How can startups manage international patent protection?

As a startup operating on seed-level funds we are often surprised by VCs who ask us about our IP protection. We are developing a technology that would be deployed internationally, so of course investors ask us how well we can protect it on a global level. But, if a patent in US+Canada alone already costs thousands of dollars to obtain, how can we manage international protection without going through a big funding round first? Seems like a chicken-and-egg sort of problem. I guess this is hardly a new problem so I would really appreciate your input and experience on what would be the best strategy for this! Thanks, Laura.