On February 13, Diia.City United partnered with the British Embassy to host Global Markets Stream: Scaling into the UK — an exclusive event designed for our member tech companies looking to expand their global footprint.

The session cut straight to the practicalities of UK market entry. We covered the essentials: from company registration and opening corporate bank accounts to navigating the complexities of incorporation. 

We also unpacked the subtleties of the local business culture and highlighted key support programs available to Ukrainian tech companies.

Here are the core insights from the discussion.

The Golden Rules of UK Market Entry

The British Embassy team underscored a fundamental truth: successful scaling demands more than just a brilliant product — it requires a highly systematic approach. 

Key strategic pillars to consider:

  • Go-to-market strategy: A great product won’t sell itself if a company lacks a deep understanding of the local market landscape and business culture.
  • Fierce Competition and longer cycles: British partners and clients take their time to build trust and make decisions. Companies must enter the market with enough runway, resilience, and patience.
  • Legal fundamentals: Preparation is everything. Have your contracts and incorporation documents tailored to local regulatory frameworks well in advance.
  • The power of ecosystems: The most effective way to penetrate the market is by cultivating local partnerships and integrating into professional communities and accelerators.
  • A data-driven approach: Every step of your expansion should be anchored in solid, high-quality data.

 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the diplomatic mission representatives for their openness and productive collaboration: Charlotte Surun, Chargée d’Affaires of the UK to Ukraine, and Pavlo Kalashnikov, Trade Development Adviser at the British Embassy.

 

Real-World Insights: Deus Robotics and birb (by LUN) 

Association members also shared their hands-on experience. Drawing on his team’s operations in London, Ars Feshchenko, founder and designer of birb (by LUN), unpacked the practicalities of adapting a product and launching marketing campaigns in a fiercely competitive environment.

Antonina Yermeichuk, co-founder and COO of Deus Robotics, discussed her company’s journey through the UK-Ukraine TechBridge program. 

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Global Markets Stream. Onward to new markets!