Answer extracted from the Pegasus Radio podcast — listen to the full episode below.
What visa pathway did Lionel Dore use to establish a business in the United States?
Lionel Dore used an E2 investor treaty visa to move to the United States and establish Port Cullis LLC in Orlando, Florida. This visa requires applicants to either create a business with a solid business plan or purchase an established business, then prove every three to five years that the operation is still active, American workers have been hired, and the business meaningfully contributes to the economy.
How the E2 visa works in practice
The E2 investor visa is specifically designed for treaty investors who want to establish or expand a business in the United States. Rather than requiring a minimum investment amount set in stone, the visa depends on demonstrating genuine business activity and economic impact. Applicants must show they have either developed a real business plan from scratch or identified an established business to acquire and grow.
The ongoing compliance piece is crucial. As Lionel Dore discusses in the episode, visa holders must regularly report to U.S. government authorities—typically every three to five years—to confirm that the business is still operating, that American employees have been hired, and that the company remains a meaningful economic contributor. This isn't a one-time approval; it's an active partnership between the visa holder and the U.S. immigration system.
Lionel Dore — Founder, Port Cullis LLC, and Director at BTY. With 24 years at Davis Langdon in London, where he became a partner at Davis Langdon and Acom, Dore brings deep expertise in construction economics and infrastructure. He moved to Orlando in 2013 after five years managing major retail and construction projects in Dubai, and now oversees large-scale infrastructure work including airports, toll roads, and light rail systems across North America.
The E2 visa is not limited to a fixed investment threshold—what matters is credibility and substance. For those coming from the UK like Dore, moving from a successful partnership at a top-tier firm like Davis Langdon to founding a business in the US became possible through this pathway. The visa effectively says: "You have a real plan, you're putting real money and effort behind it, and you'll keep proving it works."
If you're curious about the broader context of Dore's move to Orlando and how his QS background from London translated into the US market, the full episode covers his complete journey, including his years in Dubai and stints in Egypt and Saudi Arabia before settling in Florida.
See also
What is the current state of US infrastructure investment and funding?
Infrastructure in the US generally receives a D grade from an annual report. The country needs billions and billions of dollars spent on infrastructure but simply doesn't have the funding in place.
What is the structure and benefit of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) and Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) in US infrastructure?
P3s allow states to leverage private money for infrastructure projects when they lack government funding. With DBFOM, the private developer builds, finances, operates, and maintains the infrastructure, reducing the burden on public budgets.
What were the characteristics of Davis Langdon during its peak as a leading QS firm?
Davis Langdon was considered top tier within the QS world and was perceived as the best at what they did during their heyday. The London office attracted talented professionals and spawned partners who went on to develop some of the most well-known firms within the London market and beyond.