Investing in 300 Emerging Market Companies: Allen Taylor, Endeavor Catalyst

February 19, 2024

EPISODE #

#68: Learnings from investing in 300+ emerging market startups

About this episode

I sat down with Allen Taylor, the Managing Partner at Endeavor Catalyst to learn more about their unique approach to investing across the world. Endeavor Catalyst fund is part of the non-profit Endeavor network, the home of 2500+ entrepreneurs across 42 markets. Over the past 11 years, Endeavor Catalyst, chaired by LinkedIn Co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman, has raised $500m and deployed $2m cheques in 300+ companies.

We discuss the importance and return potential of investing in emerging markets, why investors need to stick through the current macro environment, advice for founders on raising down rounds and dealing with the stigma of it and what Allen looks for in entrepreneurs. An inspiring discussion and an open invitation for both governments and the private sector to invest in the growth of the startup ecosystem.

To read Endeavor catalyst’s latest report click here and to connect with Allen click here.

This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. For seasoned as well as new traders, Capital.com provides competitive transparent pricing, 24 hour support, news, analysis and a knowledge hub with in-depth courses that help its customers make informed investment decisions.

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guest profile

Allen Taylor

Allen brings 20+ years of experience in economic development and venture capital with a focus on emerging markets to his leadership roles at Endeavor, a mission-driven organization focused on supporting high-growth companies in emerging and underserved markets.

As the Managing Partner of Endeavor Catalyst, Allen leads Endeavor’s innovative co-investment fund that has been recognized as one of the most active global venture investors in markets like Latin America and the Middle East. Since launching in 2012, Endeavor Catalyst has raised over $500M+ across four funds and made 300+ investments in 30+ different countries, including more than 50 companies now valued at $1B+,

Allen is a frequent guest lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and serves on the boards of several entrepreneurship and venture capital-focused organizations, including Kauffman Fellows, Alter Global, STV (Saudi Arabia) and Scale-Up Ventures (Brazil). A graduate of Princeton University, he lives with his wife and two children in Northern California.