About this episode
Can entrepreneurship become one of the most powerful tools for integration and economic opportunity?
In this episode of From Garage to Growth, we sit down with Benjamin Wilkening, a venture capital executive with more than 25 years of experience across venture capital, private equity, strategy consulting, and startup acceleration.
Benjamin shares his work with Earlybird’s Vision Lab, an initiative dedicated to supporting immigrant founders by providing the networks, mentorship, and resources they need to build and scale successful startups.
Why Immigrant Founders Matter
Some of the world’s most successful companies have been built by immigrants.
Benjamin explains why diverse perspectives drive innovation and why supporting immigrant entrepreneurs isn’t just socially important—it’s also good business.
Inside Earlybird’s Vision Lab
Vision Lab was created to address the unique challenges faced by immigrant founders.
We explore how the programme works, who it’s designed for, what participants can expect, and how it helps founders overcome barriers to funding, networks, and market access.
The Challenges of Building as an Immigrant
Starting a company is difficult enough. Building one in a new country comes with additional obstacles.
Benjamin discusses the realities immigrant entrepreneurs face, from navigating unfamiliar business ecosystems to building credibility, expanding professional networks, and accessing capital.
What Investors Look For
Drawing on decades of experience in venture capital and startup acceleration, Benjamin shares what separates exceptional founders from the rest and the qualities investors consistently look for when evaluating early-stage companies.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on his career, Benjamin offers practical advice for founders on building resilience, leveraging diverse experiences, creating strong support networks, and turning challenges into competitive advantages.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, an investor, or interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into how diversity and inclusion can strengthen startup ecosystems around the world.
About the Guest
Benjamin Wilkening is a venture capital executive with more than 25 years of experience across venture capital, private equity, strategy consulting, and startup acceleration. Through Earlybird’s Vision Lab, he works to support immigrant founders and help build more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.