The GoGlobal Formula: Scaling MENA Startups with Precision and Purpose
- GoGlobal
- May 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 2
An Interview with Esra Talu, Founder & CEO of GoGlobal
In a rapidly evolving Middle Eastern tech ecosystem, Esra Talu, tech entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of GoGlobal, shares how her Miami-based boutique advisory firm is unlocking cross-border opportunities for founders in the MENA region.
Q1: Esra, GoGlobal has rapidly become a sought-after advisory partner for startups in the Middle East. How did this journey begin?
A1: GoGlobal was born from my own entrepreneurial journey. After founding and scaling Turkey’s first e-commerce company in the early 2000s, I experienced firsthand the challenges of growing a tech company across borders—especially from an emerging market.
In 2019, I launched GoGlobal in Miami with one clear mission: to help startups from regions like the Middle East access the global financial, human, and social capital they need to grow sustainably and confidently.Q2: Why did you choose Miami as the headquarters for GoGlobal—and how has that influenced your work with MENA startups?
A2: Miami is uniquely positioned as a global gateway. While not geographically close to the Middle East, it offers a powerful strategic advantage—linking North America with diverse international ecosystems, including Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond.
It’s cosmopolitan, founder-friendly, and deeply entrepreneurial. For MENA startups looking to enter the U.S., Miami offers a softer landing than saturated hubs like New York or San Francisco. It’s easier to build real relationships here—and through our presence, we open doors that might otherwise stay closed.
Being based in Miami has allowed GoGlobal to bridge ecosystems, connect founders across continents, and serve as a trusted entry point for emerging-market innovators ready to scale globally.Q3: What makes GoGlobal unique among other advisory firms in the region?
A3: We’re not a volume-driven consulting firm—we’re a boutique, high-impact partner.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine global know-how with regional nuance. We understand the ambition and urgency of MENA startups—but also the structural challenges they face, from regulatory complexity to limited funding ecosystems.Additionally, we’re proudly women-founded and women-led, which is still not the norm in tech advisory. That adds another layer of perspective and commitment, especially in a region where inclusive entrepreneurship is just starting to gain momentum.
Q4: You mentioned GoGlobal receives over 100 leads per month from the MENA region. What do you think is driving this level of engagement?
A4: It’s a reflection of trust. We don’t rely heavily on outbound marketing. Nearly all of our leads come from referrals, word of mouth, or founders who’ve seen our impact on their peers.
Startups know we go beyond pitch decks and LinkedIn intros. We roll up our sleeves—we help define expansion strategies, prepare for due diligence, and connect founders directly with investors, corporates, and grant opportunities.When you offer substance over hype, the ecosystem notices.
Q5: What are the most common needs or challenges MENA startups bring to GoGlobal?
A5: Three consistent themes:
Funding readiness – Many are still too focused on “raising capital” without understanding investor expectations or how to use capital for long-term value.
Global expansion – They want to enter the U.S. or Europe but are unsure of where or how to begin.
ESG alignment – Increasingly, we see impact-driven founders seeking to embed sustainability, diversity, and governance from the outset—and we help them operationalize these initiatives.
Q6: How does GoGlobal support women founders or underrepresented entrepreneurs in the MENA region?
A6: As a woman entrepreneur myself, I know how rare support networks can be—especially in emerging markets. That’s why we make an intentional effort to amplify the voices of women founders. Through partnerships with platforms such as Arya Investment Platform, Mana Tech, and SelectUSA, we help female-led ventures become investor-ready and enhance their global visibility.
Q7: Can you share an example of a MENA startup GoGlobal helped scale or prepare for investment?
A7: One of our portfolio companies, Verofax, is a UAE-based enterprise tech startup. We supported them during a critical growth phase—shaping their narrative, refining their investment deck, and introducing them to international investors. They’ve since secured funding and are actively expanding across markets.
Another example is Obifin, a Turkish fintech with ambitions in the MENA region. We helped them with their investment readiness strategy, prepared them for investor outreach, and connected them with leading VCs across the region and beyond.
Q8: The Middle East is evolving rapidly—especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. How do you see GoGlobal’s role in this transformation?
A8: We see ourselves as ecosystem builders, not just advisors. As the Middle East accelerates digital transformation and entrepreneurship, there’s a growing need for trusted, independent partners who can connect local talent with global opportunities.
Our goal is to continue being that bridge—bringing global expansion expertise to MENA founders while also encouraging international investors and corporations to engage with the region’s innovation potential.
We see ourselves as ecosystem builders, not just advisors. Q9: How do you define success for GoGlobal in the MENA region?
A9: It’s not about headcount or headlines.
For us, success is when a founder says:“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for GoGlobal.”Whether that’s securing funding, entering a new market, or finding a strategic partner—we measure our impact by the confidence and clarity we bring to the founder’s journey.
Q10: GoGlobal is known for reinvesting in its portfolio companies. Can you share more about that model and why it matters?
A10: At GoGlobal, we believe in long-term alignment. We’re not just advisors who step in, give feedback, and step out. When we see a founder executing with clarity and purpose, and we believe in their potential, we reinvest a portion of our profits back into that company.
It’s our way of saying: "We’re in this with you." This reinvestment is strategic, not transactional. It demonstrates to investors that we truly support the companies we back—not just with advice, but with capital. It motivates our entire team to stay engaged beyond the advisory period.
We’re especially excited to keep doubling down on women-led, impact-driven startups from emerging markets—because that’s where real global innovation is happening, and where the capital gap still exists.
Q11: What’s next for GoGlobal in the Middle East?
A11: We’re doubling down. 2025 is about deepening our presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, onboarding more startups into our Investment Readiness and Expansion Readiness Programs, and solidifying GoGlobal’s position as a trusted growth partner for founders navigating complex cross-border paths.
We’re also proud to be part of SelectUSA Tech and Mana Tech, building stronger bridges between the Middle East and the U.S. startup ecosystem through our base in Miami Beach.Q12: For founders in the Middle East reading this—what’s your message to them?
A12: Don’t rush the “where”—first get clear on your “why” and “how.” Expansion isn’t just about market size; it’s about cultural fit, ecosystem readiness, and your own ability to deliver consistently. The best founders grow globally without losing their local identity—and that’s what we help them do.
You’re not alone in your journey. At GoGlobal, we understand your ambition—and the risks and doubts that come with it. If you’re serious about scaling with purpose and global reach, we’re here to help you do it with clarity, strategy, and results.📩 Contact Us
Are you interested in exploring how GoGlobal can support your startup?
Please email us at team@goglobaladvisory.com or fill out our Startup Inquiry Form.
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