For many founders, international expansion feels like the natural next step.

A bigger market. More customers. Faster growth.

Yet the reality is that most international expansions fail to deliver the returns founders expect. Markets are misunderstood, costs are underestimated, local dynamics are overlooked, and what looked like a growth opportunity quickly becomes a distraction.

So how do you know when you're truly ready to expand?

Join John-Paul Hamilton for a practical and thought-provoking digital session exploring the realities of international growth, the mistakes founders repeatedly make, and how to assess whether a new market represents a genuine opportunity or an expensive detour.

Drawing on his experience helping businesses expand across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including launching a company on the Singapore Exchange and leading commercial initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, John-Paul will share a research-backed framework for evaluating expansion opportunities and avoiding common pitfalls.

We'll explore:

• Why so many international expansions fail
• The warning signs founders often miss
• How to assess market readiness before investing significant resources
• The operational, cultural, and commercial challenges that emerge after launch
• When international expansion creates value and when it destroys it

This won't be a theoretical presentation. Expect an honest discussion grounded in real-world experience, followed by an opportunity to explore your own expansion ambitions and challenges with fellow founders.

Whether you're actively considering a new market or simply thinking ahead, you'll leave with a clearer framework for making one of the most important strategic decisions a founder can face.