Our Model
Endeavor selects and supports a group of extraordinary emerging-market entrepreneurs who have the potential to transform industries, communities, and even countries. Endeavor screens thousands of entrepreneurs each year and selects those with exceptional, high-impact potential. Through a rigorous, multi-step selection process (12-18 months), candidates pass a series of local and regional interviews before presenting to panelists from our global business network at International Selection Panels held four to five times each year.
We select individuals of all ages, ethnicities and educational backgrounds, delivering a meritocratic message to the developing world: through hard work, creativity and values-driven leadership, individuals living anywhere, from any background, can turn an entrepreneurial idea into a world-class venture.
candidates
Pro-Active Research by Endeavor Staff
Recommendation from Endeavor Network
Self-nomination through Website
Initial interview
Endeavor Staff conducts a one-hour interview to assess viability as a candidate.
Second Opinion reviews
Senior-level VentureCorps conduct multiple interviews with each candidate probing the business strategy, innovation, growth potential, and entrepreneur’s personal qualities.
Local selection panel
10-15 VentureCorps and local Board Members interview candidates, deliberate, and select candidates for an international panel.
Final review
A Managing Director from another Endeavor office interviews candidates and a finance expert reviews company financials.
Endeavor Entrepreneur
International selection panel
International business leaders serve as panelists to interview candidates, deliberate and select a new class of Endeavor Entrepreneurs by unanimous vote.
Endeavor's selection criteria
Endeavor uses well-defined selection criteria throughout its multi-stage interview process.
Entrepreneur
Business
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Entrepreneurial Initiative
Energy, passion, vision and persistence to develop businesses into successful companies.
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Role Model Potential
Strong personal presence, leadership qualities and “story” to inspire others in their industries, communities, countries and even globally. Committed to knowledge-sharing.
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Values & Ethics
Inspires instinctive trust. Unquestionable integrity and respect for the rule of law. Demonstrates commitment to giving back to the community.
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Development Impact
Exhibits high-growth potential and the capacity to add substantial economic and shareholder value. Exhibits strong potential to create a significant number of high-value jobs.
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Business Innovation
Demonstrates real innovation that has the potential to change the way an industry operates locally and/or internationally. Has the potential to change how people live.
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Fit With Endeavor
Interested in accepting advice and support from Endeavor as well as contributing to the Endeavor network and eventually giving back to the organization.
Endeavor's four profile types
In screening thousands of entrepreneur candidates, Endeavor has come to recognize that those with high-impact potential may enter the process at different stages of growth, represent different industries, and require varying services. In the Search & Selection process, Endeavor helps the panelists by providing the following classifications for candidates:
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Diamonds in the Rough
are raw, talented individuals who have great potential but who also face great challenges. Endeavor devotes significant resources for mentoring, evaluating business strategies and, if ready, for raising capital.
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Local Stars
have a developed brand and consumer base, but are at an inflection point in scaling their business. Endeavor provides the guidance and networks to grow the business nationally and regionally. Through two key programs, Endeavor matches the entrepreneur with MBA interns and corporate professionals on sabbatical to provide needed talent and strategic advice.
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Surefire Successes
run impressive businesses that are on the path to major growth. Endeavor helps accelerate their growth and promotes them as iconic role models to spur entrepreneurial activity nationally. In addition to links to mentors and advisors, these entrepreneurs benefit from Endeavor’s premium programs to help them raise capital and expand beyond country borders.
Support the cause
Endeavor transforms the economies of emerging markets by identifying and supporting high-impact entrepreneurs
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