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Taiwanese Startups Need Local Partners to Succeed Overseas, New Study Finds
Taiwanese startups seeking international growth should build strong local partnerships and immerse themselves in overseas ecosystems rather than attempt to expand remotely, according to new research presented by Dr. Yina Wu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration at National Taipei University.
Speaking at the 2026 Taiwan Global Venture Forum, Wu unveiled findings from the "2026 Taiwan Startup Overseas Survey," described as the largest annual research report on Taiwanese startups expanding internationally.
The study tracked 300 Taiwanese startups and included interviews with 20 venture capital firms (VCs) to examine startup internationalization and cross-border investment strategies.
##Venture capital remains a local business
One of the study's strongest conclusions is that venture capital remains fundamentally a local business, making trusted local networks essential for startups entering foreign markets.
"Don't just stay in Taiwan," Wu said during her presentation, encouraging founders to engage directly with overseas ecosystems, build relationships with local investors and partners, and gain first-hand knowledge of local markets.
Rather than expanding remotely, the research suggests startups should spend time on the ground developing relationships that can open doors to customers, investors, and strategic partners.
##More Taiwanese startups are expanding overseas
The study found that more than 60% of Taiwanese startups are actively pursuing international expansion, an increase from three years ago.
Japan, the United States, and Southeast Asia emerged as the top overseas destinations, while Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive market. Among these, Japan generated the highest share of foreign revenue for Taiwanese startups surveyed.
##Founding teams remain the top investment priority
Interviews with venture capital firms found that the quality of the founding team remains the most important investment criterion.
Investors also identified Taiwan's strengths as its position in global supply chains, highly skilled engineering talent, and its reputation as a reliable business partner—advantages that can help startups compete internationally.
##Forum highlights Taiwan's global ambitions
The 2026 Taiwan Global Venture Forum brought together venture capital leaders and entrepreneurs from Taiwan, Japan, Europe, and the United States to discuss global startup trends, cross-border investment opportunities, and the international development of Taiwanese startups.
The forum also marked the first public release of the 2026 Taiwan Startup Overseas Survey, providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots to date of how Taiwanese startups and investors are approaching global expansion.
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