We mentioned in one of our previous posts our new Alumni Startup Incubator, that Area 31 launched last February. Our entrepreneurs are all very different. But they all have a couple of things in common: creativity and ambition!

Take, for example, Mikhail Bakunin, co-founder of The Talent Bond. He explains his project and his vision as follows:

 Our team members come from different countries and have very diverse professional and cultural background. However, we all were united while doing International MBA in IE Business School. MBA programs in general require a lot from students, not only in terms of the time dedicated to studying but also in terms of significant financial investment. Unfortunately, many talented students can’t afford this great education and they might not acquire the knowledge that could later be applied to receiving business environment.

The Talent Bond will solve this financing challenge by making it easier for alumni to give loans to brilliant admitted students. We assess students’ future earning potential based on a combination of traditional criteria and on a “predictive forward evaluation”. The fact that students want to maintain good reputation within the alumni community will decrease the default rate  to zero.

Caroline Wakefield, the co-founder of uniQuinu, is another great example:

UniQinu unleashes emerging international design talent on the UK and Spain. UniQinu breaks the mold for well-priced, unique fashion by identifying and bringing together a collection of up-and-coming independent womenswear and accessories designers from across the globe.

In addition to being an online retail platform, uniQinu provides interactive space for fashion aficionados, where anyone can join a dialogue of uniQinu’s users and chat about unfolding global trends, suggest new designers, and give (or get) styling tips. Users of our website can develop their avatars and dress them with styles chosen their favorite pieces from the site. They can also generate followers and get rated by other users. There are also different bonus programs and cash back options. UniQinu is Paradise for all pragmatic shoppers who also want to be trendy!