TCMC Founder: Startup Community Support is Key to Entering New Markets
As AI, 5G, and electric vehicles continue to evolve, the importance of discovering new materials grows. Carbon materials are becoming crucial for future energy and technological advancements, especially as ESG and sustainability gain global attention.
With market demands becoming global, many Taiwanese startups are offering solutions aimed at international audiences.
Achieving this requires not only technological innovation but also precise market entry strategies and brand positioning, particularly in competitive regions like the United States.
In this interview, we speak with Cherry Lin, founder of Taiwan Carbon Materials (TCMC), about how participating in our accelerator program helped her understand the U.S. market's local needs and expansion strategies.
She emphasizes the importance of connecting with local venture capitalists and building a support system with fellow Taiwanese entrepreneurs to break barriers and tap into U.S. investment opportunities.
Understanding the U.S. Market and Planning a Market Entry Strategy from Scratch
Discussing her reasons for joining the accelerator program, Lin explains that TCMC's solutions are applicable in cutting-edge industries like AI, 5G, and electric vehicles, all of which have their innovation hubs in the U.S. She notes:
"Participating in the accelerator program was primarily to understand the market demands on the U.S. East Coast, devise executable strategies, identify local expansion channels, and learn from industry experts on how to navigate the nuances of this new market."
New York, second only to Silicon Valley, is a burgeoning hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. For TCMC's advanced materials, it presents a market rich with opportunities for validation. Lin mentions:
"When entering this market, our priority was to connect with local brands and customers to understand their needs, allowing us to tailor and promote our products effectively."
Gaining Practical Experience and Confidence through Community Support
Lin emphasizes that immersing oneself in the target market is essential to truly grasp local demands and understand the business operations in the U.S., which differ from those in Taiwan.
Through the program, connections with entrepreneurial mentors, local venture capital partners, and fellow Taiwanese entrepreneurs formed a comprehensive support system. This "cohesion within the startup community" is an indispensable resource for a startup's growth.
"In such an environment, we can learn from experienced mentors, which is incredibly helpful when entering unfamiliar markets."