While the venture capital market becomes increasingly global thanks in part to Europe, China, Israel, India, and Canada, the United States remains the leader in venture-backed financing. Although some American venture funds are willing to invest in foreign startups, the lion’s share of U.S. venture funds are not going overseas.

Most U.S. venture capitalists believe ROI from domestic deals will be superior to foreign ones. Investing in a foreign company exposes the U.S. venture fund to a new set of legal rules, compliance issues, and risks, leading to increased uncertainty and transaction costs for the American venture fund. Additionally, trying to replicate typical American VC terms, such as anti-dilution and redemption provisions, can be difficult to accomplish in a foreign market.

Does this mean my international (i.e., Non-U.S.) startup will be shut out from a majority of U.S. venture capital funding or from being acquired by a U.S. company?

Potentially–unless your international startup performs a Delaware Flip Transaction.

What is a “Delaware Flip Transaction?”

A Delaware Flip Transaction is the process of creating an American holding company for an international company. The end result is that the international company will be owned entirely by the new American company. Thus, the U.S. venture fund will invest in the new American company.

What are the mechanics of a Delaware Flip Transaction?

The basic mechanics of a delaware flip transaction is to create a U.S. holding company and insert it above the international company. Next, the shareholders of the international company execute a share-for-share exchange by exchanging their shares of the international company for the shares of the U.S. holding company. (Note that this share-for-share exchange may require some additional legal maneuvering depending on the jurisdiction of the international company. For example, it will likely be necessary to use a “scheme of arrangement” or other court-approved process to accomplish the exchange in the UK and other jurisdictions.)

Why Flip to Delaware?

Delaware provides the most comprehensive set of corporate law in the United States. No matter which American state the venture fund is located in, such a fund will be comfortable with require Delaware law. Additionally, foreign companies are likely most comfortable with Delaware law, as Delaware provides a good neutral ground or “playing field.”

I previously wrote a post about why you should consider incorporating in Delaware here.

Final thoughts on Delaware Flip Transactions

Even if an American venture fund is willing to invest in (or purchase) your international startup, it still may be beneficial to perform the Delaware flip transaction. The reduction of legal uncertainty and the ability to replicate typical U.S. venture capital terms should dictate an increase in valuation and could facilitate a NASDAQ or other listing (although IPO exits for venture-backed companies are not very common). Alternatively, Delaware may provide neutral ground for funding or acquisition by a non-U.S. company or fund.

And finally, there are important tax implications that may result from performing a flip transaction, thus such a deal requires both U.S. and foreign accountants.

Thus, the Delaware flip transaction may not be for every international startup looking to be funded or acquired, but it should at least be considered.

When you incorporate your startup company, two main decisions arise. First, what type of entity should your startup company be? Second, where should you incorporate?

Of the two, entrepreneurs focus primarily on choice of entity–LLC, Corporation, etc.–and usually just incorporate in their home state. And home state incorporation will make sense for most. But for a few startup companies, incorporating in a foreign state like Delaware, will be a better decision.

Delaware’s division of corporations lists 4 reasons to incorporate in Delaware on its website:

Why Choose Delaware as Your Corporate Home?

More than half a million business entities have their legal home in Delaware including more than 50% of all U.S. publicly-traded companies and 60% of the Fortune 500. Businesses choose Delaware because we provide a complete package of incorporation services including modern and flexible corporate laws, our highly-respected Court of Chancery, a business-friendly State Government, and the customer service oriented Staff of the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Talk about selling your state short. I’ll see their four reasons and raise them one. Thus, the following are my top five reasons to incorporate in Delaware:

1. Flexible Laws. Delaware’s General Corporation Law is the most advanced and flexible business formation statute in the United States. It is designed to provide maximum flexibility in the structuring of business entities and the allocation of rights and duties among founders and shareholders.

2. No Wildcard Juries. If you do end up going to court to settle a dispute, Delaware’s Court of Chancery uses judges instead of juries. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather place my startup company’s legal fate in the hands of a well-trained expert than people whose legal experience consists of The People’s Court and Law and Order re-runs.

3. Precedence = Less Litigation. Since judges are used, decisions are issued as written opinions that your startup company can rely on. Thus, most Delaware corporations do not end up litigating disputes because their professional advisers examine these published opinions and construct deals to avoid lawsuits.

4. It’s Free! (Well, almost). Delaware charges $89 to incorporate. A little bit cheaper than California ($100..but they nail you for $800 every year in franchise fees), New York ($125), and a lot cheaper than Texas ($300). [note: Even if you incorporate in a foreign state like Delaware, your startup company may still be subject to registration as a "foreign entity" and compliance with the laws of states you transact business in.]

5. Privacy. In a world where personal privacy is constantly eroding (the Google 3D Mapping truck should be driving by my house anyday now), Delaware does not require director or officer names to be listed in the formation documents. Thus, Delaware provides a level of anonymity from snoopers.

Even though this post makes a big push for incorporating in Delaware, you shouldn’t assume Delaware is the default choice for your startup company. The fact so many large, public companies choose Delaware should demonstrate that large, public companies tend to benefit the most from incorporating in Delaware.

So think about it and discuss incorporating in Delaware with your co-founders and professional advisers. But note that if you are planning to work with an investment bank or venture capital fund, you will likely have no choice but to become a Delaware entity. And for the five reasons above, that may not be such a bad thing.