Start with sequencing, not a launch date
The biggest planning mistake we see is working backward from a launch date instead of forward from dependencies. Entity registration, banking, and hiring all have their own timelines, some of which you can't compress.
Size the market with real demand signals
Generic market size reports are a starting point, not a plan. Look for direct signals: inbound inquiries, competitor hiring patterns, and import data specific to your product category.
Decide your entity structure before your first hire
Whether you set up a subsidiary, branch, or work through an employer of record changes your hiring timeline, tax exposure, and ability to sign local contracts. Get this decision right early.
Plan for a local point of contact from day one
Markets move faster than headquarters can react from a distance. A local lead, even a part-time one initially, catches problems weeks before a quarterly review would.
Build in a 90-day reassessment
Even a strong plan needs a checkpoint. Set a 90-day review with clear, pre-agreed metrics so you can adjust the plan with data instead of instinct.
