How startups thrive through internationalization and global connections: opportunities and challenges Internationalization represents a great growth opportunity for every kind of company, although it requires strategic planning, adequate resources, and strong adaptation to local contexts. Startups prepared for global markets from the outset tend to have a greater ability to scale and thrive in a competitive and increasingly connected landscape. Research on "born global" startups, which are defined as businesses that internationalize within three years of founding, shows that they often experience faster growth and greater market impact than those focused solely on their domestic market. According to a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)¹, born global firms are typically twice as innovative as their domestic-only peers, and they often achieve higher productivity and revenue growth, operating without traditional geographic limitations.
However, starting a business with a global focus presents significant challenges. While the potential rewards are high, many entrepreneurs face substantial barriers when attempting to expand beyond their domestic markets, such as:
Expanding horizons: the international programs and connections of Fintech DistrictThese are just some of the reasons why Fintech District aims to help its community companies grow abroad – by accompanying them throughout their innovation and internationalization journey – and creates specific programs to help foreign fintech companies willing to set up in Italy.
Since its birth, Fintech District partnered with International Fintech Hubs and local leading players from different industries and countries, creating an international bridge to help Italian businesses grow abroad or to welcome foreign companies willing to enter Italian market, affirming its role as the gateway and reference point for the Italian market. By doing so, Fintech District attracts opportunities from the world and empowers the Italian ecosystem to grow.
Fintech District's Ecosystem partnership proposition is tailored to drive growth and innovation in Italy’s fintech sector through a comprehensive international approach. The aim is to link local and global partners, offering services to increase brand exposure, fostering expertise, and expanding networks. The ecosystem partnership proposition is addressed to all international players who want to get in touch with the Italian fintech ecosystem or to local players who want to create connections with cross-industry stakeholders. As Fintech District is the most relevant Italian fintech and techfin ecosystem, the partners who decide to join the network can contact the largest industry community in Italy and with international stakeholders belonging to many different industries - far beyond financial services.
Key features of the proposition dedicated to FD Ecosystem Partners include specialized initiatives for business development, exclusive contents from a subject matter expert and participation in international events and initiatives, such as the Milan Fintech Summit. Thus, the proposition supports collaborative opportunities with different industry stakeholders, promoting global partnerships and facilitating sector-wide advancements.
Fintech District and Milano&Partners act as a business integrator and facilitator for foreign fintech companies willing to set up and expand in Italy, choosing Milano as landing destination. The Soft Landing Program supports foreign companies – willing to enter the Italian market – throughout all the steps of landing in our country, including designed services companies may need to work in Italy.
Both Milano&Partners and Fintech District have their headquarters in Milano, which confirms to be Italy’s capital of creativity and innovation.
An international financial hub that hosts approximately 15K financial companies and 130K financial services employees, with a thriving startup ecosystem with over 2.800 startup companies, increasingly known as a laboratory for creativity and innovation, Milano is home to a world class talent pool with 11 universities with 227K students. Italy confirms to be a destination for creative minds and disruptive ideas, attracting foreign talents and boosting its competitive environment.
Through the Soft Landing Program, Fintech District and Milano&Partners offer relevant connections and tailored services to ensure the smooth landing of companies in Italy, such as:
Since the inception of the Soft Landing Program, Fintech District and Milano & Partners have come into contact with a total of 246 companies, from different countries, namely: USA 16.6%, UK 16.2%, France 14%, Canada 7%; 32 of these have joined the Fintech District community; 13 companies have opened a legal entity in Milan thanks to the program, and 17 companies – that already had an Italian legal identity – were assisted and supported.
Since 2020, Fintech District has been gathering the International Fintech community in Italy with the main Italian event dedicated to the future of innovation.
Milan Fintech Summit wants to bring together the most important and influencing fintech experts and companies at national and international level, giving them the opportunity to showcase their innovations and solutions, meeting investors, stakeholders, customers, and making Italy among the European referral markets for the industry’s development and growth.
The fifth edition was held on October 8-9 and the event counted more than 1.300 registered people from 587 different companies and 35 different countries. Year by year, the event attracts more and more attention from international players and this year there were numerous international promotional partners and 30% of media partners were international as well.
The Italian tech ecosystem, particularly in the fintech sector, is growing rapidly. Although historically considered less mature than those of the US, UK, France, or even Spain, our country has made remarkable strides in recent years.
Funding growth: Italian fintech and techfin companies have witnessed a surge in funding activity, signaling growing investor confidence. In 2024 alone, companies within the Fintech District Community have raised over €80 million year-to-date. A standout feature of this trend is the increasing involvement of Corporate Venture Capital, which combines industrial synergies with strong returns on investment. This robust funding landscape provides the fuel for innovation and expansion.
Shifting focus to profitability: the narrative around fintech growth has evolved. While customer acquisition and revenue growth remain important, investors and founders are now prioritizing profitability and business model scalability. Italian fintech and techfin companies are excelling in this area, particularly in segments like B2B solutions, innovative payment systems, and embedded finance. This focus on sustainable growth positions Italy as a leader in Europe’s fintech evolution.
Several key factors are propelling growth in the fintech and broader tech ecosystem in Italy:
Despite some challenges yet to be fully addressed, the progress made by Italy’s fintech ecosystem inspires optimism. The combination of a maturing market, increased funding, and strategic focus areas suggests that sustained growth is not just possible but likely in the coming years. For businesses and investors, now is the ideal moment to capitalize on Italy’s burgeoning fintech landscape.
If you want to explore all the opportunities coming from the Italian fintech and techfin ecosystem, let’s get in touch.
Internationalisation of innovation in SMEs, CaseStudies, Exemplary Support Practices and Policy Implications, 2016
From start-up to centaur: Leadership lessons on scaling, April 29, 2024, Article
