In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the journey from a startup to a thriving, scalable company is a challenge that many entrepreneurs face.
It requires not just ambition but a clear vision, careful strategic planning, and a solid network of support to navigate the complexities of both local and global markets. For businesses aiming to expand and solidify their presence on the international stage, the stakes are high, and the path is often filled with obstacles.
This is where expert guidance becomes crucial. With nearly two decades of experience in business innovation and international management, Claudia Serrer has made it her mission to help companies rise to these challenges. From facilitating global market entry to ensuring sustainable growth, Claudia has played a pivotal role in helping businesses expand beyond their borders and achieve lasting impact on the world stage.
"It’s important to connect different companies, with startups and scale-ups that are coming into the market, and I’m part of this ecosystem," Claudia explains, "My role is to bridge the gap between innovative companies and the opportunities they need to succeed. Whether it’s through partnerships, market access, or providing the right connections, I help create pathways for these businesses to expand and thrive on the global stage."
As the Trade Commissioner for Chile in the Southeastern United States, Claudia has played a pivotal role in mentoring startups, fostering business matchmaking, and designing strategic pathways for companies to scale successfully.
"Currently, I’m the Trade Commissioner for Chile in the Southeast USA," Claudia explains. "Where I’m responsible for promoting Chilean exports across ten states in the U.S. East Coast, as well as Puerto Rico. My focus is to facilitate business opportunities and create collaborations that help Chilean companies expand their reach in key international markets."
Claudia has also been a panelist on Programa Negocios de Carne y Hueso, a leading program that has been empowering entrepreneurs and investors for over eight years. The program successfully expanded to Miami, further broadening its reach to the entire Latin American market. This expansion now allows the program to connect with a potential audience of 400 million people, fostering greater business opportunities and collaborations across the region.
Understanding the Startup-to-Scale-Up Journey
For many businesses, the early stages are marked by product development, market validation, and securing initial funding. However, scaling a business requires an entirely different approach. Expansion into new markets, forming key strategic partnerships, and adapting business models to suit diverse economic landscapes are critical to sustainable growth.
“Scaling a business isn't just about boosting sales," Claudia explains. "It’s about truly understanding a new market, establishing solid connections, and making sure your company has the resources to grow while maintaining the quality that got you there."
In addition to her academic contributions, Claudia is a Certified Mentor with the Venture Mentoring Team (VMT), where she actively guides startups and scale-ups in their growth journeys.
Claudia Serrer holds prestigious mentorship certifications from Babson College in the United States and Fundación Madri+d in Spain. These programs have equipped her with advanced tools in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business mentoring. Her dual certification reflects an international standard of excellence and reinforces her ability to guide emerging leaders and startups across diverse markets.
With nearly two decades of experience in international trade, marketing, and business development, Claudia has helped countless startups transition into high-growth companies. Her expertise spans various industries, from tech and innovation to food and beverage, giving her a holistic understanding of global market dynamics. Claudia has a unique ability to identify emerging trends and navigate complex international markets, ensuring businesses not only expand but thrive.
She also plays a key role in the Chile US Chamber of Commerce & ChileFlorida.org, where she collaborates closely with leadership, even though she’s not officially on the board, to drive trade and business development between Chile and the U.S.
Additionally, she was a speaker at FEBICHAM’s "Cómo Hacer Negocios en Mi País" during the World of Travel Trade & Taste Expo Miami 2023 (WTTT). As well as BioFlorida and eMerge America’s for two years running. Her speaking engagements showcase her dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering global business collaborations.
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The Key Components of Scaling Successfully
According to Claudia, the path to scaling a business successfully involves several crucial steps:
1. Developing a Strong Market Entry Strategy
Expanding into a new market is one of the most challenging aspects of scaling a business. Many startups fail to research their target markets adequately and face unexpected regulatory, cultural, and economic challenges. Claudia emphasizes the importance of market intelligence and strategic planning before leaping.
“One of the biggest mistakes startups make is assuming that what works in their home country will work everywhere else,” she explains. “Each market has its consumer behavior, regulatory landscape, and competitive environment. A well-researched market entry strategy is essential to long-term success.”
Through her role at ProChile, Claudia has guided businesses in identifying market opportunities, assessing risk factors, and aligning their business models to meet the specific needs of new regions. She has played a critical role in helping companies navigate the complexities of international trade, from cultural nuances to regulatory challenges, ensuring they’re not only prepared but poised for success.
Claudia has been reviewed and recognized by accomplished industry leaders, such as Bob Nelson, a veteran entrepreneur, investor, and mentor passionately committed to promoting innovation and bolstering early-stage businesses.
2. Leveraging Strategic Partnerships
Scaling is not a solo endeavor; it requires strong partnerships to expand business. Whether it’s securing distribution channels, finding investors, or forming joint ventures, the right partnerships can accelerate growth.
“I always tell startups: Your network is your net worth,” Claudia says. “The right partnership can open doors that would otherwise take years to unlock. Business matchmaking is one of the most powerful tools in international expansion.”
