EDGE
EDGE
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EDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwide

EDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwideEDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwideEDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwide

Founded by former U.S. diplomats, we bring deep government insight, commercial experience, and global relationships.

EDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwide

EDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwideEDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwideEDGE powers cross-border investment and market entry worldwide

Founded by former U.S. diplomats, we bring deep government insight, commercial experience, and global relationships.

News & Insights

Services For Companies

Market Entry & Strategies

Site Selection & Incentives Negotiation

Site Selection & Incentives Negotiation

 EDGE provides data-driven insights into market specific trends, regulatory frameworks, and competitive dynamics—empowering you to make confident, informed decisions. Whether you are entering the U.S. or another market, EDGE provides critical analysis of regulatory considerations and the competitive landscape to inform your market entry strategy. 

Site Selection & Incentives Negotiation

Site Selection & Incentives Negotiation

Site Selection & Incentives Negotiation

 Choosing the right location is critical to your success. EDGE guides you through site selection and incentive negotiations to ensure maximum value and compliance. EDGE expertly guides you through the site selection process, securing valuable state and local incentives and navigating the intricacies of U.S. regulations to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.  

Access to Trusted Vendors

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

 Entering a new market requires trusted local partners. EDGE connects you to our curated network of top-tier legal, tax, HR, and accounting experts,ensuring you have access to trusted guidance and support. 

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

 EDGE engages key decision-makers at every level of government—securing approvals, unlocking incentives, and ensuring your voice is heard to facilitate essential approvals and maximize incentive opportunities. We navigate the complexities of government and stakeholder engagement on your behalf, advocating for your success 

Services For EDO's

Advisory

Lead Generation

Lead Generation

EDGE provides tailored advisory services to help economic development organizations refine FDI strategies, identify target sectors, improve value propositions, and strengthen investor engagement. Our experts deliver practical roadmaps that align with local assets, global trends, and best practices, driving measurable impact and long-term economic growth.

Lead Generation

Lead Generation

Lead Generation

  EDGE builds customized pipelines of high-potential investors through rigorous research, outreach, and relationship-building. We identify, qualify, and engage top prospects, helping economic development organizations accelerate deal flow, expand their investor base, and generate meaningful leads that convert into transformative investments. 

Trade Mission Support

In-country Representation

In-country Representation

 EDGE designs and executes high-impact trade and investment missions that connect economic development organizations with global investors and partners. We provide end-to-end support — from strategy, target identification, and agenda planning to on-the-ground execution — ensuring your delegation delivers measurable outcomes, builds relationships, and maximizes return on investment. 

In-country Representation

In-country Representation

In-country Representation

   EDGE serves as your trusted international representative, promoting your region or country directly in key global markets. We conduct investor meetings, represent you at trade shows and summits, and build strategic relationships on your behalf to ensure your location stays top-of-mind with priority investors. 

Leadership & Advisory Board

Jasjit Singh

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Jasjit Singh

Co-Founder & CEO 

Jasjit Singh is a global investment and economic development leader with more than 20 years of experience across government, consulting, and nonprofit leadership. As former Executive Director of SelectUSA, he led the U.S. government’s flagship investment promotion program through its most successful period, facilitating $

Co-Founder & CEO 

Jasjit Singh is a global investment and economic development leader with more than 20 years of experience across government, consulting, and nonprofit leadership. As former Executive Director of SelectUSA, he led the U.S. government’s flagship investment promotion program through its most successful period, facilitating $145 billion in foreign direct investment and significant job creation across priority industries. He has advised global executives, investors, and policymakers on U.S. market entry, public-private partnerships, and cross-border strategy. At EDGE, Jasjit leads the firm’s vision to modernize investment attraction through trusted relationships, global expertise, and data-driven execution.

