Going Global: Strategic Growth Insights for Life Sciences and MedTech Companies

We’re excited to share that Karina Sotnik, Founder and CEO of WorldUpstart, is now a featured contributor to BioBuzz, where she’s bringing her seasoned perspective on global growth strategy to a broader audience of life sciences and MedTech professionals. Her debut article, “Crossing Borders: Why and How Life Sciences Companies Are Expanding Internationally—Even Amid Uncertainty,” provides a compelling roadmap for companies navigating today’s complex international landscape.

In this timely and insightful piece, Karina distills decades of cross-border experience into practical takeaways for startups and growth-stage companies alike. Whether you're a Philadelphia-based digital health firm or a MedTech startup in Dubai, the message is clear: now is the time to think and act globally.

A Global Perspective for a Global Sector

Life sciences and MedTech have always operated at the intersection of innovation and internationalism. But in 2025, with healthcare needs transcending borders and new markets rapidly emerging, global expansion is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Karina frames this reality with a simple but powerful question: “Why Global? Why Now?” Her answer begins with a call to U.S. companies: think beyond domestic markets. Patient access, government incentives, and diversified revenue streams are just a few of the benefits companies can unlock when they look abroad.

From Europe’s streamlined reimbursement models to the Gulf’s rapidly growing health infrastructure, international markets can offer faster paths to commercialization, regulatory approval, and—most importantly—impact. As Karina points out, access to patients and payers is critical, and global expansion can open doors that don’t exist at home.

Strategy Over Serendipity

But this isn’t a call for reckless expansion. One of Karina’s core messages is that success in global markets requires strategy, not serendipity. Too often, startups jump at the first international inquiry or partnership without understanding the broader context. Instead, Karina urges founders and executives to make intelligence-led decisions.

Understanding regulatory frameworks, cultural nuances, reimbursement landscapes, and local competition is vital. Companies should be asking: Which market fits my business model? Where do I have competitive advantage? Who are the partners I need to succeed?

WorldUpstart’s own work with companies around the world underscores this point. Successful internationalization is built on targeted market selection, deep local insight, and careful sequencing—not just ambition.

The U.S. Still Matters—A Lot

While her article makes a strong case for expanding abroad, Karina also reminds us why the U.S. remains a powerhouse for global innovation. Despite reimbursement complexities and regulatory hurdles, the U.S. continues to attract international firms for a reason: it’s one of the largest and most dynamic healthcare markets in the world.

Karina’s dual perspective—having helped both U.S. companies go global and international companies enter the U.S.—positions her uniquely to advise on both sides of the equation. Her message is not that the U.S. is obsolete, but that companies must be selective, strategic, and globally aware if they want to scale successfully.

Insights for Busy Professionals

Karina’s contribution to BioBuzz is more than just an article—it’s a valuable resource for time-strapped professionals who need high-level thinking paired with practical advice. She cuts through complexity with clarity, offering actionable insights without oversimplifying the challenges.

For founders navigating global expansion, investors considering cross-border portfolios, and economic development leaders supporting international growth, this article is a must-read. It provides a clear framework for decision-making and a strong reminder of the global nature of health innovation.

As a featured contributor, Karina will continue to share her expertise on international growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation policy. Her writing is designed to serve those who are building companies, ecosystems, and partnerships across borders—and who understand that the future of healthcare is global.

Curious about WorldUpstart’s Accelerator?

To get additional, in-depth insights and build connections with our international community, read more about our Accelerator and submit your Accelerator application here.

Stay tuned to WorldUpstart Insights for more thought leadership, tools, and global strategy content from Karina and our team. Whether you’re scaling into the U.S. or launching into Europe or the Middle East, we’re here to help you navigate the path forward.

Have questions about how to approach international growth? Reach out to us at info@worldupstart.com—we’d love to hear from you.