UNCTAD and Founder Institute are joining forces to help entrepreneurs access the networks, knowledge and support they need to start, grow and expand their businesses.
The partnership brings together UNCTAD’s global experience in entrepreneurship development and Founder Institute’s international network of founders, mentors, investors and innovation leaders.
It will focus on:
- Developing entrepreneurship and start-up programmes
- Bolstering entrepreneurship ecosystems
- Promoting exchanges among entrepreneurs, policymakers and investors
- Supporting the application of entrepreneurship policy frameworks and best practices
"Entrepreneurial talent exists everywhere. What is often missing is access to the networks, investment and opportunities that help businesses grow," said Arlette Verploegh, who leads entrepreneurship development at UNCTAD.
"Through this collaboration, we can help create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate, grow and contribute to sustainable economic development."
“This partnership with UNCTAD allows us to bring structured, proven programs to founders in markets that need them most”, said Jonathan Greechan, co-founder and CEO of Founder Institute. “We're excited to work alongside UNCTAD to make that possible at a truly global scale.”
Connecting talent with opportunity
UNCTAD and Founder Institute will foster exchanges between entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders, while supporting the conditions businesses need to start, grow and scale.
The collaboration will build on UNCTAD’s Empretec programme, which has supported entrepreneurs and ecosystem development in developing countries for almost 40 years.
Founder Institute will contribute its extensive global network and expertise in start-up creation and growth.
Bringing global perspectives to Silicon Valley
The partnership will be officially launched during FounderX, Founder Institute’s annual gathering of founders, investors and innovation leaders in Silicon Valley, taking place on 25–27 August 2026.
As part of its participation, UNCTAD will lead an Empretec study tour bringing entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders and high-potential entrepreneurs from Africa, Asia and Latin America to engage with founders, investors, technology companies and other actors in Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem.
UNCTAD will also host an interactive session entitled "Scaling beyond borders: Practical playbooks for global expansion in an AI-driven world".
Discussions will explore how startups can expand into new markets, build international partnerships and use local ecosystems to expand globally.
Looking ahead
The partnership has been formalized through a memorandum of understanding between UNCTAD and Founder Institute.
It will support UNCTAD’s wider work to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems and connect entrepreneurs in developing countries with knowledge, networks and international opportunities.
