Published On: August 22, 2025
Category: Business Formation
Many of Lantz Law Group’s German and Austrian clients have recently expressed concerns about the security and status of their investments in businesses in Colorado and the U.S. With the fog that has appeared, obscuring traditional prognostication—including wars and threats of wars worldwide, tariffs, shifting trade alliances, increased cyber-security needs, and the rise of AI—it seems like a Herculean task for many foreign companies and their U.S. subsidiaries to do business in the U.S.
Strategic Guidance for German & Austrian Companies in the U.S.
The 2025 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition report convincingly argues that economic security equals national security. While the report primarily views this from the U.S. perspective, it highlights the importance of local and regional cooperation that benefits both the U.S. and its allies.
This shift has tangible effects for German and Austrian companies operating in Colorado and across the U.S., ranging from regulatory compliance and supply chain strategies to technological partnerships. Colorado’s business-friendly environment, highly educated workforce, and sizable German-speaking community supported by the German American Chamber of Commerce make it an ideal location for establishing a North American operation.
Quality of Life & Talent Attraction in Colorado
Employers are drawn to Denver and Colorado’s vibrant quality of life, which offers diverse leisure activities like skiing, hiking, camping, world-class museums, and a lively culinary scene. These amenities make Colorado an attractive place to live, helping German and Austrian companies attract top talent in their fields. Although doing business in the U.S. presents challenges, the opportunities in Colorado and the broader U.S. market remain vast.
Colorado’s Strategic Advantages for International Companies
Given today’s political uncertainty, citizen diplomacy is becoming increasingly important. Citizen diplomacy, also called “people-to-people diplomacy,” involves private citizens working to influence foreign relations and promote mutual understanding between countries.
The Role of Citizen Diplomacy in Business Growth
Unlike traditional diplomacy, which government officials and diplomats carry out, citizen diplomacy relies on individuals and business leaders to support commercial, cultural, educational, and international partnerships. In simple terms, citizen diplomacy is a powerful way for ordinary people and businesses to make a difference in international relations and trade. By building connections and relationships with people and companies from other countries, our international business attorneys can foster mutual understanding and respect, starting with the basic human level.
The evolving U.S. economic and security framework is affecting and will continue to affect international businesses seeking to operate in the U.S. Thankfully, people and companies in Colorado are well-versed in the technology and security sectors. As discussed, Colorado offers many opportunities for foreign businesses to connect with key partners and advisors, successfully land in Colorado, and thrive in the marketplace.
Digital & Technology Regulation in Colorado
Companies entering the U.S. market from Germany and Austria need to understand that many of the protections for digital privacy and transparency in their home countries are not yet in place in the U.S.
Differences Between EU and U.S. Digital Regulations
For example, EU digital regulations like the Digital Markets Act (“DMA”) and Digital Services Act (“DSA”) are stricter and more coherent than U.S. regulations. Notably, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) in the EU is much more restrictive than U.S. federal and most state and local regulations. Additionally, the U.S. consists of 50 states, each with different privacy laws and regulations at the state and local levels, and there is no comprehensive national privacy law.
Multi-State Compliance Challenges
For example, a technology company expanding into Colorado’s tech ecosystem must now deal with multiple regulatory requirements. While EU rules may favor smaller European firms, U.S. policies increasingly emphasize secure digital infrastructure and AI leadership.
Foreign companies entering the U.S. market now need to structure their international cross-border operations to comply with various regimes and avoid potential threats. Luckily, Colorado has attorneys, accountants, and business professionals who are familiar with these regulations, and the community is very collaborative and welcoming to German and Austrian businesses.
Energy Security & Supply Chain Resilience for European Businesses
Europe’s pivot away from Russian energy has reshaped global supply chains. The EU reduced Russian gas imports from 45% to 18%, but vulnerabilities remain.
Colorado’s Energy & Resource Advantages
One key advantage of doing business in Colorado is that energy is far more accessible and less expensive than in Germany and Austria. An Austrian industrial equipment manufacturer sourcing components from Eastern Europe must now assess exposure to energy volatility. Colorado’s energy independence and critical mineral sourcing offer opportunities to diversify supply chains and expand business presence in the U.S. and beyond.
