Formal word or phrase for "under the radar"

I want to find a formal substitute for "under the radar." Consider this sentence:

In the beginning, it's normal for companies to _______________.

The best I could think of would be "unnoticed." However, I'm hoping there is a phrase that doesn't involve a negative prefix like "un".

Solution 1:

obscurity

the condition of being unknown - dictionary.com

In the beginning, it's normal for companies to operate in obscurity.

Solution 2:

In the beginning, it's normal for companies to ______be under the radar____.

more formal: go undetected/ go unnoticed/ be unregistered

The context is not clear and it may be better to think about what you want to say exactly. For example, not registering, not complying with tax obligations or being unlicensed.