28 - When and how startups should expand overseas with Tofiq Qureshi

International expansion is key to success for many startups, but also fraught with difficulties. Tofiq Qureshi of Innvotec has worked in several countries and brought technology to many more, so has lots of experience of internationalising. Getting timing right is the first challenge and we discuss when is right for a startup to look overseas, and when is too early. We also talk about figuring out when to find a local partner, what sort of partner and how to find them, as well as when to go direct and build a local presence instead. Tofiq also gives his views on overcoming language, culture and local regulatory challenges. We don't ignore the pandemic either, as this has changed how several of these can be approached. Innvotec Website - https://www.innvotec.com/ (https://www.innvotec.com/) LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/innvotec/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/innvotec/) Twitter - @innvotec1986 Suggested books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exponential-Organizations-organizations-better-cheaper/dp/1626814236/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31WGI1QCFULVT&keywords=exponential+organizations&qid=1624900871&sprefix=exponen%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1 (Exponential Organizations) by Salim Ismail https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lean-Startup-Innovation-Successful-Businesses/dp/0670921602/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FSZCFI3A806A&keywords=lean+startup&qid=1624900994&sprefix=lean+startu%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1 (The Lean Startup) by Eric Ries