APAC Market Entry: Why 73% of Global Startups Fail
(And How to Beat Those Odds)
You've got a proven product. It works in the US. It works in Europe. Now you're expanding to Singapore / APAC. This should be easy, right?
Wrong.
Why APAC is Different
1
Cold Outreach Strategy
Why
Singapore/APAC buyers buy on referrals + trust, not cold outreach
What works
Local introductions + trusted referrals
2
Sales Cycle Timeline
Why
Risk aversion is higher; due diligence is deeper; decision-making is slower
What works
Plan for 9-12 month pilot; budget accordingly
3
Decision-Maker Identification
Why
APAC corporate structure is different; decision-making is centralized differently
What works
Research APAC org charts; target risk-mitigators, not technologists
4
Proof Points Required
Why
APAC buyers are risk-averse; they want proof from similar companies in similar contexts
What works
Get Singapore/APAC case study BEFORE scaling; don't plan to do pilots as proof
Why
APAC markets are heterogeneous; Singapore ≠ Thailand ≠ Vietnam
What works
Hire local GTM person; don't try to do it from US/EU HQ
5
Localization Depth
Where are you stuck right now?
Let's talk through it—30 minutes, no pitch, just clarity on what comes next.
