Case Studies

Case Study A: Expanding Fintech from the US to Europe

Client: A US-based fintech company seeking expansion into the European market through acquisition. 

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Objective: Build a complete team in the EU, guide the team through cultural gaps, and establish streamlined working procedures. 

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Challenges:

• Overcoming cultural differences between the US and EU 

• Operating under tight time constraints 

• Managing the budget while finding a suitable location for a large team

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Bella’s Role:

We were entrusted with managing the entire project from A-Z, with only one point of contact in the US fintech company to streamline communication. Our task was to hire a complete team, navigate cultural barriers, and set up operations seamlessly.

Our Approach:

1. On-the-ground Project Management: We hired two dedicated project managers who travelled to chosen locations to scout potential office locations. They identified regions with good infrastructure, near airports, and with access to English-speaking talent. 

2. Strategic Recruitment: Simultaneously, we identified areas where companies were downsizing and found talented professionals who fit the fintech company’s needs. 

3. Comprehensive Setup: Within 3 months, we established the office, hired 20 staff members, developed policies and procedures, and successfully onboarded the client’s first European customer.

Results:

• Project completed within the 3-month timeline 

• Full team hired and operational 

• Office and processes up and running 

• First client onboarded successfully

Client Feedback:

The client was highly satisfied with the speed and efficiency of the project but recommended a longer hands-on period to ensure smooth integration and to maintain momentum.

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Conclusion:

At Bella Training and Management, we don’t just manage projects—we build them from the ground up, delivering results that make expansion seamless. **When speed, precision, and expertise matter, we’re the team you can trust.**

Case Study B: Structuring a Start-Up Post-Acquisition

Client: A start-up recently acquired by a traditional bank, struggling to manage multiple new business requests. 

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Objective: Reorganize the company structure to handle an influx of business requests and ensure smooth collaboration between the start-up and the acquiring bank. 

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Challenges:

• The product was new, with no prior market experience. 

• Cultural differences between the agile start-up and the more rigid, traditional banking environment. 

• A significant age gap between the start-up team and the bank’s leadership.

Bella’s Role:

We were tasked with analysing the internal challenges and proposing up to two possible organizational structures that would allow the start-up and the bank to work together more effectively while supporting the increased business demand.

Our Approach:

1. In-depth Analysis: We conducted psychological interviews with the start-up's three founders to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and working styles. We also interviewed the bank's leadership to fully understand their strategic goals and the specific outcomes they wanted from the acquisition. 

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2. Tailored Solutions: Based on our findings, we proposed the following: 

• Hiring Support Staff: We recommended hiring three assistants, one for each founder, to handle administrative tasks and free up the founders to focus on business growth. 

• Online Lead Filtering: We developed an automated online filter to screen incoming business requests, reducing the workload and helping the team prioritize. 

• Facilitated Collaboration: To bridge the gap between the start-up and the bank, we organized a 10-week series of joint meetings, facilitated by mediators, to address cultural and operational barriers.

Results:

• The online lead filter was highly effective, streamlining the workflow and significantly reducing the burden on the team. 

• The hired assistants were instrumental in improving operational efficiency, though one assistant had to be replaced, causing a slight delay. 

• The 10-week mediation between the start-up and the bank extended to nearly four months due to scheduling conflicts, but it ultimately helped improve collaboration and alignment.

Client Feedback:

The client was pleased with the overall improvements and even made additional structural changes based on our recommendations. Our work continues, as we are still hiring for this company, helping them grow as they navigate their post-acquisition phase.