--- title: "How founders set up for global success: five takeaways from our panel with wise" id: "427933" type: "post" slug: "set-up-global-success" published_at: "2026-01-13T14:55:50+00:00" modified_at: "2026-01-13T14:55:50+00:00" url: "https://seedlegals.com/resources/set-up-global-success/" markdown_url: "https://seedlegals.com/resources/set-up-global-success.md" excerpt: "We teamed up with Wise to host a panel with founders and operators building internationally. Here are five practical takeaways on hiring, payments and global growth." taxonomy_category: - "Funding Guides" --- 3 min read # How founders set up for global success: five takeaways from our panel with wise Published: Jan 13, 2026 Contents [1. Uncertainty can create opportunity – if you’re ready to move](#1-uncertainty-can-create-opportunity-if-youre-ready-to-move) [2. Your next market should be chosen by customers, not assumptions](#2-your-next-market-should-be-chosen-by-customers-not-assumptions) [3. Build for scale long before you expand](#3-build-for-scale-long-before-you-expand) [4. Protect your runway when raising and operating across currencies](#4-protect-your-runway-when-raising-and-operating-across-currencies) [5. Successful expansion depends on local insight – and the right relationships](#5-successful-expansion-depends-on-local-insight-and-the-right-relationships) [Final thought](#final-thought) [Content creator apprentice Kaylee Adinolfi Content Creator Apprentice](https://seedlegals.com/resources/author/kaylee-adinolfi/) Want to know what it actually takes to start, scale and operate across borders? We teamed up with [Wise](https://wise.com/) to host a panel discussion at the Wise HQ Founders’ Drinks Reception, bringing together people who’ve navigated the realities of global hiring, international operations and scaling into new markets. On stage were SeedLegals’ [Aaron](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-duke-013530167/) , [Evari](https://www.linkedin.com/company/evari/) co-founder [Robert](https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-jeffery/) , [Gradient Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradientlabs/) founder [Dmitri](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrimasin/) , and [Wise](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wiseaccount/) Product Lead [Amy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-dicketts-59244366/) . Across the conversation, one theme kept coming up: expanding globally has never been more achievable but the operational decisions you make early on matter more than ever. Here are the insights we heard from founders building internationally every day ## **1. Uncertainty can create opportunity – if you’re ready to move** Market uncertainty can make founders hesitate, but it can also create openings for those who understand where demand is shifting. > “Uncertainty uncovers a lot of opportunity – whether that’s in your core market or elsewhere.” > > [Aaron Duke](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-duke-013530167/) > Account Manager, SeedLegals, You don’t need to wait until you’re “fully mature” in one market before exploring another. What matters more is: - Whether there’s clear customer pull - Whether your product translates - Whether your business has the operational basics to scale Global growth isn’t about being everywhere – it’s about being where the opportunity actually is. ## **2. Your next market should be chosen by customers, not assumptions** Validation beats guesswork. > “Talk to customers – actually understand if it’s a problem that needs solving.” > > [Aaron Duke](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-duke-013530167/) > Account Manager, SeedLegals, Founders often rely on market size reports or anecdotal advice when choosing their next market. But the most reliable signals come from: - Speaking directly to potential buyers - Testing demand early - Understanding whether local behaviours differ - Checking if your product would need major rework Data is helpful, but real conversations reveal whether a market is right for you. ## **3. Build for scale long before you expand** Many founders only start thinking about global readiness when the need arises – which often means scrambling. But technical decisions made early on can either accelerate expansion or slow it down. > “From day one, start thinking about where your product would break if you tried to scale it overseas.” > > [Amy Dicketts](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-dicketts-59244366/) > Product Manager, Wise Business, She highlighted a few common pitfalls: - Hardcoded copy that complicates localisation - KYC flows designed only for one region - Finance tools that force teams to juggle multiple bank accounts across countries These issues don’t show up until you expand – and by then, they’re expensive to fix. Building flexible systems early creates room to scale later without blockers. ## **4. Protect your runway when raising and operating across currencies** Cross-border fundraising is becoming far more common – especially as US investors show growing interest in UK startups. But FX volatility has become a silent drain on startup runway. > “If you raise USD, you want to be able to receive USD – not be forced to exchange into GBP.” > > [Amy Dicketts](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-dicketts-59244366/) > Product Manager, Wise Business , > “For every $10m you raise, you lose a million if FX moves 10% – and this year it moved way more than that.” > > [Dimitri Masin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrimasin/) > CEO, Gradient Labs, The takeaway: - Hold funds in their original currency where possible - Convert strategically, not automatically - Understand how FX affects your real runway - Choose financial tools that fit a multi-currency reality Runway isn’t just about spend – it’s about protecting what you’ve raised. ## **5. Successful expansion depends on local insight – and the right relationships** Whether you’re a team of 5 or 50, opening in a new country means learning an entirely new operational playbook. “We were a little naive about everything we had to be aware of – tax rules, employment rules, treatments. Getting local support really helps.” Avari co-founder, Rob Local regulations, compliance expectations and even hiring norms differ widely across markets. Founders who surround themselves with people who understand the local landscape move faster and avoid costly mistakes. On the investment side, relationships matter too. > “The people we already knew moved the fastest… new investors were slower, even if they were interested.” > > [Dimitri Masin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrimasin/) > CEO, Gradient Labs, Warm networks accelerate trust and trust accelerates deals. ## **Final thought** Global growth isn’t just for later-stage companies anymore. With the right tools, smart operational choices and a solid foundation, founders can start operating internationally much earlier than they think. If you’re exploring overseas hiring, setting up compliant agreements or preparing for an international fundraise, the SeedLegals team is here to help. Book a free call below. From our experts to your inbox Sign up for upcoming events, new ebooks, templates and more. ## Related posts [2 min read Sunbathing or scaling? Founder tips to beat the quiet season Summers can be slow for startups but Ava Shoraka and Yanki Kizilates are here to help founders gain momentum during thi... Anthony Rose](https://seedlegals.com/resources/founder-tips-to-beat-the-quiet-season/) [2 min read How to prepare your startup for a successful exit A successful exit doesn't happen overnight. In this webinar, experienced M&A advisers share what acquirers look for, how... 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