Expanding your startup beyond national borders is one of the most exciting and strategic moves you can make. But timing is everything. Internationalising too soon can stretch your resources thin; waiting too long might mean missing critical opportunities for growth.
So how do you know when your startup is ready to take that leap?
Here are some key indicators that it might be time to start looking beyond your home market, and how Rocket Up can support you along the way.
1. You’ve achieved product-market fit locally
Before thinking about expansion, make sure your solution resonates with customers at home. Are you generating consistent sales? Do you have loyal users or early traction? Product-market fit is the foundation of successful internationalisation.
Tip: If you’re still refining your product or struggling to acquire customers, focus on strengthening your core first.
2. Your home market is reaching its limits
Sometimes your growth curve begins to flatten, not because your product isn’t working, but because your domestic market is too small or saturated. If you find yourself hitting a ceiling, it may be time to explore new horizons.
3. You’re receiving interest from abroad
Have potential clients or partners from other countries reached out to you? Organic interest from outside your borders is a great signal that your solution may have global relevance.
Bonus: This external validation can help you pitch to international investors more effectively.
4. You have the resources to scale
Internationalisation takes more than ambition. It takes time, team bandwidth, and financial investment. If your startup has a solid team, efficient processes, and some funding available, you’re in a stronger position to expand.
5. You understand your target market(s)
Going global doesn’t mean going everywhere. The most successful startups choose their next market strategically. Have you done research on cultural fit, regulatory frameworks, and local competition? That insight is essential.
Why it matters
Despite the benefits of international trade, only 11% of women-led SMEs in OECD countries engage in exporting, compared to 19% of male-led firms (OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Outlook, 2023).
This gap means that women entrepreneurs are less likely to access the growth opportunities of international markets, a missed opportunity for scaling and visibility.
Access to finance is another major barrier. Only 12% of women-led firms surveyed had a bank loan, compared to 20% of men-led firms. Women are also 50% more likely to have their applications for trade finance rejected. As a result, many women-led startups rely on alternative financing routes and often lack the same opportunities to scale internationally.
At Supernovas, we believe it’s time to close these gaps.
Enter Rocket Up: Your gateway to international growth
If you see yourself reflected in some of the points above, you might be ready for the next step. Rocket Up is here to help.
Rocket Up is Supernovas’ internationalisation programme for women-led startups ready to grow across Europe. It offers:
- Personalised mentoring on expansion and investment-readiness
- Strategic support to adapt your model for new markets
- Access to a powerful European network of experts and investors
- A chance to scale your impact beyond borders
Applications are open until 31 March
Don’t miss the opportunity to take your startup to the next level.