This white paper provides you with best practices to successfully internationalise as a family business with patient capital and smart strategies. Practical insights for Belgian entrepreneurs looking to cross the border.
What you will learn
The four routes to internationalisation
We will lead you through all forms of internationalisation, from exporting via a distributor to a complete acquisition. You will discover which strategy suits your stage and ambitions.
Why “patient capital” is your greatest asset
Family businesses think in generations, not quarters. This gives you the patience to work through difficult start-up phases when investment funds would have long given up. We demonstrate why local partners value your long-term vision, and how to leverage this strength tactically without endless delays.
The downside of control: when letting go pays off
The drive to control everything is embedded in the DNA of every family business. But too much control can also cripple your internationalisation. Learn why family businesses often internationalise later and more slowly, and when it is smart to trust a local team or external expert.
Selecting the right form of partnership, from distributor to joint venture
What role is best for a local partner? From licensing and franchising to strategic alliances: we explain when which form works, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and how other family businesses have made choices in this regard.
Governance as a compass: how external expertise makes a difference
A Board of Directors or Advisory Board with international experience will help accelerate your internationalisation without you losing the reins. Find out how external directors use their network and market knowledge to help you move forward, and why more and more family businesses are taking this step.
Financing without loss of control
Family businesses prefer financing based on their own resources. Nonetheless, international growth may require more capital than can be made available by utilising your retained earnings. We discuss how to raise smart external capital – from family offices to private equity – while preserving your family values and control.