Issue link: http://endeavor.uberflip.com/i/911983
2 ENDEAVOR is a word with many meanings that all point in the same direction. Originally derived from the Latin verb debere (to owe), it was later modified in French to "mettre en deveir," meaning "to do one's duty," and then tweaked again in Middle English to become endeveren ("to do one's utmost"). In modern English, Endeavor can be a noun and a verb, both of which revolve around striving to achieve a goal. What a perfect synopsis of our first 20 years and guidepost for the future. When Peter Kellner and I co-founded Endeavor, we shared an unfailing belief that we could change the course of economic development if we provided essential support for high-impact entrepreneurs in emerging and growth markets. Our goal was—and remains— not to do this alone but to create a powerful network of board members, mentors and Endeavor Entrepreneurs who would share this vision—this ENDEAVOR—and make it their own. is year, I'm happy to report record numbers from our Entrepreneurs: Endeavor supports over 1,500 entrepreneurs representing more than 1,000 companies. Endeavor Entrepreneurs have created more than 700,000 jobs. Endeavor Entrepreneurs collectively generated over $10 billion in annual revenue and raised $413 million in growth capital in 2016 alone. We also achieved some impressive new milestones: Endeavor now operates in 30 countries, includ- ing our newest launches in Ecuador, Tunisia, Kenya and Nigeria, as well as our fourth U.S. city, Atlanta. Endeavor OPEN launched as an online platform enabling our entire network to connect directly, and our team adopted a new approach to serving our entrepreneurs through nine dedi- cated industry verticals. Over 300 network members attended our bi-annual Endeavor Entrepreneur Retreat in California. Over 60 entrepreneurs also attended custom executive leadership courses at Harvard and Stanford Business Schools. We closed Endeavor Catalyst II LP, our pio- neering, rules-based co-investment fund, with over $75 million in commitments. Collectively, Endeavor Catalyst Funds I and II—managing investment capital of over $100 million —have now co-invested alongside world-class VC and growth funds in 63 Endeavor Entrepreneur-led companies across 19 countries. Returns from Catalyst will benefit LPs as well as ultimately fulfill Endeavor's quest to become entirely self-sustaining. We could not have made it to our 20th Anniversary without YOU: Our board mem- bers, mentors, partners, team members, and entrepreneurs around the globe. e theme of this year's Impact Report—Faces of Impact— highlights YOUR passion and commitment. We hope you'll enjoy the photos and stories about these champions and help us salute the thou- sands of others who have shared our mission. Still, ENDEAVOR is about striving to achieve a goal. So while we celebrate where we are today, we recognize that our work is nowhere near finished. We still have much more to do to help high-impact entrepreneurs remake a better world. We hope you'll join us on that journey. Onward and upward! Linda Rottenberg Co-founder & CEO, Endeavor W ELCOM E