Building the EF Connect Platform for Entrepreneur First

Client Overview

Entrepreneur First (EF) is a global talent investor that supports exceptional individuals in building technology startups from scratch. With programs in cities like Berlin, London, and Singapore, EF has backed over 500 startups, including notable successes like Magic Pony Technology and Tractable. Wikipedia​

The Challenge

EF's leadership, including the Managing Director of Germany and international leads, recognized the need for a dedicated platform to enhance connectivity among their alumni and current founders. The objective was to foster deeper relationships, streamline knowledge sharing, and facilitate collaboration within their growing global community.​

Our Approach

We embarked on a comprehensive process to conceptualize and design the EF Connect platform:​

• User Research & Story Mapping: Engaged with EF stakeholders to understand the unique needs of their community, defining user personas and mapping out key user journeys.​

• Feature Development: Designed and prototyped core functionalities, including:

  • A smart member directory with advanced search and filtering options.

  • An introduction service to facilitate meaningful connections between members.

  • Job boards for sharing opportunities and sourcing talent.

  • A Q&A forum for knowledge exchange and problem-solving.

  • A funding area to manage follow-on investments and support fundraising efforts.​

• Design & Prototyping: Developed a user-centric design that aligns with EF's brand identity, ensuring an intuitive and engaging user experience.​

The Outcome

The EF Connect platform successfully launched, providing a centralized hub for EF's global community to connect, collaborate, and grow together. It has become an integral tool for fostering relationships, sharing opportunities, and supporting the ongoing success of EF's alumni and founders.​