FAQs

Established in 1997, Endeavor is the global nonprofit that pioneered the concept of High-Impact Entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Endeavor helps entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth by providing the key ingredients to success: mentorship; networks; strategic advice; talent; skills; access to smart capital; and inspiration. Guided by Endeavor, these entrepreneurs generate sustainable economic growth and jobs, become self-made role models, and help nurture a culture of entrepreneurship which spurs investment and encourages people to think big.

Learn more about our model here, including information on how we select and support entrepreneurs.

Endeavor currently operates in 10 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt , Jordan , Mexico, South Africa, Turkey , and Uruguay. Endeavor is headquartered in New York City, with a satellite office in San Francisco. To meet our goal of operating in 20 countries by 2015, Endeavor aggressively scopes new countries—particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Our next launch will be in Lebanon, currently scheduled for early 2011. Learn more about how Endeavor decides where to launch.

For over a decade, Endeavor has focused not only on making an impact, but measuring that impact for the benefit of our operations and the wider field. Visit our Impact section to view Endeavor’s latest Global Impact Metrics and stories of our impact in action.

Visit our Entrepreneurs section to search and browse our growing portfolio of Endeavor Entrepreneurs.

No, Endeavor does not invest in or provide financial assistance to its entrepreneurs. The reason is twofold. First, we believe the greatest challenge facing emerging market entrepreneurs is not a lack of funding, but more basic needs (e.g., mentorship, skills, role models) which our services proactively address. Second, our model relies on trust; by remaining a neutral non-profit player without any possible conflict of interest, entrepreneurs and business leaders feel comfortable participating in our network. For those Endeavor Entrepreneurs at the stage of seeking capital, Endeavor actively provides support and key introductions, including through our new Mentor Capital Program.

Endeavor is fundamentally a development model: our mission is to catalyze High-Impact Entrepreneurship in emerging countries. While we know that we could be of value to entrepreneurs in the US, we believe that its entrepreneurial ecosystem is already well-developed. Consider, for example, Silicon Valley. It is not simply a concentration of entrepreneurs, but a community that actively supports them—from universities with excellent R&D to investors willing to take risks to advisors who provide critical support. At Endeavor, we strive to create the next Silicon Valley in Jakarta or Cairo, Sao Paolo or Johannesburg. By supporting high-potential entrepreneurs and creating role models, we aim to foster a larger culture of entrepreneurship in the countries in which we operate.

As a nonprofit organization, Endeavor relies on support from individual and institutional donors, as well as through partnerships and grants. We obtain additional funding through other market-driven revenues and premium support programs. Also, the majority of our Entrepreneurs participate in a formal Give-Back program in which they donate a fixed fee or a percentage of revenue to help guarantee the long-term sustainability of our affiliates and global organization. Learn more about our sustainability efforts, as well as opportunities to make a contribution.

If you currently reside in an Endeavor country and run a high-growth business, please visit that country’s homepage for more information on how to become an Endeavor Entrepreneur. The selection process, while competitive, aims to provide valuable feedback for all candidates. Many of our country affiliates run special events and conferences for the wider community of entrepreneurs, including as part of the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week. In addition to country homepages, you may also visit our online Entrepreneurship Center for general entrepreneurship links, videos, and resources. Please also note that Endeavor Global is unable entertain business plans or requests for funding.

Every day, people are joining the global High-Impact movement—from entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors to thought leaders, academics, and bloggers. Learn more about opportunities to donate to and/or support Endeavor’s mission. You can also join the global conversation in our Entrepreneurship Center, and stay connected on Twitter, Facebook, and by signing up for our newsletter on the homepage.

To contact us at Endeavor Global, please use our online contact form. We will do our best to respond in a timely fashion.