Build a Local Startup, Dream Global Impact

Allen Taylor, Managing Partner at Endeavor Catalyst, shares how Endeavor is fueling the rise of world-class startups in emerging markets—places often overlooked by traditional venture capital. Allen reveals how Endeavor identifies and supports high-potential founders before investing, why scaling talent is just as critical as scaling products, and how global ecosystems are evolving to produce unicorns from regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. He also shares practical advice for founders operating outside established innovation hubs and highlights how Endeavor’s unique investment model flips traditional venture capital on its head. In this episode, you’ll learn: [03:00] How Allen’s international career led him to Endeavor and a global mission to support entrepreneurs in overlooked markets [05:55] Why talent is everywhere—but opportunity isn’t—and how Endeavor flips the script on where billion-dollar companies are built [09:50] The contrarian strategy that made Endeavor Catalyst one of the most successful global venture funds [15:31] What does it take to become an Endeavor startup?  [25:48] The biggest challenges founders face outside major tech hubs—and why scaling talent is the hardest part of growth [29:04] Why Allen is bullish on Latin America, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa as the next breakout regions for global innovation The non-profit organization Allen is passionate about: Kauffman FellowsAbout Allen Taylor Allen Taylor is the Managing Partner at Endeavor Catalyst, the venture capital fund supporting Endeavor’s global community of high-impact entrepreneurs. With nearly 20 years at Endeavor, Allen has helped drive the organization's global expansion and innovative investment model, which backs companies across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Previously, Allen worked in international development and studied in Argentina, igniting his passion for supporting global entrepreneurship. Allen is also a Kauffman Fellow and serves on the board of the Kauffman Fellows Program.About Endeavor Catalyst Endeavor Catalyst is the co-investment fund of Endeavor, the leading global community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Since 2012, Endeavor Catalyst has invested in over 300 companies across 30+ countries, backing founders who are building transformative businesses in emerging and underserved markets. With a rules-based model, Endeavor Catalyst automatically invests alongside professional VCs when Endeavor Entrepreneurs raise Series A, B, or C rounds. Its portfolio includes Latin America’s first unicorn, Mercado Libre, and pioneering companies like Nubank and InstaDeep. Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.