This document discusses considerations for startups looking to expand internationally. It recommends startups think globally from the beginning by using English as the company language. When expanding, companies should consider how much time and financial resources they can invest, and have short and long term strategies tailored to other markets. Operations should use centralized communication and project management tools. Companies should network widely to learn from others' experiences expanding abroad. Proper legal structures, sales approaches, and backup plans are essential when expanding a startup internationally.

1. Your start-up &
going international

2. Dzień dobry! Mam na imię JENNI.
 One younger brother, parents in Finland
 Studied in Finland and in Hong Kong
 Worked for U.S., Finnish and Chinese companies
 Expanded businesses & lived in China, Hong Kong, Finland,
Poland
 Entrepreneur (Venturem - registered in Finland)
 Started international development of Finnchat (Spring 2014)
 Experience in consulting, IT outsourcing, international trading
(FMCG), investments (M&A), start-ups

3. AUDIENCE

4. Happening now:
Expansion to Germany &
Poland

5. Your start-up GOING INTERNATIONAL
- illusion

6. Your start-up GOING INTERNATIONAL
– what really happens

7. …AND SOMETIMES…

8. …AND MORE OFTEN THAN
WE WOULD LIKE TO…

9. Things to consider
 How much time can you afford to invest in the
expansion? Is the whole company committed to
this?
 Are you financially in a stable situation?
 Short vs. Long-term approach
 Strategy (what works in your country might not
work in another)
 Pricing & Sales

10. Start thinking globally -
early!
 Helps you to prepare
 If you plan to be international, good to have e.g.
English as official company language from the
beginning (Cost and hassle of translations)

11. Managing Operations –
Centralized system
 Communicating with distributors, sales reps, and
other colleagues (video conferencing / phone?)
 Managing projects - BaseCamp, DropBox, and
other file sharing and project management tools
 Right partners for support functions (HR,
marketing, IT, purchases…)
 Legal stuff and HR issues

12. SALES
Own team vs. outsourced sales (e.g. consultancy)
Product knowledge vs. Market knowledge

13. NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK
Seek advice
from companies that
have already
entered the market
and
are willing to share
war stories

14. HAVE YOU SECURED YOUR
BUDGET?

15. Back-up plan & ability to
make changes - fast

16. HOW TO GO?
 Limited liability company? Branch? Joint Venture?
Representative?
 Buy a business?
GOING ABROAD = €€€€
 Own resources enough? What’s the back-up?
 EU grants?
 Investor?
 Loan?
 Local incentives?

17. When you decide to go –
be persistent!

18. …yet keep your eyes open
and adapt!

19. THANK YOU!
Jenni.risku@finnchat.com