The Foreign CEO Who Bet Big on Ethiopia (And What She Learned)

After 12 years building businesses in Ethiopia, from co-founding Companies to investing in startups, Amity Weiss has a unique, unfiltered perspective on what it really takes to succeed. In this deep dive, the New York-native-turned-Addis-entrepreneur shatters misconceptions about the Ethiopian market and reveals the incredible potential she sees that outsiders often miss.

This isn't a theoretical discussion. Amity gets into the gritty details: why spending 4,000 hours in local markets led to a national brand, the shocking red flag she hears from founders, and why she believes Ethiopian entrepreneurs have a "squid game" advantage over their regional rivals. She also delivers hard truths about investment, the role of government, and the one piece of advice every aspiring founder needs to hear.

We discuss:
⏱️ 00:00 - Introduction: Why She Avoids the Spotlight
⏱️ 10:15 - The 4,000-Hour Market Research Rule That Built a Brand
⏱️ 25:40 - The #1 Red Flag She Sees in Ethiopian Startups
⏱️ 38:00 - Ethiopian Grit: Why Local Founders Are Tougher Than Kenyans
⏱️ 50:30 - The $300B BPO Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight
⏱️ 01:05:00 - "Get a Job First": Her Controversial Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
⏱️ 01:15:00 - AI, Policy, and The Future: An Investor's Clear-Eyed Look

This is a masterclass in market penetration, a reality check for the ecosystem, and a testament to the resilience of Ethiopian business. Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about the future of Africa's economies, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

Keywords: Amity Weiss, Ethiopia, Entrepreneurship, Investment, Startups, BPO, Outsourcing, Awash Wine, GRV, Addis Ababa, Africa Business, Venture Capital, Mentorship, Ethiopian Economy

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