Javier Ruiz Jiménez

How Startups Can Tap into Global Markets Through their Local International Community

One of the best ways for software startups to grow is by offering niche software to the local branches of international companies.

While these companies typically use standardized software, country-specific regulations, and operational differences create niche opportunities that startups can fill.

Many global companies struggle to solve local challenges quickly due to HQ limitations or a lack of local expertise—think e-invoicing, government reporting, human resources processes, or energy management in regulated markets. If a startup delivers high-quality work on time and within budget, it builds trust. Over time, the international company may recommend the solution to other branches (or competitors, as many employees switch from one to another or teach at a business school or university), unlocking opportunities in new markets. This strategy helped my company expand to 20 countries and eventually get acquired.

In Malaysia, accessing international companies and their communities is relatively easy, thanks to a strong network of people willing to make introductions pro bono (I’ve organized a few myself). The international community, trade offices, embassies, chambers of commerce, and founders like Simone Macario, Abderrahmane Sairi, and I collaborate to organize many events connecting startups with the global ecosystem.

However, a word of caution: be creative and well-prepared. Many big companies don’t know how to work with startups and will try to push you through their traditional processes (compliance, certifications, audits, IP, etc.) or assume you are developing custom software for them rather than building a scalable SaaS product for the world.

Connecting the International Community with Local Startups

Spanish Ambassador Visits Aerodyne

Drones for Good: Spanish Ambassador Visits Aerodyne (AERODYNE GROUP), jointly organized with the Spanish Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur - Embassy of Spain and the Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Industry - La Cámara.

Building Bridges for Global Innovation in Agritech and Sustainability

Building Bridges for Global Innovation in Agritech and Sustainability: Colombian Ambassador H.E. Alejandro Rosselli’s visit to Qarbotech at the Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (ION2), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

MDEC visit to Meliá Hotels International

Visit to Meliá Hotels International with Arifah Sharifuddin, at that time Head of Digital Tourism at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Alvaro Fernandez Lopez and Juan Guía García from the Spanish Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur - Embassy of Spain.

Insights and International Networking on “Building Skills for an AI Economy”

Insights and International Networking on “Building Skills for an AI Economy”: An event by La French Tech Malaysia, the Italcham Malaysia - Italian Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, CCIFM - CCI France Malaysia, and Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Industry - La Cámara, with top speakers Camille Delauney, Pedro Uria-Recio, Prof Dato’Dr Shamala Subramaniam, Simone Macario, moderated by Ghazanfar Iqbal ᵃ⤻ᶻ and opened by Peter Murray, with the support of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Malaysia.

AI-Powered Leadership: Shaping the Future of Business and Talent

AI-Powered Leadership: Shaping the Future of Business and Talent event, sponsored by Asia School of Business (ASB) and co-organized by 16 European bilateral chambers of commerce and business councils ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, BeLuxCham Malaysia, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), CCIFM - CCI France Malaysia, Danish Chamber of Commerce, Malaysia (Dancham), EUROCHAM Malaysia, Italcham Malaysia - Italian Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Industry - La Cámara, La French Tech Malaysia, Malaysia Norway Business Council, Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), MFBC Malaysian-Finnish Business Council (Executive Office), Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry | AHK Malaysia, SWEDCHAM Malaysia (formerly MASBA) and Swiss Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (SMCC).

Founders, Enterprises, Authors, VC, and Super-Connectors

A series of small networking events focused on building and growing together.

Countries worldwide are competing to attract technology and innovation. I believe the winners will be those who can build synergies, remove barriers, and collaborate effectively.