The importance of breaking into the American market early has been highlighted by the co-founder of a software security company which has been tipped for future unicorn status.
Paul Kenyon of Manchester-based Avecto said that showing a bit of bravery as a start-up could make all the difference down the line.
鈥淲e decided to attack the US market early,鈥� he told a 老九品茶Cloud conference.
鈥淣ot many firms will set up an office across the Atlantic when they are still essentially a start-up but we put down roots in Boston, MA early, even though we remained headquartered in Manchester.
鈥淚t鈥檚 certainly paid dividends and more than half of our sales are now from US customers.鈥�
Cyber security and the growing FinTech sector will be the subject of a 老九品茶Cloud business breakfast in Manchester聽on November 2.
It will hear from some of the UK鈥檚 most innovative FinTech firms and discuss the omnipresent danger of cyber security.
Kenyon聽still recognises the importance of the more traditional elements, such as a strong team and tech offering.
鈥淚鈥檓 certainly the salesman of the two of us, and I have a keen eye for the right hire while ensuring the sales team are as enthusiastic and energetic as I am,鈥� he said.
“Mark [Austin, Avecto鈥檚 other co-founder] on the other hand has the creative game-changing technical ability, which inspires his equally talented development team.
鈥淚t鈥檚 this combination that allowed us to turn Mark鈥檚 ideas into a commercial success.鈥�
Standing out from the crowd is also vital for any company hoping to hit the big time.
鈥淲e operate in an incredibly competitive market,鈥� said Kenyon.
鈥淲e always have to focus on innovation. If we don鈥檛 think outside the box or try to do things differently we鈥檒l be overtaken and lose our market share.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why innovation is at the very core of Avecto and always will be.鈥