When startups hit hyper-growth phase, they look to go global. That’s a good strategy—until it’s not. According to Meg Whitman, who enjoyed a run as one of the dominant CEOs in Silicon Valley, her experience leading HP and eBay taught her that, when it comes to global expansion, there can be too much of a good thing.
“It is not a badge of honor to be in 120 countries,” said Whitman, recalling the peak of HP’s expansion. “We were in 190 countries, [but] catch this: 40 countries made up 85% of the revenue and 125% of the profits.”
