torrenegra's blog

If you follow my tweets, you may know that I was applying to become an Endeavor Entrepreneur. Endeavor Global is an organization that helps entrepreneurs unleash their potential by providing a network of seasoned business leaders. Endeavor Entrepreneurs get mentoring from members of the world’s top companies, educational and networking opportunities, and hands-on assistance with the most difficult challenges for startups.

We were invited to apply last year. The application process took hundreds of hours of paperwork, interviews, mentorships, and judging panels. Last week we flew to Cartagena, Colombia, for the Endeavor International Selection Panel (ISP). Finally, the last step of the process. We felt prepared and excited as tons of support and encouragement poured in, cheering us on. Sixteen companies were judged by an independent panel and after hours of deliberation, seven were rejected, including us. Honestly, it was heartbreaking. I failed at pitching my business properly. I let my team down, as well as the members of the Endeavor team that invested innumerable hours helping us. I’ve never dissapointed so many great people at once.

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Patricia Bayley, from the New York City Economic Development Corporation, just told me about a great program called “LatAm to NYC”. The program is hosting delegations of Internet entrepreneurs interested on expanding to and even moving their business to NYC. It is a multiday program that includes networking events, visits to tech companies, meetups, workshops, and panels about law, immigration, and recruiting. It will happen August 6-8th (see brochure below).

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This article was original published by Wired.

My first real “angel” investor was Tania. She didn’t invest money, though. She invested something far more valuable: She married me so that I could stay in the United States and continue growing my startup. Fast forward to the present, and my company now has over 50 team members, about half of whom are based in the U.S.

I’m Colombian by birth. I’m American by choice. Most nations are defined by race, language, or religion, but the United States is different. What sets the American nation apart is that it’s defined by the entrepreneurial spirit.

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