Hello, and welcome to today's edition of Founders International, your daily newsletter where we cover the stories, trends, and companies in tech and startups from outside of the US.

We got something a little different in store today. Instead of three topics, trends, stories, or people, we are going to talk about one trend, with three cool companies that are a part of that trend to check out.

Sound like a plan? Let's dig in.

P.S. this was supposed to be called "Trend Tuesday," but as you can see... it's no longer Tuesday.... maybe next week

Read time: 3 minutes and 30 seconds

The Trend: International outsourcing from international companies

There is one key thing startups need to do when it comes to market downturns, and that is extend their runway.

This can be done in a few common ways:

1. Generate more revenue, profitably (AKA the cost you pay to acquire that customer in the door is less than the cost of serving them). Very hard to do, especially if you've already set the precedent of acquiring customers unprofitably, so not the most common strategy in startups.

2. Raise more money - Also, very hard when you may have raised at valuations higher than what you're actually worth because of the market conditions leading up to this.

3. Cut costs - this can be cutting software tools your company is using, cutting down on food costs or similar office related expenses, or worst of all, laying people off. Most common, and what we're seeing a lot of right now.

When it comes down to brass tax, it's about survival and seeing another day. So what is one way many tech companies cut costs? They opt for part time or gig workers, or more common as of recent, they hire folks located internationally.

Why do they do this? Well, a lot of times those people located internationally cost less due to what is "normal" wages in their country, and can do just about the same, and in some cases, better work than the full time employee (FTE) based in the US. AND, you only pay them for as long as you need them, thereby saving you $$.

Some people say that is not fair, they should be paid equally to the US person, while the other camp argues they pay them their rate that they ask for, and is common in where they are located. I'm not here to take a side, I'm just here to give you the info.

Like how Kramer enters a room in Seinfeld: quick, and without even asking.

Either way, this can provide you and your company with a cheaper way to get some of your same tasks done, and live to fight another day. To help with this, there have been some great businesses started internationally to get you quality candidates in specialty areas, and that's what we're going to highlight today.

There's a good chance that they can even be used in your businesses to help YOU, so get your notebooks out.

Look at me, making you laugh, and saving your business money, all in a days work.

P.P.S. We'll be avoiding the common ones like Fiverr, Upwork, Support Shepard, etc. as while they are great options, they aren't the international companies we are here to highlight

Company #1:

The first company to highlight is a startup called Wednesday, which allows you to outsource web and mobile app design/development, and they are based out of Pune.

Not every founder is technical, and not even every technical founder has the time to tend to every technical issue there is in their development. Wednesday can come in and offer support when it comes to your development needs, lowering the cost of hiring when compared to a US engineer because that cost alone may be one to put your company in the black.

I know, I know, it's the big Silicon Valley sin of outsourcing your development, but not everyone is a code maniac who is able to figure out exactly what needs to be done, and in a timely manner. There is a time and a place where outsourcing development is appropriate, and Wednesday fits that need perfectly.

Plus, the company is named after one of the best days of the week, hump day! Who doesn't like hump day? That alone should tell you how good this will be for you.

Company #2:

Company number two is a company that would be appropriate for some more established companies, but one where you're not quite to the point of hiring full time executives. OCFO, otherwise known as, the Outsourced CFO.

I mean, c'mon, they have a 4 letter domain. That should speak for itself.

Based out of South Africa, this company does exactly what you think, provide you CFO services without actually hiring a full time CFO. So what does that mean?

• Outsourced bookkeeping

• Help you prepare for fundraises, valuations

• Forecasting and projections

• Financial health evaluations

• Even operations help, by automating tasks and things within your business

With a few different packages to choose from, or even some one off services, they are able to help you with exactly what you need, and get it done just as a full time CFO would for a fraction of the time, and cost.

Sounds like a great tradeoff for startups/companies looking to extend the life of their company (which OCFO would also help you find other ways to do too).

I've talked with one of the founders, Louw, personally, and he is a great dude and has a passion for his company. You'll only be getting the best work with his team, so check them out.

Company Number 3:

The third and final company is called VALATAM, short for virtual assistants in Latin America.

I have had the pleasure of working with this company's founder, Dan, through my day job and gotten to see the insides of this business first hand. I am not going to share anything specific, as I am obviously not allowed to being I work for a tax company, but I can tell you this business is KILLING it.

They provide startups and other companies with bilingual virtual assistants who are people who help with administrative tasks in your business or in your job. Dan and his team vet all of these candidates, and verify that all of them have college degrees, and that most of have worked in international companies before starting to work online as virtual assistants.

The best part, they simply bill hourly so you only need to pay for the amount of hours you need from your virtual assistant, and nothing more which saves you a ton of money when comparing to FTEs.

All it takes is 4 easy steps to get started with the VALATAM team, and get assigned your virtual assistant.

I know you as my reader are a go-getter/doer, and have a lot on your plate. Looking to offload some of those boring admin tasks? Check out Dan and VALATAM to get those done, and your peace of mind back.

And that's all for today, if you want to get more follow us @Founders_Intl, or respond to this email. Yes, we respond to all emails, including yours. Try us.

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💯 Do it again brotha!🤷‍♂️ Meh, see the potential but do better next time😑 Bruh, I might unsubscribe after reading that and never want to see it again