Alexandra Sarma is the General Manager – Partner
at Orange Grove & SDG House Greece.
Q: Alexandra, how would you describe Orange Grove in 15 words or less?
A: An impact-driven incubator and startups ecosystem empowering talented individuals to grow innovative and scalable ventures.
Q: What is it that Orange Grove gives to new startuppers?
A: Access to networks and opportunity are probably our most important offerings. Of course, we provide business and soft skills training to connect the dots between scientific research, tech development or simply an innovative idea, on the one hand, and the market, on the other. But more importantly, through Orange Grove, the Netherlands Embassy -which initiated OG- and other Embassies we collaborate with, we have a global network of active mentors and partners, offering participants valuable insights and important connections to help build their own networks, at their very first steps when it is most needed.
What is often said but quickly ignored is that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Crucially, we offer aspiring entrepreneurs opportunity to grow, no matter who or where they are. As a remote-first incubator we bring opportunity where the talent is, not the other way around. This is especially important when it comes to high-potential individuals who due to circumstance, geography or other challenges would not, otherwise, have access to the means to innovate and grow.
Q: What is the most important thing you tell startup founders?
A: Don’t fall in love too much with your product. Building a successful venture usually means you must iterate, experiment, test and continuously adapt your proposition and business model until you find the right product-market fit. This entails being challenged a lot and accepting that you might need to make important changes (or even throw it away entirely) as you validate your initial concept and translate it into a solution of value for your potential customers. And, listen. Listen to people around you, open up to feedback, do not remain in isolation.
Q: What are the next steps that Orange Grove plans to take in attracting talented people with innovative ideas?
A: We are currently building a “sibling” to Orange Grove, the SDG House Greece. By placing sustainability in the centre of venture creation, this new platform will aim to attract the talented people needed to re-imagine the way we build business models and products, develop responsible technologies and accelerate sustainable venture building.