Imaguru, launched in November 2013 in Minsk, quickly became one of Eastern Europe’s leading startup hubs—a space where entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals connected to share knowledge, ideas, and ambitions. Over 7.5 years, Imaguru played a key role in building startup ecosystem, fostering a business angel community, and training countless entrepreneurs and innovators.
Imaguru’s work extends beyond business development, fostering a culture of innovation, responsibility, and collaboration. Through education, mentorship, and community-building over nearly a decade, we’ve inspired entrepreneurs to become agents of change, embodying independence and forward-thinking ideas.
In 2021, during the political crisis, the Belarusian regime shut down Imaguru in Minsk. Despite this, Imaguru continued supporting the Belarusian community online and abroad. However, the regime escalated its repression, designating Imaguru as an "extremist" formation. This led to criminal cases against its founders, property seizures, and a trial in absentia, which sentenced a founder Tania Marinich to 12 years and a cofounder Anastasiya Khamiankova to 11 years of imprisonment, and combined $160,000 in penalties. These politically motivated charges, including conspiracy and alleged extremist activities, highlight the authoritarian regime's ongoing efforts to undermine freedom and innovation.
