GDI’s process has three parts: preliminary preparation, Discovery, and Full Matching.

The principle is straightforward: start small, verify the opportunity, and commit further resources only when there is a credible path forward.

Preliminary Preparation

Every project begins by understanding the client.

During Intake and Kickoff Confirmation, we collect information about the company, its products or services, current international activities, target markets, and desired outcome.

We then complete Qualification and Open Questions. This helps clarify missing information and determine whether the opportunity is suitable for the Global Business Matching process.

This preparation matters. Without a clear target, even extensive research can move in the wrong direction.

Stage One: Discovery

Discovery is designed to help clients validate an overseas opportunity before committing to full execution.

The target is 4–6 weeks. During this stage, GDI researches the opportunity, identifies relevant potential candidates, tests preliminary market interest, and provides a clear recommendation based on what we learn.

Discovery follows five structured steps.

1. Qualification

Every Discovery project begins by confirming the company, its overseas objective, and the ideal target profile.

We clarify what the client is trying to achieve and the type of distributor, agent, buyer, strategic partner, supplier, technology partner, or other business relationship that may be required.

This creates a clear foundation for the research and helps ensure that GDI is looking for the right type of opportunity.

2. Market Research

GDI then researches the target market, industry, competitive landscape, and likely route to market.

Depending on the project, this may include customers, competitors, market-entry requirements, pricing, distribution channels, regulations, and other factors that could influence the opportunity.

The objective is not simply to collect information. It is to determine whether there appears to be a credible path into the market.

3. Sourcing

Using the research findings and the agreed Ideal Partner Profile, GDI identifies relevant potential candidates.

Depending on the client’s objectives, these may include distributors, agents, buyers, strategic partners, suppliers, manufacturers, technology partners, or other relevant organizations.

The focus is on relevance rather than the size of the list.

4. Preliminary Interest Check

GDI approaches priority targets to test the market directly and confirm genuine initial interest.

This step provides feedback that cannot be obtained through desk research alone. It helps show whether relevant companies are willing to engage and what questions, concerns, or conditions may influence the opportunity.

The response from the market becomes an important part of evaluating whether the opportunity should move forward.

5. Findings & Decision

At the end of Discovery, GDI brings together the research, target companies, preliminary market feedback, and overall findings.

We provide our recommendation based on what we have learned.

The client then makes a clear decision: continue to Full Matching where a credible path exists, or stop before committing further resources.

What Discovery Provides

Discovery is designed to provide tangible information that management can use to make a decision. Depending on the engagement, the Discovery stage provides:

• Company & Opportunity Profile

• Target Outcome Profile

• Ideal Partner Profile

• Market & Industry Brief

• Target Candidate List

• Preliminary Market Interest & Feedback

• Findings & Recommendation

Research, candidates, progress, and deliverables are organized through the GDI Client Portal, giving clients visibility into the engagement as it progresses.

Discovery does not guarantee a final commercial agreement. Its purpose is to provide real research, real target companies, real market feedback, and an evidence-based recommendation before the client commits further resources.

Stage Two: Full Matching

If Discovery identifies a credible opportunity and the client decides to continue, GDI moves from research into execution.

Full Matching focuses on developing the strongest candidate relationships and working toward a successful commercial match.

1. Full Qualification, Vetting, Shortlist & Matching

GDI conducts more detailed qualification and vetting of potential candidates, prioritizes the strongest opportunities, and develops a focused shortlist.

2. Introductions & Meeting Facilitation

GDI makes appropriate introductions and helps facilitate meetings between the client and selected candidates.

Where required, we can also support meeting preparation, communication, language requirements, briefing, and cross-cultural considerations.

3. Negotiation

As discussions develop, GDI supports communication and helps maintain momentum toward potential agreement.

Commercial, financial, technical, and legal decisions remain the responsibility of the client and candidate, with appropriate professional advice obtained where required.

4. Successful Match

Where sufficient alignment exists, the objective is to work toward a signed commercial relationship or other agreed success milestone.

A successful match will vary depending on the project and may involve a distributor, agent, buyer, strategic partner, supplier, technology partner, or another agreed business relationship.

5. Follow-Up Support

GDI’s involvement does not necessarily end with the introduction or initial agreement.

We can continue supporting communication, regular check-ins, relationship development, and coordination as the new business relationship develops.

Target Matching Timeline

GDI targets qualified connections within the first 12 weeks and works toward a successful match within approximately six months.

International business relationships take time, and final commercial agreements may require additional time depending on the companies, market, negotiations, and opportunity involved.