
Jonathan Ortmans
Trustee, The Garibay Institute
Jonathan Ortmans is a Trustee at The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy. He is also an economist and policy entrepreneur recognized for his significant contributions to the development of global entrepreneurial ecosystems. As the founder and president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Ortmans has built a multidisciplinary platform that operates in over 180 countries, driving economic growth through innovation and strategic collaboration.
Trained rigorously in economics, Ortmans began his career in public policy, holding influential legislative roles on Capitol Hill. His expertise in policy formulation and advocacy was further honed during his tenure as CEO of a leading healthcare and trade policy think tank, where he led critical research initiatives that shaped national and international discourse. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen, Ortmans went on to launch two successful startups, both of which achieved profitable exits. These ventures provided him with invaluable firsthand experience of the challenges and triumphs inherent in venture creation, deepening his understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape and informing his subsequent endeavors.
In 2008, driven by a vision to catalyze global economic growth through entrepreneurship, Ortmans founded the Global Entrepreneurship Network. The organization’s inaugural initiative, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), quickly gained international traction and has since evolved into a comprehensive, year-round suite of programs designed to support and accelerate entrepreneurial activities worldwide. Under Ortmans' leadership, GEN introduced the Entrepreneurship World Cup, a competitive platform that connects startups with a vast network of investors, fostering investment opportunities and scaling ventures. Additionally, the Startup Huddle was established as a peer-learning network tailored for early-stage ventures, providing entrepreneurs with valuable insights, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities. Recognizing the importance of policy in shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems, Ortmans launched Startup Nations, a policy advisory network that collaborates with over 130 governments to guide the development of robust entrepreneurial environments.
Ortmans is a fervent advocate for evidence-based policymaking. He spearheaded the development of the Global Entrepreneurship Index, a comprehensive benchmarking tool that assesses and compares the health of entrepreneurial ecosystems across nations, thereby providing critical data to inform policy decisions. As chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, Ortmans oversees an annual convening that brings together representatives from over 200 countries, fostering dialogue and collaboration on entrepreneurial initiatives. His unwavering commitment to inclusive economic policies ensures that support reaches underrepresented entrepreneurs, promoting equitable and inclusive economic growth.
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Ortmans' educational philosophy centers on the democratization of entrepreneurship education and the facilitation of knowledge transfer between emerging markets. He prioritizes making entrepreneurship education resources widely accessible, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers. His focus on South-South collaboration promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices between developing nations, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems collectively. Additionally, Ortmans has implemented targeted capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial infrastructure and capabilities within African nations. By fostering public-private partnerships, he effectively collaborates with both governmental bodies and private sector entities to dismantle structural barriers that impede entrepreneurial entry and growth.
In his role as an institutional leader, Ortmans holds advisory positions with several international organizations. As a Senior Fellow at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, he contributes to research and initiatives that support entrepreneurial success. He also serves on the board of Moscow's Center for Entrepreneurship and other nonprofit entities, guiding strategic direction and fostering international cooperation in entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Ortmans collaborates with United Nations agencies to advance sustainable development goals through entrepreneurial initiatives, underscoring his commitment to global economic development.
Through GEN's expansive initiatives, Ortmans has established an institutional architecture that connects over four million entrepreneurs annually with essential resources such as capital, mentorship, and supportive policy frameworks. His visionary leadership continues to influence international discourse on optimizing entrepreneurial ecosystems and crafting inclusive economic development strategies. Jonathan Ortmans' unwavering dedication to fostering global entrepreneurship has not only accelerated economic growth in numerous countries but has also empowered countless individuals to innovate and lead in their respective fields. His legacy is one of transformative impact, bridging gaps between policy, education, and practical entrepreneurship to build a more prosperous and inclusive global economy.