For my first column I wanted to write about a great organization that allows you to invest in entrepreneurs that could use a helping hand.  The organization is called KIVA (http://www.kiva.org).  Visitors to the website browse the listing of hundreds of entrepreneurs in third world countries who are looking for funds to start their own business or expand their current business.  The loans are administered by microfinance institutions that work hand in hand with the borrowers and collect payments.  Loans are typically paid back within 6-12 months and although there is no guarantee the loan won’t default, past performance on the website shows a great success rate.

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Let’s check out AutoZone: ware they doing right and what are they doing to distinguish themselves from their competition?

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Trendwatching recently did a briefing about so-called Uber Premium products (you should pronounce it using the best German accent you got). Uber Premium is all about status-craving consumers hunting down the next wave in exclusive goods, services and experiences that are truly out of reach for 99.9% of the mass. These are the luxury products functioning as ultimate status symbols. You shouldn’t think about that exclusive Dolce & Gabbana crystal-studded Mickey T-shirt (priced USD $1,400) or those $100 bonbons. No, Uber Premium is for the richest of the richest.

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Bijan Sabet, partner at Spark Capital making investments in early stage media, entertainment and technology companies has a chat with presenter Lindsay. Little correction: a logo for Spark Capital Investment Bank is presented, rather than Spark Capital. Bijan Sabet has no affiliation with the bank.

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David and Luigi have been throwing their own parties under the name ‘Mousse’ for a year now. They bought their first turntables and started playing at a party at David’s High School in Amsterdam. The guys got more gigs when they started flyering at other schools. Now these two 17-year olds manage to get a crowd of over 300 to every Mousse party they throw and are eager to make this number even higher.

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Hip hip hooray! The AmbitionWise website is finally online. It took some hard work and devotion, but we can finally start popping those champagne corks and swinging those chandeliers. The website is all we hoped it would be - and more. The stories on it and especially the young people it features have already inspired us so much. May it bring inspiration and confidence to many more out there. Feel free to let me know your comments and suggestions. A big shout out to the designers, volunteers, graphic designer Steve Mack and young professionals out there for all the help and patience. Here’s to you, and to all young dreams coming true.

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