Imaguru Startup Hub Shut Down by Belarusian Regime
Imaguru Startup Hub Forced to Close in Minsk
The Minsk-based Imaguru, a central hub for startups, events, and co-working within Belarus, has been effectively shut down by the Lukashenko regime. This action follows a period of intense repression against the Belarusian populace and a series of unsettling incidents.
Despite the closure, the organization operating the space intends to maintain its operations by transitioning its activities to an online platform, defying the directives of the authorities.
A Key Player in the Belarusian Startup Ecosystem
Established in 2013, Imaguru quickly gained recognition as a crucial incubator for numerous Belarusian startups. Notably, it served as the initial base for MSQRD, which was later acquired by Facebook in 2017.
The hub also functioned as a key point of contact for international investors seeking opportunities within Belarus. Startups fostered by Imaguru have collectively secured over $100 million in investment funding in recent years.
Lease Termination and Alleged Pressure
In 2013, “Imaguru Startup HUB” initiated a lease agreement with “Horizon Holding” for the property. This involved the renovation of a previously neglected building owned by a state-owned entity.
However, on April 16, 2021, Horizon Holding announced the unilateral termination of the lease agreement, giving Imaguru until April 30 to vacate the premises.
No official explanation was provided for this decision, despite Horizon Holding previously characterizing Imaguru as a prominent asset within its property portfolio.
Observers suggest that Horizon Holding may have faced external pressure due to Imaguru’s vocal support for pro-democracy movements within the country.
Intrusions and a Public Stand
In early March, the company reported that unidentified individuals, wearing masks, forcibly entered the office. These individuals allegedly “blocked the exit, positioned event attendees against a wall, and transported them to a police station.”
Imaguru released a statement asserting its commitment to openly addressing “lawlessness, repression, and the persecution of civilians defending their rights.”
The statement further condemned the regime’s actions against the business, investment, and startup sectors, as well as the widespread relocation of startups from Belarus.
A Legacy of Support and Events
The name Imaguru is derived from the phrase “I’m a guru,” a term embraced by Belarusian entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the hub has hosted a multitude of conferences, events, startup pitches, and educational courses.
Imaguru also organized Venture Day Minsk, which will continue as an online event on April 29.
Over the past eight years, Imaguru claims to have assisted over 300 Belarusian startups, including Splitmetrics, MSQRD, PingFin, DEIP, and TrackDuck.
The hub has also contributed to the creation of 250+ jobs, educated over 12,000 individuals, and hosted more than 3,500 events.
Additionally, Imaguru facilitated study tours to the U.S., U.K., Finland, Spain, and launched the TechMinsk accelerator program.
Solidarity with Protests and Opposition
In recent months, the startup hub publicly expressed solidarity with the protests following last year’s disputed elections. It also produced videos demonstrating support for PandaDoc, whose employees faced imprisonment.
Imaguru actively participated in the general strike on October 26, 2020.
The Global Entrepreneurship Week Belarus, organized by the Imaguru team, featured an opening address by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent Belarusian leader.
Founded by Tania Marinich
Imaguru was founded by Tania Marinich, a Belarusian businesswoman. Her husband tragically died in custody after opposing the Lukashenko regime in an election.
Marinich has been a strong advocate for the Belarusian startup ecosystem since 2013.
Following last year’s protests, Marinich joined the core team of the opposition party’s Coordination Council, leading the business group.
How to Support Imaguru
To support Imaguru, consider subscribing to their news, and following them on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as Youtube.
Purchasing Imaguru’s merchandise is another way to provide assistance.
You can also register for Venture Day Minsk Online on April 29.
