Defy Ventures
| Company type | Nonprofit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Social entrepreneurship |
| Founded | 1 October 2010 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Catherine Hoke |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States (California, Colorado, Washington, New York, Connecticut, Illinois) |
| Products | Entrepreneurship training, personal development programs, reentry assistance |
| Website | defyventures |
Defy Ventures is a nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States, established in 2010 to tackle social challenges linked to incarceration. It provides training initiatives aimed at individuals with criminal records, striving to lower recidivism by fostering entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and leadership skills.
History
Catherine Hoke founded Defy Ventures in October 2010 in New York City. The organization commenced its initial cohort of entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) in January 2012 and expanded its enrollment to include women later that same year.
In July 2015, Defy launched the "CEO of Your New Life" program, designed to enhance job readiness and personal growth for incarcerated men and women. This initiative offers job placement after release, startup capital, and mentorship support.
By 2015, EITs had established over 100 businesses, supported by a network exceeding 3,000 volunteers, judges, and mentors.
Defy broadened its reach to the Bay Area in 2015, followed by expansions into Southern California in 2016, and Connecticut and Colorado in 2017. Presently, it maintains chapters and licensed affiliates across California, Colorado, Washington, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois.
Programs
Defy provides both in-person and virtual courses concentrating on entrepreneurship education, personal growth, wellness, mentoring, business incubation, access to funding, and networking opportunities. Its offerings include career development and reentry assistance through practical skills workshops, community engagement, and service projects. Post-incarceration services feature a comprehensive 14-week entrepreneurship curriculum alongside advanced training in business management. Alumni have the opportunity to participate in an accelerator program where they can present their ventures to secure seed funding.