#27 Leading a Global Expansion | Dan Westgarth | Slush 2023

Learn how to successfully expand your startup globally, navigating technical and regulatory barriers, and leveraging local talent and cultures.

Key takeaways

Going global from day one is beneficial for startups, as it allows for decentralized decision making and quick execution.
Understanding customers and building a product they want is crucial for success in new markets.
Technical and regulatory barriers can be significant, but a multi-country mindset can make expansion easier.
Country-specific spotlights and cultural understanding can help companies navigate local markets.
Hiring local talent and empowering them to make decisions can lead to better product development and faster execution.
Keeping infrastructure in-house and taking small incremental steps can make international expansion more manageable.
Respect for local cultures and decentralization are key to success in international expansion.
Removing obstacles and giving local teams ownership of their markets can lead to significant growth.
Expanding to Latin America can be a good starting point for startups, due to its ease of access and talent availability.
Building a company with a global mindset from the outset can make expansion to multiple countries easier.
Avoiding assumptions about customers and markets can help companies succeed in new regions.
Embracing the unknown and being open to change can lead to success in international expansion.

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