Bill Burwell

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Jasjit Singh

Co-Founder & Board Member

Bill Burwell is a senior executive with more than two decades of experience in international trade, economic diplomacy, and public-private partnership development. A trusted advisor across government and industry, he has built enduring relationships with Fortune 500 executives, public-sector leaders, and global st

Co-Founder & Board Member

Bill Burwell is a senior executive with more than two decades of experience in international trade, economic diplomacy, and public-private partnership development. A trusted advisor across government and industry, he has built enduring relationships with Fortune 500 executives, public-sector leaders, and global stakeholders. His work includes leading cross-agency initiatives, high-level convenings, and executive education programs designed to align economic policy with business innovation. At EDGE, Bill supports strategic partnerships and global engagement, drawing on a career recognized with multiple U.S. Department of Commerce Gold and Silver Medal Awards.

Don Graves

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Board Member

Don Graves is a nationally recognized leader in economic policy, industrial strategy, and community development. He previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, acting as the Department’s Chief Operating Officer and overseeing national security, supply chain resilience, and place-based economic development initiativ

Board Member

Don Graves is a nationally recognized leader in economic policy, industrial strategy, and community development. He previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, acting as the Department’s Chief Operating Officer and overseeing national security, supply chain resilience, and place-based economic development initiatives. He also led federal economic recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and served as a Commissioner on the U.S. Helsinki Commission. At EDGE, Don provides strategic guidance on industrial competitiveness, inclusive growth, and large-scale investment strategy.

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Alejandra Y. Castillo

 Board Member

Alejandra Y. Castillo served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce from 2021 to 2024, leading the Economic Development Administration during a historic expansion and overseeing more than $6.8 billion in federal investment nationwide. With more than two decades of public service across three presidential administrations, she

 Board Member

Alejandra Y. Castillo served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce from 2021 to 2024, leading the Economic Development Administration during a historic expansion and overseeing more than $6.8 billion in federal investment nationwide. With more than two decades of public service across three presidential administrations, she is widely recognized for advancing place-based economic development and mentoring future leaders. At EDGE, Alejandra advises on regional competitiveness, federal engagement, and strategies that strengthen local economies.

Gary Sumihiro

Kenny McDonald

Kenny McDonald

COO & Board Member

Gary Sumihiro is a global strategic advisor and CEO of Sumihiro Investment with more than 25 years of experience across 30 countries. He has served as attorney, General Counsel, COO, President, and board member for major public and private organizations, leading cross-border transactions, restructurings, and internationa

COO & Board Member

Gary Sumihiro is a global strategic advisor and CEO of Sumihiro Investment with more than 25 years of experience across 30 countries. He has served as attorney, General Counsel, COO, President, and board member for major public and private organizations, leading cross-border transactions, restructurings, and international expansion. His experience spans IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, clean technology, real estate, and foreign investment across energy, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. At EDGE, Gary provides guidance on global dealmaking, governance, and investor strategy.

Kenny McDonald

Kenny McDonald

Kenny McDonald

Board Member

Kenny McDonald is a nationally recognized economic development leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing regional competitiveness and investment attraction. He previously served as President and CEO of One Columbus, where he led long-term growth strategy and supported major job-creating investments. Earlier in his

Board Member

Kenny McDonald is a nationally recognized economic development leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing regional competitiveness and investment attraction. He previously served as President and CEO of One Columbus, where he led long-term growth strategy and supported major job-creating investments. Earlier in his career, he advised corporate location decisions through regional leadership roles and management consulting. A Certified Economic Developer, Kenny also served as Chair of the International Economic Development Council. At EDGE, he advises on site selection, regional strategy, and major investment decisions.

Chris Medina

Kenny McDonald

Matthew Geason

Chief Technology Officer

Chris Medina is a technology entrepreneur and IT executive with more than 25 years of experience serving Fortune 100 and 500 companies. He co-founded Clovity, a leading IoT software and systems integration firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list from 2021–2024. In 2023, he founded Nureal.ai,

Chief Technology Officer

Chris Medina is a technology entrepreneur and IT executive with more than 25 years of experience serving Fortune 100 and 500 companies. He co-founded Clovity, a leading IoT software and systems integration firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list from 2021–2024. In 2023, he founded Nureal.ai, combining IoT and artificial intelligence and joining NVIDIA’s Inception Program for high-growth AI startups. At EDGE, Chris leads development of the firm’s technology and AI platform supporting data-driven investment intelligence.

