In the past, great companies could be born, survive and thrive in their home country, and maybe think about expanding into other markets when they were good and ready to.
NO LONGER.
From Day One, startups face the risk of disruption from abroad. Conversely, it is now easier than ever to open up new geographic markets and leverage the business – even in beta mode. So how do you do it effectively?
Find partners with extensive experience and networks in those countries. Not someone who just opened offices in Shanghai and Bangalore two years ago. Not someone who in-sourced a local team with little experience in investing across borders.
Find partners who know how best to structure the in-country organization. There is no single cookie-cutter approach – some cases require a standalone subsidiary, others distributor partnerships, yet others a hybrid approach. Work with investors who have the insight and market understanding to craft the optimal solution.
Find partners who know how to create an effective interface between in-country operations and Headquarters. Often the main criteria for selecting in-country management is the ability to speak the native tongue in HQ – arguably not the best method. Work with investors who can bridge the cultural and language gaps, and help nurture a healthy relationship between the local and remote teams.
SunBridge Partners has decades of experience in Japan and Europe entering markets, building local teams, and strengthening bonds between local and head office. With a team of over 150 professionals on the ground in Japan, the best US startups can crack open the second largest economy on the planet as well as the largest one.