From Innovators to Exiles: The Struggles of Belarusian Tech Founders Against Statelessness

In recent years, the story of Imaguru, a pioneering startup hub in Minsk, Belarus, has taken a dark turn. Founded in 2013 by Tatyana Marynich and Anastasiya Khamiankova, Imaguru has been instrumental in shaping Eastern Europe’s tech landscape. However, a decade later, both founders have been sentenced to a combined 23 years in prison by the Belarusian government, which has labeled their efforts as “extremist.” This article explores the rise and fall of Imaguru and its founders.

The Impact of Imaguru on Belarus’s Tech Ecosystem

Imaguru was not only the first startup hub in Belarus; it became a vital part of the nation’s tech ecosystem. Through its accelerator and co-working spaces, Imaguru has:

• Launched over 300 startups.
• Facilitated more than $100 million in investments.
• Supported significant successes, including companies like MSQRD, acquired by Facebook.

Max Gurvits, General Partner at Vitosha Venture Partners, noted, “They were the main focal point of the venture community in Belarus. They brought together talent, investors, and ran the most significant programs.”

Political Repression and the Criminalization of Business

The founders’ commitment to fostering an independent and entrepreneurial spirit was viewed as a threat by the Lukashenko regime. Marynich stated during an interview, “What began as an attempt to silence innovation has evolved into the full criminalization of independent business.”

After the 2020 elections, widely regarded as fraudulent, Imaguru opened its doors to civil society groups and opposition figures, further escalating tensions with the government. Marynich’s involvement in the Coordination Council, an opposition body, marked her as an enemy of the state.

The Consequences of Defiance

By 2021, the government’s pressure on Imaguru intensified:

• The hub’s lease was terminated.
• Masked officers raided its offices.
• In 2023, the KGB designated Imaguru as an “extremist formation,” making any communication with the group a punishable offense.

Marynich’s struggles became even more poignant when her passport expired, and Belarusian embassies ceased issuing documents for citizens abroad, effectively trapping dissenters like her in foreign countries.

Continuing the Mission Despite Adversity

Despite the perilous situation, Marynich and Khamiankova continue their mission. Imaguru has now expanded to Warsaw and Madrid, with support from European institutions. They are also advocating for entrepreneurship to be recognized as a human right through an online petition.

“They really love their country,” said Marvin Liao of Rolling Fund Diaspora.vc. “And now they can never go back. It’s heartbreaking.”

A Call for International Support

While Imaguru has found support in Poland and Lithuania, the Spanish government’s response remains pending. Marynich’s hope is that increased visibility will prompt action. “Democratic governments should be doing everything they can to support them,” Liao emphasized.

As Marynich remains in limbo, she maintains her resolve: “We built something beautiful. Now we’re fighting for the right to exist. And we’re not giving up.”

For more information on entrepreneurship and innovation in challenging political climates, visit TechCrunch and explore related articles on the impact of political repression on startups.