Matthew Geason

Kenny McDonald

Matthew Geason

Director of Investment Services 

Matthew Geason is an international investment advisor with deep experience supporting companies entering and expanding in the U.S. market. He previously served as a Portfolio Manager at SelectUSA, where he supported more than $18 billion in investment and led client engagement across Brazil, Mexico, and Can

Director of Investment Services 

Matthew Geason is an international investment advisor with deep experience supporting companies entering and expanding in the U.S. market. He previously served as a Portfolio Manager at SelectUSA, where he supported more than $18 billion in investment and led client engagement across Brazil, Mexico, and Canada. His background includes roles at Taipei City Hall and Thomson Reuters, providing strong insight into government engagement and cross-border strategy. At EDGE, Matthew leads investor services, market analysis, and project execution for international clients.

Senior Advisors

Christina Sharkey

Christina Sharkey

Christina Sharkey

Christina Sharkey is a global trade and investment leader whose career has spanned five continents. A former U.S. diplomat, she served as Executive Director for the Western Hemisphere, overseeing commercial operations from Canada to Argentina, and previously held senior posts in Prague, Munich, Cairo, Beijing, and San Francisco. Her work 

Christina Sharkey is a global trade and investment leader whose career has spanned five continents. A former U.S. diplomat, she served as Executive Director for the Western Hemisphere, overseeing commercial operations from Canada to Argentina, and previously held senior posts in Prague, Munich, Cairo, Beijing, and San Francisco. Her work advanced U.S. exports, foreign investment, and commercial diplomacy across sectors including defense, energy, biotech, and information technology. At EDGE, Christina advises on international market strategy, government engagement, and global investment development.

Sandeep Maini

Christina Sharkey

Christina Sharkey

Sandeep Maini is a seasoned trade and investment advisor with more than three decades of experience strengthening U.S.–India commercial relations. He currently serves as Executive Director for Policy at the U.S.–India Business Council, advising senior business and government leaders on bilateral economic strategy across aerospace, defense

Sandeep Maini is a seasoned trade and investment advisor with more than three decades of experience strengthening U.S.–India commercial relations. He currently serves as Executive Director for Policy at the U.S.–India Business Council, advising senior business and government leaders on bilateral economic strategy across aerospace, defense, supply chains, food systems, and life sciences. Earlier, during his long tenure with the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, he guided hundreds of Indian companies investing in the United States. At EDGE, Sandeep serves as a trusted bridge between Indian enterprises and U.S. states seeking long-term investment partnerships.

Betsy Shieh

Christina Sharkey

Chris Quinlivan

Betsy Shieh retired in 2025 as a Senior U.S. diplomat at the U.S. Department of Commerce, concluding a distinguished career advancing American commercial interests across Asia. With more than 40 years of experience in the Chinese-speaking world, she most recently led the U.S. Commercial Service in Taiwan, one of the United States’ most im

Betsy Shieh retired in 2025 as a Senior U.S. diplomat at the U.S. Department of Commerce, concluding a distinguished career advancing American commercial interests across Asia. With more than 40 years of experience in the Chinese-speaking world, she most recently led the U.S. Commercial Service in Taiwan, one of the United States’ most important investment partners. Under her leadership, Taiwan consistently sent the world’s largest delegations to the SelectUSA Investment Summit. At EDGE, Betsy advises on U.S.–Taiwan investment strategy, supply chain realignment, and government-to-government engagement.

