How founders set up for global success: five takeaways from our panel with wise

Want to know what it actually takes to start, scale and operate across borders?

We teamed up with Wise 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, Evari co-founder Robert, Gradient Labs founder Dmitri, and Wise Product Lead Amy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.