- Published date:
- 16 February 2026
Expanding into new markets is rarely just a commercial decision. It brings legal, regulatory and structural implications that can quickly become complex if not addressed early. The International Expansion Outlook Toolkit, contributed by Osborne Clarke, has been developed as a practical reference point for businesses preparing to operate internationally.
This guide brings together six core areas that companies should assess before entering overseas markets. It is structured to help leadership teams think through the operational and compliance implications of global growth in a clear and organised way.
What the Toolkit Covers: A practical guide to help you prepare for your company’s global growth
The guide is structured around six key pillars:
- Data
- Information Protection
- Regulation
- Contracts
- People
- Structure
Each pillar outlines the principal considerations that arise when moving from a domestic operating model to an international one [from data handling and intellectual property protection, through to regulatory compliance, workforce planning and corporate structuring].
Why This Matters for PropTech Founders
For PropTech companies in particular, international expansion often happens quickly. Digital products scale beyond borders before formal market entry decisions are even made. A platform may gain overseas users, collect personal data across jurisdictions, or enter commercial relationships in markets where local compliance obligations apply.
This is where structured preparation becomes essential.
The framework set out in this toolkit reflects the areas that most commonly create friction for scaling technology businesses:
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Data flows that extend beyond domestic boundaries
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Brand protection challenges in new jurisdictions
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Consumer protection and product compliance requirements
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The need to localise contracts and user terms
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Hiring employees or contractors in new markets
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Decisions around whether and when to establish a local entity
For PropTech founders operating at the intersection of property, data and regulated environments, these issues can be particularly nuanced. Many solutions engage with consumer data, public authorities, built environment regulations or financial structures. International growth therefore requires alignment across legal, operational and tax considerations.
What makes this resource useful is not that it provides country-by-country answers. Instead, it offers a structured lens through which founders can assess readiness. It helps teams identify where further specialist advice may be required and ensures that expansion discussions move beyond market opportunity alone to include governance and compliance.
For companies preparing to enter new jurisdictions, raise international capital or serve overseas clients, having clarity across these six pillars can reduce risk and prevent reactive decision-making later.
Disclaimer
This article reflects our interpretation and summary of the materials contributed by Osborne Clarke. It is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Founders and operators should seek independent legal and professional advice before making decisions relating to international expansion or entering new markets.
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