When you walk through any major city—Toronto, London, Dubai, New York—you’ll notice something remarkable, from restaurants serving recipes passed down from generations, to tech startups building solutions for global markets. Often, the people behind these ventures share a commonality: they are part of a diaspora.
Diaspora entrepreneurs, who are individuals with roots in one culture and businesses operating in or intertwined with another, are rewriting the rules of global growth. Their journeys are not only stories of migration and resilience, but also lessons in innovation, adaptability, and cultural intelligence and fluency. One of the most significant advantages diaspora entrepreneurs have is a unique perspective. They see the world through more than one cultural lens. That ability allows them to spot opportunities others might miss.
Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish-born founder of Chobani, observed that North American yogurt was bland compared to the varieties he was accustomed to. By introducing Greek-style yogurt to the U.S., he reshaped the industry and founded Chobani, now the world’s leading yogurt brand, with a 50% market share in the U.S. Greek yogurt market. Ulukaya is also celebrated for hiring refugees and immigrants.
As I explain in my book, Between Borders, Beyond Boundaries, my process, Embed, Interpret, Act (EIA), is central to sustainable growth. Many diaspora entrepreneurs do this subconsciously, embedding themselves into new environments, interpreting nuances across cultures, and acting with authenticity. For most, borders are barriers; for diaspora entrepreneurs, they are bridges as they fluently translate language, ideas, traditions, and business practices.
For instance, there may be a Bangladeshi entrepreneur in London who can design a business that appeals to both South Asian and Western customers, or a Nigerian-Canadian who connects African suppliers to North American markets. These are examples of diaspora entrepreneurs who aren’t just crossing borders but expanding them, creating value on both ends of the value chain. In an era where globalization is often perceived as homogenization, diaspora entrepreneurs offer an alternative: growth rooted in connection rather than domination.
Some of the world’s most exciting innovations come from blending ideas across cultures. Fashion brands that merge African prints with Western tailoring, like Toronto’s Öfuurë. Food companies that bring Middle Eastern spices to North American kitchens, such as Green World Express. Fintech firms that adapt mobile payment models from Asia to work in North America are now commonly led by diaspora entrepreneurs, who are at the forefront of this cultural fusion, such as Wise, a payment and money transfer app. Because they live and think across worlds, they can create products that resonate globally without losing authenticity. Their businesses feel both familiar and fresh, as they know exactly what consumers are craving.
Behind most diaspora entrepreneurial success is resilience, as many have experienced migration, displacement, or the challenge of starting over in unfamiliar environments. Those experiences build adaptability and grit, the very qualities entrepreneurs need to help them succeed. In my own journey, from London to Winnipeg to Dhaka to Toronto, I learned quickly that survival required adaptation to each new environment. Whether I was selling bags in a high school locker room or negotiating with ministers in Bangladesh, I came to understand that adaptability is the ultimate entrepreneurial skill. That same resilience allows diaspora entrepreneurs to thrive in uncertain markets, and when volatility strikes, they don’t panic; they pivot.
One of the most overlooked strengths of diaspora entrepreneurs is their ability to serve as natural market connectors. They understand the needs of consumers in their adopted countries while staying connected to the markets of their origin. Canada’s diaspora groups are not just communities; they are thriving consumer bases, each with its unique preferences. A business leader who understands these nuances can unlock opportunities both locally and globally. As I note in my book, a Bangladeshi consumer in Dhaka is not the same as a Bangladeshi consumer in London or Toronto; while the differences may be subtle, they matter. Diaspora entrepreneurs recognize these nuances instinctively, giving them an edge in tailoring products and services.
While traditional globalization has usually meant Western companies exporting their business models worldwide, sometimes at the expense of local cultures, diaspora entrepreneurs offer a different vision. They often show that growth can also be inclusive, empathetic, and sustainable. By embedding in local realities, interpreting with cultural sensitivity, and acting with integrity, they create businesses that respect context and deliver global impact—a version of globalization that shows more humanity.
What makes diaspora entrepreneurship especially powerful is that it’s usually about more than just profiting. Diaspora entrepreneurs often give back to their communities through funding schools, mentoring newcomers, and supporting cultural initiatives. They are also known for sharing their success by helping to improve the lives of people on both sides of the border. As we now face numerous challenges from climate change, inequality, and digital disruption, we require leaders who can think beyond borders and act with empathy and compassion. They are not just prepared for this future; they are building it, and they remind us that success comes from embracing differences. Resiliency, diversity, and cultural fluency are not side benefits of entrepreneurship; they are its foundation.
The next chapter of global growth will not be written by companies that impose their model everywhere. It will be authored by diaspora entrepreneurs who know that the world’s greatest strength is its diversity, which is why diaspora entrepreneurs are not just participants in the future of global growth—they are its architects.
