(1) Who are you and what do you do?
Anastasia Crew and Andee Gardiner, Co-Founders of Founders Embassy – the world’s first equity-free accelerator designed exclusively to induct international and immigrant entrepreneurs into the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
(2) In two sentences or less, describe how you participate in the startup ecosystem.
Unlike typical accelerators and incubators, Founders Embassy focuses on elevating, inspiring, and educating international and immigrant founders by offering them unprecedented access to Silicon Valley through its immersive acceleration programs, impactful events, and thought leadership – all without any exchange of equity.
(3) What drives your passion about the startup ecosystem? What inspired the creation of the company?
We both come from international backgrounds. Anastasia is a Russian citizen, immigrated to the US 10 years ago, and Andee is a first-generation American with an Irish citizenship. We know first-hand how hard it is to get established in Silicon Valley and build your network from scratch. Being a founder is probably one of the most difficult decisions any individual can ever make, and most of the time it feels like a lonely journey. But, you’ll be surprised to find that founders all over the world often face similar challenges in building their companies. So, being able to provide a unique support system and a sense of community for global entrepreneurs is what drives us every day.
(4) What makes you stay in the startup ecosystem?
We believe that entrepreneurial talent and potential is evenly distributed throughout the world but that access to the resources needed to become a successful startup is not. Historically, Silicon Valley has been very homogeneous. And, it is time to change it. That’s why we’ve built Founders Embassy – to democratize access to Silicon Valley for the most talented international startups that lack the privilege of insider connections and resources needed in order to leverage the skills they already have to build world-class companies whether here on in their home countries.
(5) Where do you see the startup ecosystem in 5 years?
The current political climate really hurts immigrant and international entrepreneurs everywhere. We truly believe that, moving forward, diversity would not be a problem that people discuss or try to solve but be more of a standard, not just in the startup ecosystem or Silicon Valley, but worldwide. And, hopefully, Founders Embassy will play its part and contribute to making entrepreneurial resources open and borderless for everyone who deserves it.
(6) What is one of the best worthwhile investments you’ve ever made (could be financial, time, energy, etc.)?
Without a doubt – Founders Embassy.
(7) What do you do to refocus yourself when you feel overwhelmed or unfocused?
On some days or even weeks, the burnout is real so it is very important to take time off to reflect – whether it’s a day, an hour, or just 30 mins. You might be surprised but we actually enjoy spending time with each other even when we’re not working. On a regular basis, we like to take spin classes together, go out of town on an adventure, or just simply have quality time (i.e. non-work conversations) with our families.
(8) What are you currently reading right now and would recommend to others?
We keep revisiting the book called “Venture Deals” by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson and always recommend it to all our founders. It helps you get the inside scoop into the VC world and understand what the investor/founder relationship could and should look like.
(9) If you had to give one piece of advice to an up and coming startup what would it be?
THINK BIG. That is one of the biggest takeaways for all of our founders going through the program. If you don’t believe in your idea and your company, why would other people believe in it?
If you are an international founder and try to break into Silicon Valley, another piece of advice would be to apply to join the next Founders Embassy’s Class. We’re currently taking applications for our Fall 2019 Class. Apply here: foundersembassy.com/apply until August 1st!
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