When I first considered moving abroad, Canada seemed like the obvious choice. Smooth immigration, predictable life. But I ended up choosing the UK. Why? Partly for education — the UK’s recognition is stronger globally, but mostly for the city.
I wanted energy. Movement. A place that pushes you without asking. Brighton was my starting point, but London… well, London grabbed me with its mix of cultures, constant novelty, and yes, even its parks. There’s something about that energy you can’t explain until you feel it.
How My Background Shaped My Approach
To be born and grow up in Russia leaves a mark. You develop what I call a “get things done” mindset. Despite the circumstances, you adapt, persist, and find a way to make it work. Moving to the UK, I realised quickly that this mindset was essential — the business environment here values patience, persistence, and pragmatism.
It also shaped how I handle relationships. In my home country, flexibility isn’t optional but a survival. You learn to find solutions that work for everyone: the system or the people around you who make things unnecessarily complicated. Funny enough, this approach fits well with British business culture, because it is structured, methodical, and relationship-driven, but always focused on results. It’s a delicate balance, and coming from a different system gives you a perspective that’s hard to teach.
Being a Non-British Founder Has Its Positive Sides
Let’s be honest: being non-British comes with its own set of hurdles. Visas, bank accounts, tax rules — and yes, accents sometimes make people underestimate you. But it also has perks. You arrive hungry, motivated, and ready to prove yourself. You’re forced to adapt quickly. You think globally because you literally come from somewhere else.
In many ways, being “different” is an advantage. You see things others take for granted. You understand newcomers. You challenge the local assumptions. And in the UK, that kind of mindset is appreciated — not always obvious, but quietly powerful.
What Surprised Me About Doing Business in the UK
A few things surprised me. First, everything takes time. Building relationships, establishing trust, and closing deals — all of it moves more slowly than I expected. Often, a relationship can take a year to mature. And meetings? In the UK, there’s an expectation of purpose. You only schedule in-person discussions if something real can happen. It’s frustrating at first if you’re used to fast-moving cultures, but eventually, you learn to appreciate it.
I was also surprised by the long-term, structural approach to business. Decisions are deliberate, and planning horizons are longer. You need patience, but the upside is sustainability. And then there’s the emphasis on discussion, confirmation, and written agreements. At first, it felt excessive. Now, I realise it’s a strength, because it reduces ambiguity and builds accountability.
Navigating Challenges as an International Founder
Visa and immigration issues were, by far, the biggest problems when I started. First of all, the bureaucracy around company registration, taxes, and banking. Building a professional network from scratch is stressful. Cultural differences in communication can create misunderstandings. And yes, raising funding in a foreign country isn’t simple.
Investors in the UK are pragmatic. They care about traction, previous experience, team quality, and clarity around product and market. Nationality isn’t usually a barrier. Some funds do focus on specific regions or industries, but for most, results matter more than origin. That said, pre-seed and seed rounds are tough here — UK investors generally want proof of traction first, whereas the US ecosystem can be more forgiving.
Reflections and Advice for Other Founders
Would I change anything about my journey? Not a thing. Every obstacle — visas, cultural misunderstandings, and funding challenges built resilience. But looking back, there are areas I would have approached differently: developing structured relationships earlier, understanding the client journey more deeply, and focusing on product scalability from the start.
For other international founders, my advice is simple: prepare, but don’t overthink. Relocation takes time, and complexity increases with family. Mistakes will happen. What matters is resilience, embracing your identity, and recognizing that differentiation is an asset here. The UK values uniqueness, and it can be your power.
Also, it is important to remember that relocation isn’t only about career but also about life. Many founders I meet weigh tax advantages, education quality, and cost of living. Take an IT professional from India considering the UK, USA, and UAE. The UAE looked appealing due to its tax-free structure and availability of international schools. The US is easier in some ways, but expensive. The UK? Harder to establish in and raise funds, yes, but more relaxed overall — especially once you understand the system.
It’s a balance. Each founder needs to weigh personal and professional priorities carefully. And there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The Future of Talent Mobility
Our work at Tech Nomads is about connecting talent and opportunities globally — the UK, USA, UAE now, but eventually the world. The focus is shifting: quality over quantity. Spain and Germany are rising as talent hubs, while traditional countries like the UK might slow down a bit.
For founders, this means opportunity, and understanding these shifts earlier allows you to position yourself and your team strategically. My role often feels like opening doors in new regions, supporting local ecosystems, and helping talent to thrive. It’s challenging work, but very rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad is a whole personal transformation, not just a professional decision. London taught me patience, perspective, and persistence. It showed me that difference may be a real advantage. And what’s most important, it reminded me that your unique perspective can be a superpower if you are brave enough to embrace it.
London is a challenge and a teacher. And for those willing to adapt, it’s one of the best classrooms in the world.
