Entrepreneur First is an initiative close to our hearts here at Factory. Why? Quite simply because we share the same goal; “to bring extraordinary individuals together.” They aid the brightest, most ambitious minds to conceptualize companies that will change the world, and this is the foundation of what we aim to achieve at Factory with our curated communities.
EF started out in London six years ago. Since then, they’ve created over 140 companies with a combined valuation of over $1bn by helping driven technologists meet co-founders, create companies, and get funding. They’ve now decided to tackle Europe, and have set up camp in our new location, Factory Görlitzer Park. When discussing the new partnership, Factory’s Chief Strategy Officer, Catherine Bischoff stated “Having EF as part of Factory is a huge win as it forms a symbiotic match. EF is bringing incredibly smart entrepreneurs from across the globe to their Berlin programme while we help them integrate into their new environment and immerse them into our multifaceted community.”
“Having EF as part of Factory is a huge win as it forms a symbiotic match. EF is bringing incredibly smart entrepreneurs from across the globe to their Berlin programme while we help them integrate into their new environment and immerse them into our multifaceted community.”
/ Catherine Bischoff, Chief Strategy Officer, Factory Berlin
Despite only having left the UK a few months ago, they’ve achieved a great deal. Zefi Hennessy Holland, General Manager at EF perfectly highlights these achievements when stating; “In under four months we’ve built a team of 7, recruited a 55-strong cohort of Europe’s most promising founders, and helped them build nearly 20 companies. Along with ambition, speed of execution is one of our core values at EF Berlin and without an equally dynamic and driven partner like Factory, this pace would not have been possible.” Impressive, right? Well, they aren’t stopping there. Their Singapore office has completed three cohorts and is now recruiting for its fourth, and their Hong Kong office is in the midst of recruiting for its first cohort.
Two months into joining our community and EF have already held an exciting launch event as well as a riveting discussion on all things blockchain with angel investor Klaus Hommels. We plan to see more of this in the near future as they invite high profile members from the European tech scene to come and join us at Factory.
Our new partnership opens up a world of opportunity for Factory members. As Zefi explains, “We think the next brilliant would-be founders could well be in this community of innovators already, and at EF we can offer access to an unparalleled network of investors and high-quality founders, to begin that journey.” They’re looking for smart, ambitious entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, experiences, and ages.
Do you think you’ve got what it takes? – EF Berlin is recruiting for their second cohort right now and would love to hear from you.
Are you a Factory member wanting to find out more? EF will be holding an open office on the 30th May. You’ll have the chance to get to know the team over drinks and snacks. To RSVP or for more details, click here.