Claudia has been instrumental in connecting Chilean startups with key stakeholders in the U.S., including venture capital firms, accelerators, and industry leaders. Her ability to facilitate high-value connections has allowed businesses to establish credibility and secure valuable market entry opportunities.
One of the main barriers to scaling is financial readiness. Many startups struggle to secure the capital needed for expansion, leading to stalled growth or failure. Claudia stresses the importance of economic strategy and securing investment at the right stage.
"Scaling requires financial discipline," she notes. "Companies need to assess their cash flow, plan for operational costs, and secure funding in a way that doesn’t dilute their long-term value. It's not just about growing fast, it's about growing smart. Businesses must balance investment with sustainability, ensuring they can manage expansion without compromising their financial stability or the integrity of their brand.”
She advises businesses to explore multiple funding options, from venture capital and private equity to government grants and strategic alliances. Through her extensive network, Claudia has helped startups access funding sources that align with their growth goals.
4. Adapting to Market-Specific Innovation Trends
Innovation is key to differentiation, especially in competitive markets. As a mentor to numerous startups, Claudia has seen firsthand how companies that embrace technological advancements and innovation trends gain a competitive edge. Her work with emerging industries, including fintech, health tech, and climate tech, has proven that businesses that adopt sustainable and cutting-edge solutions not only thrive but lead in their sectors.
“Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about solving a real problem in a way that adds value,” she explains. “Startups that understand their customers’ evolving needs and innovate accordingly are the ones that succeed.”
Claudia has worked closely with startups in fintech, health, and climate tech, guiding them in adapting their business models to fit emerging market trends. She has also facilitated programs integrating startups into accelerator initiatives, such as the Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange, which provides unparalleled opportunities for health tech companies.
Yamilet Rivas, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Women in the United States, highlights Claudia's expansive influence, which extends beyond her field to international economic development and cross-border cooperation. Her acknowledgment affirms Claudia’s stature as a leader with both regional and global impact.
“What sets Claudia apart is not just her extraordinary vision, but her rare ability to translate that vision into tangible, real-world impact.’ says Rivas.
“She doesn’t just lead—she connects, innovates, and empowers. Through her work, she builds bridges across industries and borders, creating opportunities that uplift entire communities and drive lasting economic and social change.”
Claudia’s work spans multiple sectors, including economic development, business innovation, and international relations, where she has consistently driven initiatives that connect local and global markets.
She has played a key role in fostering partnerships that empower Hispanic communities, boost entrepreneurial ecosystems, and promote inclusive growth. Her leadership is marked by a strong commitment to fostering innovation, promoting diversity, and shaping sustainable economic strategies that benefit both regional economies and the broader global landscape.
5. The Importance of Leadership and Team Development
One of the most overlooked aspects of scaling is internal growth, ensuring that the company’s leadership and team are equipped to handle expansion. Claudia emphasizes that a startup’s success is deeply tied to its leadership’s ability to evolve alongside its growth.
"Scaling a business means scaling leadership," she says. "You need to invest in training, hiring the right talent, and creating a company culture that can sustain rapid growth. As a business grows, leadership must evolve to meet new challenges and responsibilities. It's about building a team that not only supports the company's vision but can also drive it forward with agility and innovation.”
She advises founders to prioritize hiring professionals who bring expertise and align with the company’s long-term vision. A strong team is crucial for navigating the complexities of scaling while maintaining operational excellence.
Case Study: Driving Chilean Innovation onto the Global Stage
One of Claudia’s most notable successes has been leading Chilean companies into international markets through structured immersion programs. She recently spearheaded initiatives that provided startups with soft-landing opportunities in the U.S., helping them connect with industry leaders and explore new business landscapes.
“We designed tailored programs for startups in fintech, edtech, and health tech, ensuring they had the right connections and resources to enter the U.S. market,” she shares. “The results have been phenomenal, many of these companies have secured partnerships, funding, and even permanent operations in the U.S.”
Additionally, Claudia has served as a judge for the Harvard Miami Pitch Competition, further solidifying her reputation as an expert in evaluating high-potential startups. Claudia’s multifaceted role as a mentor, judge, panelist, and educator underscores her dedication to advancing business innovation and expanding international networks, positioning her as a recognized leader in the global business community.
The Future of Global Business Growth
Claudia remains committed to supporting startups and scale ups through their international expansion, leveraging her expertise in business matchmaking, strategic planning, and innovation leadership.Some of these businesses have traction in Chile and Latam, and her support is due to Claudia’s knowledge of the US market.
“Scaling a business is a marathon, not a sprint,” Claudia says. “It requires patience, strategy, and the right people supporting you. I aim to continue empowering businesses to take that next big step confidently.”
As companies across industries strive to scale successfully, Claudia’s insights and expertise continue to shape the future of business innovation and international market expansion. Whether through mentorship, strategic connections, or policy guidance, her work is impacting the global business landscape.
