North America

Serial entrepreneur and CEO of fintech company YayPay Anthony Venus explains his decision for splitting management between New York and London.

“If you want to run an international business, the UK is probably set up better for it than most. While the US is a large exciting market, its size can mean people can become consumed by serving the US market. This is in stark contrast to the UK, which is a substantial but smaller market so people tend to become very international in their mindset.”

“If you can do business in the US, you can do it in the UK; it’s not that different so it’s the obvious choice to twin with,” Anthony says.

In October 2019, Anthony moved to the UK and split the management team between the East Coast of the US and the UK. Rather than manage the strategic undertaking internally, YayPay chose to work with Moore Kingston Smith to facilitate the process.

Washington DC based iDiscovery Solutions founder and CEO Dan chose London as the firm’s first international office. He admits the language made things easier, but is quick to point out that English can be spoken in most of the world, and so was drawn to the talent pool for his growth plans.

The practicalities of setting up a new office are important – and can be tricky when it’s in a different country. “The endorsement by a client of ours gave us initial comfort in working with Moore Kingston Smith; however I can now say that we developed trust directly as a result of their full-service offering.” Dan explains that Moore Kingston Smith assisted iDiscovery with all aspects of its move to London, including banking, recommendations on office space and other professional services.

iDiscovery expanded organically, though acquisitions had been considered. “Expanding through M&A may have been faster, but the way we’ve done it ensures we have the right people and can focus on our culture and the brand.” It’s clear Coronavirus hasn’t slowed iDiscovery down, with Dan suggesting there are more international offices on the cards. “London is a stepping stone to the rest of the UK.”