Chris Quinlivan

Christina Sharkey

Chris Quinlivan

Christopher Quinlivan brings more than 30 years of experience in international trade, investment, and government engagement. A retired U.S. Senior Foreign Service Officer at the rank of Minister Counselor, Chris served as a senior U.S. trade diplomat across Southeast Asia, Canada, China, and Europe, leading efforts to expand market access

Christopher Quinlivan brings more than 30 years of experience in international trade, investment, and government engagement. A retired U.S. Senior Foreign Service Officer at the rank of Minister Counselor, Chris served as a senior U.S. trade diplomat across Southeast Asia, Canada, China, and Europe, leading efforts to expand market access, support commercial growth, and advance U.S. economic security objectives. Throughout his career, he worked closely with multinational firms, foreign governments, and senior U.S. officials on complex cross-border and regulatory challenges. At EDGE, Chris advises clients on international expansion, trade strategy, and effective engagement with governments and key stakeholders across global markets.

Yamilee Bastien

Matthew Gaisford

Matthew Gaisford

Yamilee Bastien is a global trade and investment advisor with deep experience across Latin America and the Caribbean. A former U.S. diplomat, she served in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, supporting international expansion and investment engagement. Her work spans mining, critical minerals, clean energy, and infrastructure—sectors centra

Yamilee Bastien is a global trade and investment advisor with deep experience across Latin America and the Caribbean. A former U.S. diplomat, she served in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, supporting international expansion and investment engagement. Her work spans mining, critical minerals, clean energy, and infrastructure—sectors central to resilient supply chains. She advises U.S. economic development organizations and international firms on market entry, incentives, and cross-border partnerships. At EDGE, Yamilee advances hemispheric investment strategies that strengthen supply chains and support sustainable growth across the Americas.

Matthew Gaisford

Matthew Gaisford

Matthew Gaisford

Matthew Gaisford is a global trade and investment advisor with more than three decades of experience supporting market access, regulatory navigation, and government advocacy across Latin America. A former U.S. diplomat with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, he also served as an Acting Foreign Commercial

Matthew Gaisford is a global trade and investment advisor with more than three decades of experience supporting market access, regulatory navigation, and government advocacy across Latin America. A former U.S. diplomat with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, he also served as an Acting Foreign Commercial Officer in Ecuador, Panama, Colombia, and Peru. His work includes supporting U.S. free trade agreement negotiations, leading advocacy for major infrastructure and critical minerals projects, and coordinating interagency recovery planning for Venezuela. At EDGE, Matthew advises on regional strategy, trade policy, and complex cross-border investment initiatives.

Ricardo Peláez

Matthew Gaisford

Ricardo Peláez

Ricardo Peláez is an international business strategist with nearly three decades of experience advancing U.S. commercial interests worldwide. A recently retired senior diplomat with the U.S. Department of Commerce, he served in senior leadership roles including Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Southeast Europe and postings in Brusse

Ricardo Peláez is an international business strategist with nearly three decades of experience advancing U.S. commercial interests worldwide. A recently retired senior diplomat with the U.S. Department of Commerce, he served in senior leadership roles including Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Southeast Europe and postings in Brussels, Madrid, Lima, Shanghai, and Taipei. His career has focused on foreign direct investment, trade policy, and executive-level market entry strategy. At EDGE, Ricardo advises clients on cross-border expansion, regulatory navigation, and global investment partnerships.

Ian Hopper

Matthew Gaisford

Ricardo Peláez

Ian Hopper is a retired U.S. diplomat with nearly 23 years of service in the Department of State, concluding his career as a member of the Senior Foreign Service in 2025. A specialist in immigration, consular affairs, and global mobility, he served as chief consular official in Toronto, Amman, and Baghdad and helped develop worldwide cons

Ian Hopper is a retired U.S. diplomat with nearly 23 years of service in the Department of State, concluding his career as a member of the Senior Foreign Service in 2025. A specialist in immigration, consular affairs, and global mobility, he served as chief consular official in Toronto, Amman, and Baghdad and helped develop worldwide consular policy and systems. He later led the Department’s Office of Iraqi Affairs, directing U.S. foreign policy implementation in Iraq. At EDGE, Ian leads immigration strategy, advising international investors on mobility pathways critical to successful U.S. market entry.

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EDGE Partners

1717 N Street NW STE 1

Washington, DC  20036


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