1. The Art of Going Global
What Have We Learned?
Digital October
July 1, 2011
Bill Reichert
Managing Director
Garage Technology Ventures
2. Lessons Learned
1. Funding is increasing
n Local funds, public and private
n International funds
n Recycled funds from successes.
3. Lessons Learned . . .
2. Ecosystem is expanding
n Local organizations, public and private
n Successful entrepreneurs/Mafia
n Experienced advisors and mentors
n Access to international ecosystem.
4. Lessons Learned . . .
3. New pathways are opening
n Going global through acquisition
n Going global via the Internet
n Going global through partnerships
n Going global via airplane.
5. Lessons Learned . . .
4. Cost of going global is decreasing
n IT and communications infrastructure
n Access to talent
n Brand building via new media.
6. Lessons Learned . . .
5. The world is more competitive
n Locally, globally
n Funding bar is higher
n Shorter product life cycles.
7. Lessons Learned . . .
6. Good technology not enough
n You need a brilliant team
n You need to be great at sales
n You need great partners.
8. Lessons Learned . . .
7. You need to think BOLSHOI
n Take on big challenges
n Take on new challenges
n At least make them think you are big.
9. Lessons Learned . . .
8. Illegitimi non carborundum
n Don’t let the bastards grind you down
n Doubters, naysayers, investors, peers, …
n Failure is an even better teacher than success
n But please, make new mistakes.
10. Lessons Learned . . .
9. Be BOLD
n Jump off the tower
n Fine line between visionary and sociopath
n You are only limited by yourself.
