Defy Ventures
Entrepreneurship Training for People with Criminal Histories
Quick Questions
What was the initial reaction from the incarcerated men and women you first presented this program to?
On the flip side, what was the reaction of mentors and executive mentors you wanted to bring into the program?
How has the program evolved since you started?
What’s been the feedback from Entrepreneurs-in-Training?
“Defy has taught me many things, but the most important is to believe in myself. I believed in me because Defy believed in me first. I will no longer be a disappointment to myself or others who believe in me. I am proud of who I am today. I am finally a son to my mother. A husband to my wife. A loving father, even from behind bars, to my stepson. I know I will accomplish more today than I did yesterday.”
Another letter from Emilio: “[Defy] became the key that unlocked my brain to think outside the box. The investors/mentors are the ones who encouraged and enabled me to believe in myself, and for that I am grateful and truly appreciate each and every one of you. I’m 47, and this was my first graduation ever. I have been incarcerated 31 of those years and the graduation was by far the most memorable experience of my life. You were able to bring freedom to me, and for that I thank you!”
What do you hope people take away from this organization?
Learn more about the product
Defy Ventures
Entrepreneurship Training for People with Criminal Histories

Quick Questions
What was the initial reaction from the incarcerated men and women you first presented this program to?
On the flip side, what was the reaction of mentors and executive mentors you wanted to bring into the program?
How has the program evolved since you started?
What’s been the feedback from Entrepreneurs-in-Training?
“Defy has taught me many things, but the most important is to believe in myself. I believed in me because Defy believed in me first. I will no longer be a disappointment to myself or others who believe in me. I am proud of who I am today. I am finally a son to my mother. A husband to my wife. A loving father, even from behind bars, to my stepson. I know I will accomplish more today than I did yesterday.”
Another letter from Emilio: “[Defy] became the key that unlocked my brain to think outside the box. The investors/mentors are the ones who encouraged and enabled me to believe in myself, and for that I am grateful and truly appreciate each and every one of you. I’m 47, and this was my first graduation ever. I have been incarcerated 31 of those years and the graduation was by far the most memorable experience of my life. You were able to bring freedom to me, and for that I thank you!”
What do you hope people take away from this organization?