Public–Private Partnerships Supporting German & Austrian Companies
Denver and Munich recently entered a City2City Economic Partnership Agreement as part of an initiative to engage in local-to-local trade partnerships with businesses in each city. The business environment in Colorado is excellent for entrepreneurs and companies expanding into the U.S. market.[1] A recent client told us he felt welcome in Denver as if he were in his hometown. And, it is significant that Denver has a strong German American Chamber of Commerce, which provides social and professional gatherings, business directories, and facilitates connections between businesses from Germany and German-speaking countries in Colorado.[2]
Commercial Diplomacy & Business Connectivity Between Colorado and Europe
Denver is home to Denver International Airport (“DEN”), the third-busiest airport in the U.S. DEN offers 4 daily nonstop flights to Germany. Denver’s mid-continent location makes it an ideal business hub because most major markets in North America can be reached in three hours or less. The growth of the airport can be tied directly to the influx of international development and Colorado’s exposure to the rest of the world.
Colorado’s Tech Partnerships & AI Deployment
Denver is a hub of activity in aerospace, outer space, AI, cloud computing, and secure communications. Colorado and California lead the country in aerospace manufacturing and research. Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, Oratech, and many other technology leaders have a significant presence in Denver and Colorado.
The opportunity to partner with Colorado-based firms to deploy solutions across sectors such as aerospace, defense, and technology is immense. These partnerships not only drive innovation but also align with international security goals and communications.
Resilient Infrastructure & Data Security for International Companies
The U.S. is investing in secure digital infrastructure to protect data flows. Colorado has been a leader in investing in cybersecurity for broadband providers and funding for cybersecurity for state and local governments.[3] The Denver community has a strong base of knowledge to help businesses navigate procurement, compliance, and cybersecurity standards.[4]
Expand Your German or Austrian Business in Colorado with Confidence
Colorado is an excellent place for German and Austrian firms to establish or grow their U.S. operations. By aligning with Colorado’s strategic priorities, leveraging public–private partnerships, and accessing its robust technology, energy, and talent resources, European companies can stay ahead of regulatory and geopolitical shifts while securing long-term success.
Our Colorado business attorneys are here to help if your company is exploring U.S. expansion. Contact Lantz Law Group for a consultation and trusted legal guidance tailored to German and Austrian businesses.
By: Robert D. Lantz, Esq., President of Lantz Law Group and Paul T. Maricle, Esq., Managing Attorney
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this document and available on the website lantzlawgroup.com is for general informational and educational purposes only. The information does not contain legal advice. Reading the information in this document or any materials on the lantzlawgroup.com website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the authors or Lantz Law Group. This document is not to be used as a substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed provisional attorney in your state or country. If you need legal assistance regarding any of the content contained in this document, please get in touch with a competent and licensed attorney for help.
[1] See, https://oedit.colorado.gov/. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (“OEDIT”) is a great resource to connect with to expand your business into Colorado.
[2] German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado Chapter, https://www.gaccmidwest.org/us/colorado-chapter.
[3] See, e.g., Keely Quinlan, Colorado’s Internet Authority Launches Grant Program for Digital Services Projects, StateScoop (April 16, 2024), https://statescoop.com/colorado-civic-tech-grant-program/ and Julia Edinger, Colorado Digital Service Team Implements Strategic Plan, Government Technology (November 21, 2024), https://www.govtech.com/gov-experience/colorado-digital-service-team-implements-strategic-plan.
[4] Colorado is home to a thriving cybersecurity industry. Key players, among other include:
- Red Canary (Denver): Offers endpoint detection and response solutions. https://redcanary.com/.
- PingIdentity (Denver): Specializes in identity and access management for large enterprises. https://www.pingidentity.com/
- BAST AI (Denver): Enables organizations and developers to leverage proprietyar and other trusted data to build and deploy explainable artificial intelligence. https://bast.ai/