About this episode
What does it take to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem?
In this episode of From Garage to Growth, we sit down with Deborah Choi, serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Founderland, Europe’s largest community supporting underrepresented founders.
Having lived and worked across Nigeria, the United States, and Europe, Deborah has built a career around resilience, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for founders who have traditionally been overlooked by the startup ecosystem.
Today, Founderland supports hundreds of women entrepreneurs across dozens of countries, helping them access funding, networks, education, and the resources they need to scale.
From Law to Entrepreneurship
Deborah’s career didn’t begin in startups.
She reflects on her journey from studying law to launching multiple businesses, the lessons she learned along the way, and why entrepreneurship became the most powerful way to create meaningful change.
Building Founderland
Founderland was created to address one of the biggest challenges facing women of colour in entrepreneurship: access.
Deborah explains how the organisation has grown into a thriving community of founders across Europe, why representation matters, and how building strong founder networks can unlock opportunities that capital alone cannot.
Closing the Funding Gap
Despite growing awareness, women of colour continue to receive only a small share of venture capital funding.
We discuss the structural barriers that exist within the startup ecosystem, why diverse founders continue to be overlooked, and what investors, founders, and ecosystem builders can do to create a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.
Technology as an Equaliser
Technology has the power to increase access but only if it’s built inclusively.
Deborah shares how Founderland uses digital platforms, education, and community to connect founders with mentors, investors, and opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Advice for Underrepresented Founders
Drawing on her experience as both a founder and ecosystem builder, Deborah offers practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating fundraising, building resilient businesses, and creating opportunities even when traditional pathways are limited.
Her message is clear: your background should never determine the size of your ambition.
Whether you’re building your first startup, interested in diversity in entrepreneurship, or passionate about creating more inclusive innovation ecosystems, this episode offers valuable insights from one of Europe’s leading voices in founder support.
About the Guest
Deborah Choi is a serial entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Founderland, Europe’s largest community supporting underrepresented founders through access to capital, networks, education, and growth opportunities.