Startups are the lifeblood of innovation, driving economic growth and technological advancement in their respective countries. For many, scaling beyond borders often determines long-term success; gaining international visibility is not just a lofty aspiration—it’s a necessity. The U.S. remains to hold four key startup ecosystems within the top 10 globally ranked cities, as reported by Startup Genome’s Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings. It is no surprise that non-U.S. startups want to draw business opportunities by visiting or establishing themselves in places like Silicon Valley.
One of the most effective ways startups achieve global reach is by participating in large-scale events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, and Slush. These events provide a platform for startups to showcase their innovations, network with industry leaders, and attract investment from global venture capitalists. Yet, for many early-stage startups—especially those outside the U.S.—accessing these opportunities poses a significant challenge. Limited budgets mean scrappy entrepreneurs have to stretch every dollar to attend.
That’s where innovation agencies step in to play a hubsrole. in helping elevate startups on the international stage. Agencies like Enterprise Ireland, JETRO (Japan), HUB.BRUSSELS, Tech Destination Pakistan, and many more play a pivotal role in supporting their country’s startups to gain visibility and presence at these significant conferences. By doing so, they facilitate the startups’ access to a broader network of investors, potential partners, and a wealth of opportunities that transcend geographical boundaries.
Enterprise Ireland, for instance, is known for its commitment to helping Irish startups go global. It provides expert advice, funding, and support in exploring international markets, thus acting as a catalyst for Irish startups aiming for global expansion. Ben Cummins, US Market Executive at Enterprise Ireland, remarks “Enterprise Ireland-backed companies employ almost 220,000 people and are responsible for €32 billion in exports each year.” When possible via their partnerships at key technology events, they support startups financially with a booth space to have visibility at key investor-focused conferences. They also support “strategic go-to-market plans for early-stage startups to establishing validated commercial selling opportunities,” Mr. Cummins added. Efforts like this pave the road for Irish startups to get steady footing in a new market.
Another innovation agency is JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization. JETRO supports Japanese startups through various acceleration programs and mentoring, helping them scale globally and connect with international business partners. HUB.BRUSSELS offers a range of services to Brussels-based entrepreneurs, including support for internationalization and participation in global trade shows. In Pakistan, the Ministry of Information Technology launched The Pakistan Startup Fund aiming to catalyze investments in Pakistani startups, providing them with the financial backing needed to participate in international events and attract global investors.
These organizations and country-based initiatives not only provide financial support but also offer mentorship, strategic advice, and operational assistance to ensure that startups are well-prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities presented at international conferences. They help startups refine their pitches, understand the nuances of different markets, and navigate the complex landscape of international business.
It’s a win-win strategy that innovation agencies employ, where innovation agencies and international tech events foster a fertile ground for startups to flourish beyond their domestic borders. The startups gain the exposure they need to scale, while nations bolster their digital economies through the success of their entrepreneurs. It is a testament to the power of collaboration in the startup ecosystem, where the collective effort of various stakeholders can propel innovative businesses to new heights on the global stage.