to be seamless.”
EOR vs. PEO – What’s the Difference?
Too many acronyms? Let’s break it down:
- Employer of Record (EOR): A third-party company that legally employs your workforce, handling payroll, taxes, and benefits. Ideal for companies hiring internationally or testing a new market.
- Professional Employer Organization (PEO): A co-employment model where a provider helps manage the transactional aspects of HR while you maintain full control of your employees.
Key Difference: An EOR assumes full legal responsibility for employees, while a PEO creates shared responsibilities for your company and the PEO.
For example, the PEO helps you manage HR, payroll, benefits and compliance while serving as the employer of record for tax and regulatory purposes. However, you maintain control over business operations and employee management. PEO services are only available in the US due to its complex employment laws and tax system.
Fun fact: Over 208K companies in the US work with a PEO to streamline their Human Resources.
Where Are You in Your US Expansion Journey?
We see common patterns when tech companies start thinking about scaling into the US. Does any of this sound familiar?
- Testing the waters – Hiring a contractor or fractional expert to build early traction.
- Jumping all in – Setting up a US entity and figuring it out as you go.
- Seeking investor backing – Connecting with US-based VCs to secure funding and market support.
Each path has its challenges, and this is where many founders hit bottlenecks. That’s where Emerald + Stratus HR can make all the difference.
How This Partnership Helps You Win in the US
Worried about hiring the wrong team or struggling with US compliance? Our approach ensures you stay compliant and competitive from day one.
- Hire your go-to-market team – Build your Sales, Marketing, and Product teams across key US hubs like Silicon Valley, Austin, Denver, and NYC.
- Convert contractors into full-time employees – Transition 1099 contractors to W2 employees to ensure compliance with US tax laws (IRS).
- Outsource HR, payroll & compliance – Scale effortlessly across all 50 states without the headache of local regulations.
- Access our partner ecosystem – Get connected with top US bankers, lawyers, accountants, and VCs to support your growth.
- Provide competitive employee benefits – Offer enterprise-level benefits, including healthcare (the US has no government-funded option), dental, vision, flexible spending, and retirement plans that will help you attract and retain top talent.
Expanding into the US isn’t just about having the capital—it’s about using it wisely. For less than the cost of setting up an entity in the US, you get Emerald + Stratus HR’s strategy, infrastructure and expertise to scale without unnecessary risk.
Let’s make your US expansion seamless. Get in touch today—we’d love to hear about your plans.
