Defy Ventures teaches entrepreneurship in prisons. It changed how I think about founders

Fortune

by Allie Garfinkle

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Defy Ventures is transforming lives by teaching entrepreneurship in prisons across eight states. Founded by Andrew Glazier, this nonprofit reimagines rehabilitation by treating prisoners as "entrepreneurs-in-training" (EITs) rather than inmates. By focusing on their potential and humanity, the program equips participants with business skills like cash management, marketing, and operations—transferrable talents that can lead to successful ventures. The goal isn’t just to create entrepreneurs but to provide a path to economic independence and personal growth for individuals returning from prison. The program emphasizes practicality, ensuring EITs develop viable business ideas with clear customer problems, MVPs, and scalability plans. This approach contrasts sharply with the often unrealistic pitches Glazier hears from startup founders, highlighting the tangible progress of those who’ve faced significant challenges. The success of Defy Ventures is evident in its outcomes: 85% of program graduates find employment within six months, and the one-year recidivism rate is less than 10%, compared to over 40% nationally. What makes this model effective? It’s about reframing entrepreneurship as a tool for transformation. By encouraging participants to lead with their mistakes and lessons learned, they can present themselves as assets to businesses and communities. This mindset shift not only helps individuals rebuild their lives but also challenges stereotypes around ex-offenders, proving that opportunity and context are key factors in entrepreneurial success. For anyone interested in business, the story of Defy Ventures offers a powerful lesson: entrepreneurship is fundamentally human. It’s about imagining a future and building toward it, regardless of one’s past. By giving individuals control over their destinies, Defy Ventures demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be a force

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/20/2026