Belarusian Founders in Exile: Tech Pioneers Face Statelessness

Imaguru Founders Sentenced in Belarus for Championing Entrepreneurship

In 2013, Tatyana Marynich and Anastasiya Khamiankova established Imaguru, a startup hub located in Minsk, Belarus. This venture subsequently fostered some of the most successful tech companies in Eastern Europe. A decade later, both founders have received lengthy prison sentences – a combined 23 years – handed down ‘in absentia’ by Belarusian authorities.

Furthermore, their property has been confiscated, and their organization has been officially labeled as “extremist.” Marynich’s passport has expired and been revoked, leaving her without citizenship and residing in Spain.

The 'Crime' of Fostering Innovation

The reason for this severe treatment? The founders cultivated an independent, pro-entrepreneurial environment. This was perceived as a threat by the Lukashenko regime, which traditionally favors state-owned industries.

“What initially began as an effort to suppress innovation has escalated into the complete criminalization of independent business,” Marynich explained to TechCrunch during a recent conversation.

Imaguru’s Impact on the Belarusian Tech Ecosystem

Imaguru was not merely the first startup hub in Belarus; it became the central point for the nation’s technology sector. The accelerator and co-working space facilitated the creation of over 300 startups.

These companies collectively secured more than $100 million in investment. Notable successes originating from Imaguru include MSQRD (acquired by Facebook), Friendlydata (acquired by ServiceNow), and Prisma (reportedly acquired by Snapchat).

Recognition from the Venture Capital Community

“They were the primary focal point for the venture community within Belarus,” stated Max Gurvits, General Partner at Vitosha Venture Partners in Bulgaria, and an early mentor at Imaguru. “It was consistently a pleasure to visit and engage with their programs.”

Marvin Liao of Rolling Fund Diaspora.vc, a US-based venture capitalist, concurred. “They were exceptionally professional and genuinely passionate,” he shared with TechCrunch. “Imaguru provided the initial central location for startup founders and aspiring tech entrepreneurs in Belarus. Tanya and Nastia were true community builders.”

A Family History of Defiance

The founders’ commitment to freedom has deep roots. Marynich’s late husband, Michael Marynich, previously faced significant repercussions for challenging the regime.

He was imprisoned from 2004 to 2006 after running as an opposition candidate against President Alexander Lukashenko. The experience, including multiple strokes suffered in prison, motivated Tatyana to leave the International Finance Corporation and pursue her own entrepreneurial path.

Entrepreneurship as a Path to Freedom

“I was compelled to enter entrepreneurship,” she said. “Not only for economic survival, but because I firmly believe in the democratic principles my husband sacrificed his health to uphold.”

“If political avenues are blocked,” she asserted, “one must forge their own future. Entrepreneurs are independent thinkers—and free individuals challenge authority.”

This very belief is what made Imaguru a target for the Lukashenko regime.

From Startup Hub to Opposition Support

When Independence Becomes Dissent

Following the disputed 2020 elections and the ensuing widespread protests, Imaguru extended its support beyond entrepreneurs. It opened its doors to civil society groups, NGOs, and opposition figures.

Marynich joined the Coordination Council, a leading opposition body headed by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. This action proved to be the breaking point for the government.

“She signed a declaration advocating for free elections,” Gurvits explained. “Consequently, she became an enemy of the state, and anything associated with her, including Imaguru, was outlawed.”

Escalating Repression and Exile

By 2021, the pressure had become unsustainable. The government terminated Imaguru’s lease, and masked officers raided its offices.

In 2023, the KGB designated Imaguru an “extremist formation,” criminalizing even communication with the organization. A former director was arrested, and family members of Imaguru staff in exile were subjected to interrogation. The website was blocked in several countries.

On December 2nd of last year, the prison sentences for the two co-founders were announced.

Simultaneously, Marynich’s Belarusian passport expired. A 2023 executive order from Lukashenko prevents embassies from renewing documents for citizens abroad, effectively trapping dissidents in foreign countries without proper identification.

Stateless and Undeterred

“I am now stateless,” Marynich stated. “I have a European residence permit, but without a valid passport, I cannot apply for citizenship, leave Spain, or even open a bank account.”

Despite these challenges, both founders remain committed to their mission. Imaguru now operates hubs in Warsaw and Madrid, supported by European institutions. They are also launching a campaign to recognize entrepreneurship as a fundamental human right, gathering support through an online petition.

“They genuinely cherish their country,” Liao said. “And now they are barred from returning. It’s truly heartbreaking. I’ve gladly written letters of recommendation for both of them for international programs and would do so again. They are good people, and this situation is profoundly unjust.”

A Test for Democratic Values

A Global Test of Values

While Imaguru has received support in Poland and Lithuania, the Spanish government has yet to formally respond to appeals for assistance. Marynich remains in a precarious situation, hoping that increased visibility will prompt a response.

TechCrunch reached out to the office of María González Veracruz, the Secretary of State of Digitization and Artificial Intelligence in Spain, but did not receive a response before publication.

“This is a clear case of political repression,” Liao emphasized. “Democratic governments should be doing everything possible to support them.”

Gurvits added: “This isn’t just about two founders; it’s about an entire community exiled for believing in innovation and freedom. Even former Imaguru employees are unable to return to Belarus.”

Marynich remains resolute.

“We built something beautiful,” she concluded. “Now we are fighting for the right to exist, and we will not surrender.”