Austin has become a premier technology hub in the US. So much so, that its influence is crossing oceans as Austin-based companies expand overseas and companies outside of the US open offices here in Austin.
At SXSW Interactive, several companies matching that profile, including WP Engine, shared their stories of global growth and expansion during a session called “Austin Goes Global.”
WP Engine CFO April Downing told the crowd that WP Engine has grown to now serve more than 40,000 in 133 countries–growth that runs in parallel with the growth and adoption of WordPress, which now powers more than 25 percent of all websites.
“It’s already been a fantastic experience,” Downing told the crowd about WP Engine opening its London office in early 2014 to better serve its growing customer base in Europe and the UK. She said having a presence in other parts of the world is key to building relationships with customers, especially in an industry where face to face communication is imperative.
Johan Brand, CEO and co-founder of Oslo-based Kahoot, a fast growth learning and education technology brand, said his company opened an Austin office last year after recognizing that roughly 75 percent of Kahoot’s customer base was in the US, and a local presence can help upstart company serve them better.
“If you go big in America, it’s easier to go big in the whole world,” he said.
Along with WP Engine and Kahoot, the Austin Goes Global session featured presentations from re:3D, which makes and sells large 3D printers on a global scale; OwnLocal, an Austin-based automated digital ad agency for media; and YouRoam, which aims to eliminate international roaming charges by letting users make and receive calls on their number anywhere in the world.
Ultimately, the session proved that Austin has become a major innovation center for global businesses and for businesses looking to grow in the US. And as businesses continue to expand into new geographies, Downing said a key to success amid global growth is ensuring that companies work as a single, cohesive team.
“You don’t talk about it as being ‘offshore’… it’s part of your company,” she said. “It’s an extension of your team.”
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