1. What is Endeavor?
2. What kind of entrepreneurs is Endeavor looking for?
3. Can Endeavor provide financial assistance?
4. How can I become an Endeavor Entrepreneur?
5. What happens to entrepreneurs who participate in the selection process but are not selected?
6. Where does Endeavor get its funding from?
7. I am a business professional/entrepreneur and would like to volunteer my expertise for Endeavor. How do I get involved?
 

1. What is Endeavor?

Endeavor is a global non-profit organization pioneering a new model for institutional economic development by screening, supporting and stimulating entrepreneurship in emerging markets. We like to think ourselves as a venture capital fund, but instead of providing funding, we provide entrepreneurs with strategic advice, connections and mentoring opportunities. Endeavor has affiliates in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, Uruguya, and its Global Headquarters in New York City. Endeavor Egypt launched its operations in 2008.

2. What kind of entrepreneurs is Endeavor looking for?

Endeavor looks for innovative entrepreneurs that have some achieved some level of success locally, and are at an inflection point to scale their business. In general, we look at companies with a minimum of L.E.1,5 million in annual revenue, a 30% annual sales growth and a minimum of 20 employees. More than half of Endeavor Entrepreneurs have launched new industries in their respective economies. Endeavor is not sector specific, and looks at both Egyptian and non-Egyptian entrepreneurs. Please have a look at our selection process for more information.

3. Can Endeavor provide financial assistance?

Endeavor does not provide direct financial assistance to its entrepreneurs. We believe that with our non-financial, technical support we will help you generate growth and attract investors naturally. Additionally, as an Endeavor Entrepreneur you will gain access to Endeavor's global network of institutions, business leaders, investors, financial experts and advisors.

4. How can I become an Endeavor Entrepreneur?

Candidates are taken through a rigorous multi-step selection process. Entrepreneurs are often approached directly by the Search & Selection team or nominated by a business leader from our network. Entrepreneurs who meet Endeavor's selection criteria are encourage to nominated themselves by filling out and submitting our application form. This nomination begins the selection process for the entrepreneur. 

5. What happens to entrepreneurs who participate in the selection process but are not selected?

The Endeavor selection process adds value to each entrepreneur and his/her business at every stage of the process. Prominent business leaders and experts provide in-depth assessments of each enterprise and individual feedback to each candidate throughout the process. Therefore, entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights and connections, even if they are not selected as Endeavor Entrepreneurs. In many cases, entrepreneurs are encouraged to re-enter the process after strengthening their business operations and incorporating recommendations from their previous participation in the Endeavor process.

6. Where does Endeavor get its funding from?

Endeavor is a non-profit organization. Upon entering a new country, Endeavor operations are initially funded by local business heavyweights that form a Board of Trustees. In Egypt, Endeavor's Board of Trustees is made up of the following individuals: Naguib Sawiris (Chairman of the Board, Hassan Abdalla, Elijah Bassily, Khaled Bichara, Hythem El Nazer and Tarek Mansour. 

7. I am a business professional/entrepreneur and would like to volunteer my expertise for Endeavor. How do I get involved?

Endeavor relies heavily on a network of business leaders, industry experts, leading executives, academics and entrepreneurs: its VentureCorps Mentors. To read more about the commitments and rewards of being a VentureCorps Mentor, please go here.