Endeavor is a global non-profit organization that identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs in emerging markets to facilitate and encourage long-term sustainable growth. Endeavor was founded in 1997 by Peter Kellner and Linda Rottenberg, current CEO. Since 2004 Edgar Bronfman, Jr., CEO of Warner Music Group, has served as chairman of the Board of Directors.
Endeavor currently operates in 10 emerging markets worldwide: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Uruguay. In the next decade, the organization aims to operate in 25 emerging markets throughout Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Endeavor’s model consists of five key components: 1) Enter- Endeavor targets emerging market countries transitioning from international aid to international investment and seeks out local partners to build Country Boards and launch local offices. 2) Select- Endeavor screens hundreds of entrepreneurs in each country to identify those with the highest impact potential and selects candidates with the most innovative ventures and promise as future leaders as Endeavor Entrepreneurs. 3) Support- Endeavor provides customized local and global services to its entrepreneurs to dramatically increase their chances of success. These services include mentoring, business plan and strategy development, media exposure, and introductions to obtain capital. 4) Promote- Endeavor partners with local media and universities to promote Endeavor Entrepreneurs as role models. 5) Influence- Endeavor works with governments and multilateral institutions to examine policy changes that would promote entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Over the last ten years, Endeavor Entrepreneurs have created 90,000 jobs that pay on average 10 times the national minimum wage. In 2006 alone, Endeavor Entrepreneurs generated US$1.9 billion in revenues and secured approximately US$900 million in financing through Endeavor’s network. Of 272 chosen high-impact Entrepreneurs, 95% of entrepreneurs’ companies are still operating in countries where most entrepreneurial ventures close with in 42 months. Former president of the World Bank and Endeavor Board of Directors member James Wolfensohn said, “Endeavor has played an instrumental role in promoting entrepreneurship as a tool for development. It is a model that should be replicated around the world.”
Today, the Global Board of directors consists of: Edgar Bronfman Jr., Emilio Azcarraga Jean, Nicholas F. Beim, J. Michael Cline, Tim Draper, Paul J. Fribourg, Jason Green, Peter Kellner, Michael Klein, Daniel S. Och, Linda Rottenberg, Charles B. Seelig, Brian Swette, James D. Wolfensohn. Other board members include Naguib Sawiris, Fadi Ghandour, Beto Sicapara etc.
Every year, Endeavor hosts a gala celebrating high-impact entrepreneurship. The 2008 Endeavor honoree is Rupert Murdoch, Chairman & CEO of News Corporation. In 2007, Steve Shwarzman was honored as Entrepreneur of the decade, and Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom were awarded entrepreneur of the year awards. In 2006, the recipients were Jerry Yang and Terry Semel.