Defy Ventures Teaches Entrepreneurship in Prisons, Changing Perceptions

The nonprofit's programs empower incarcerated individuals to become 'entrepreneur-in-training' and find a path to economic independence.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Defy Ventures, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, runs entrepreneurship training programs in prisons across eight states. The organization's CEO, Andrew Glazier, believes that entrepreneurship can be a transformational path for incarcerated individuals, providing them with skills and opportunities they can leverage upon release. The program focuses on teaching practical business skills while also helping participants reframe their identities from 'inmates' to 'entrepreneurs-in-training'.

Why it matters

Defy Ventures' approach challenges traditional perceptions about incarcerated individuals, showing that they possess the same talent, ideas, and grit as many startup founders. By providing entrepreneurship training and support, the program aims to reduce recidivism rates and help participants find a path to economic independence and a better future for themselves.

The details

At Defy Ventures events, incarcerated individuals, referred to as 'entrepreneurs-in-training' (EITs), pitch their business ideas to volunteers. These pitches often demonstrate a strong grasp of practical business concepts, such as cash management, marketing, and operations - skills that are applicable to both legal and illegal businesses. The program helps EITs transform their 'hustle' into legitimate entrepreneurial pursuits, while also preparing them to address their past transgressions openly and authentically.

  • Defy Ventures has been running its entrepreneurship programs in prisons since the organization's founding.
  • The author has attended Defy events twice, including a New York coaching day and a California pitch competition.

The players

Andrew Glazier

The CEO of Defy Ventures, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit running entrepreneurship training programs in prisons across eight states.

Defy Ventures

A nonprofit organization that runs entrepreneurship training programs in prisons, with the goal of empowering incarcerated individuals and reducing recidivism rates.

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What they’re saying

“When you walk into a Defy class, the first thing we're expressing to you is that you're a human with unique gifts and talents. You're no longer 'inmate number blank.' You're now an entrepreneur-in-training. What do you want to do?”

— Andrew Glazier, CEO, Defy Ventures (Fortune)

“Legal and illegal businesses involve the same skill sets. They require thoughtfulness around cash management, followership, marketing, inventory management, operations. So, for us, it's about how you transform that hustle… We're looking to employ entrepreneurship as a transformational frame.”

— Andrew Glazier, CEO, Defy Ventures (Fortune)

“It's about leading with, 'look I made some mistakes and these are some of the things I've learned through really hard times.' 'I've come out on the other side, and I can be a great asset to you and this community.'”

— Andrew Glazier, CEO, Defy Ventures (Fortune)

What’s next

Defy Ventures plans to continue expanding its entrepreneurship training programs to more prisons across the United States, with the goal of empowering more incarcerated individuals and reducing recidivism rates.

The takeaway

Defy Ventures' approach to teaching entrepreneurship in prisons challenges traditional perceptions about incarcerated individuals, showing that they possess the same talent, ideas, and grit as many startup founders. By providing these individuals with practical business skills and a path to economic independence, the program is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.