TRiCERA, Inc. is a Tokyo-based startup that supports contemporary artists by connecting them with collectors and buyers worldwide. Specializing in the curation and sale of artworks from diverse artists, TRiCERA serves both Japanese and international markets.
Industry: Technology, Information and Internet
Company Size: 25+
Year Founded: 2018
Country of Operation: Japan
Country with GoGlobal: Taiwan
The Need
As TRiCERA’s customer base rapidly grew beyond Japan, especially in Asia, the company saw the need for a stronger international presence. Eager to serve its expanding global audience, TRiCERA faced the challenge of scaling operations in new markets.
To sustain growth and avoid the complexities of entity setups, TRiCERA needed a solution for efficient labor and legal management. The company sought a strategy that would support its expansion plans and uphold compliance from the start.
With Taiwan set as the first international venture, TRiCERA was determined to find a partner who could seamlessly manage this critical phase of the global expansion journey.
The Challenge
TRiCERA initially considered establishing local corporations or using outsourcing contracts. However, they discovered that these options posed several challenges:
- High Risk of Withdrawal: Establishing a local entity was not only costly but also carried the risk of complications that could force withdrawal, which the company wanted to avoid.
- IPO Considerations: To position itself for a future IPO, TRiCERA needed to reduce labor and legal risks as much as possible.
- Legal and Labor Affairs: For a rapidly growing startup, handling overseas legal and labor issues independently would be a significant hurdle.
The company required a solution that would allow them to expand internationally, while mitigating these risks.
Why GoGlobal?
After considering a few other Employer of Record (EOR) service providers, TRiCERA selected GoGlobal based on two primary reasons:
- Responsiveness and Expertise: GoGlobal provided prompt and accurate responses to questions about local business practices in Taiwan. This proactivity earned TRiCERA’s trust early in the process.
- Transparent and Cost-Effective Pricing: Unlike other vendors with hidden fees and unclear pricing, GoGlobal offered clear, competitive rates from the start. While initial quotes from other providers seemed lower, the total cost rose due to additional expenses not clearly shared in initial proposal. TRiCERA found GoGlobal to be the most transparent and affordable solution.
How GoGlobal Helped
With GoGlobal’s EOR solution, TRiCERA was able to expand its operations into Taiwan without setting up a local entity. GoGlobal’s expertise in local employment laws and practices enabled TRiCERA to onboard two Taiwanese employees – quickly and compliantly.
Here’s how GoGlobal supported TRiCERA’s growth:
- Niche Talent Acquisition: TRiCERA operates as a niche art business. GoGlobal’s recruitment service successfully introduced candidates with the highly specific skills and experience required. TRiCERA was impressed with the quality of candidates GoGlobal provided, which exceeded their expectations.
- Smooth Daily Communication: TRiCERA appreciated the clear and transparent communication from GoGlobal. This made navigating complex business practices and regulatory issues in Taiwan much easier. GoGlobal’s ability to quickly check with local teams and provide timely updates instilled confidence in the partnership.
Key Advantages of the Partnership
By partnering with GoGlobal, TRiCERA gained several key advantages:
- Compliance and Risk Management: GoGlobal ensured that TRiCERA adhered to local labor laws and business customs, minimizing legal and regulatory risks in Taiwan.
- Cost-Effective Expansion: GoGlobal’s transparent and affordable pricing structure allowed TRiCERA to expand overseas without incurring the typical high costs.
- Trusted Partnership: GoGlobal provided ongoing support beyond just EOR, acting as a strategic partner in TRiCERA’s international growth strategy.
“GoGlobal has been instrumental in supporting our overseas expansion. Their EOR solution allowed us to enter the Taiwanese market smoothly, without the need for setting up a local corporation. In addition to their transparent and timely communication, GoGlobal helped us find quality niche talent that is hard to source in the market. We see them as a trusted partner in our global growth strategy.” – Tai Iguchi, CEO, TRiCERA, Inc.
Looking to the Future
TRiCERA is optimistic about the future and plans to expand into additional markets, such as Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore.
Owing to the success in Taiwan, TRiCERA intends to rely on GoGlobal’s EOR solution for these expansions as well.
Top Takeaways for Global Talent Management
From TRiCERA’s experience with GoGlobal, the following takeaways are essential for companies looking to expand globally:
- Test the Waters First: Before diving headfirst into a new market, it’s wise to start small. Using an EOR service can help companies minimize risks while assessing market viability.
- Embrace Local Culture: Your internal culture should be adapted to local customs, as this helps with employee satisfaction and performance.
- Choose a Trusted Partner: Work with a service provider like GoGlobal that offers transparent communication, timely support and a partner-based approach to global expansion.
Check out our What is an EOR? guide or contact us to talk with an international HR expert about how the EOR hiring model can help with your global expansion plans.