Mistakes Founders Make Going International - SYD
APAC versus the US and UK. Pick a side.
Every Australian founder hits the same fork. The US looks obvious because everyone says it is. APAC looks obvious because it is closer, cheaper and full of people who already take your calls. Both camps are certain. Both camps have burned money.
So we are settling it in a room. Two corners, two cases, no slides, and a vote you get to cast.
Part of Zavior's Australian Tour, live in Sydney. Brought to you by Zavior, Singapore Global Network and 8 Circle.
First half: the fun 'debate'
One side argues APAC. One side argues the US and UK. They make the case, they take shots at each other, and the floor gets to pile in. We vote at the start and again at the end, so you can see exactly who moved the room.
Bring a side. Change it if they earn it.
Second half: the practical bit
Then we drop the theatre and get into what you would actually have to do. This is the part you came for.
Which market first, and the honest reason. Cost of entry, speed to first customer, and how long before it starts eating the home market that is paying for all of it.
Localisation is a different problem in each. In APAC it is language, payment rails, contract norms and relationship-led selling that starts months before a deal exists. In the US and UK you speak the same language and still get the buying process wrong, because the expectations, the competitive noise and the reference checking look nothing like Australia.
Your first person on the ground. Country manager, local sales, or a contractor. What each one really costs in cash and in months.
Partnerships and associations. Which ones open a door, and which are a logo swap with a membership fee attached.
The compliance gate, which differs by market. US buyers ask for SOC 2. UK and European enterprise ask for ISO 27001. APAC stacks local data rules on top. It is the quiet reason a signed-in-principle deal sits frozen for months, and the one thing you can get ahead of before you land.
Knowing when to stop. The hardest call in expansion, and the one nobody writes up afterwards.
What you should leave with
An answer to one question: if I make a move in the next twelve months, which market, and what are the first three things I have to fix before I go?
How the night runs
Live vote as you walk in
Two corners, moderated, no slides, no politeness
Open floor, so bring your best question
Practical segment with real numbers rather than vibes
Second vote, and we see who shifted
Drinks and networking after
Who this is for
Founders and operators either planning a move offshore or already in one and feeling the friction. Investors and advisers very welcome, especially if you disagree with the room.
Speakers
Line-up to be announced shortly.
About the hosts
Zavior: an all-in-one compliance platform built for teams to get their cyber security and data protection requirements in order. Zavior helps startups attain and maintain the certifications enterprise and government buyers ask for before they will sign, including ASD's Essential Eight and ISO 27001.
8 Circle: a community of 2,000+ founders and industry experts guiding startups and SMEs through incorporation, accounting, tax, work permits, funding and regulatory filings, with a vision of connecting communities across major global cities to enable cross-border expansion.
Singapore Global Network: Supported by Singapore Global Network (SGN), a community of changemakers, professionals and friends globally. Born out of a desire to build meaningful relationships across borders, SGN exists to connect people to opportunities that Singapore and its network of members have to offer. Join SGN to become a member of our global community of professionals and friends with Singapore at its heart. Learn more at www.singaporeglobalnetwork.gov.sg.
Seats are limited and the room is the point. Grab yours.