Entrepreneurship is often associated with Silicon Valley, American startup culture, and the dream of “making it big” in the U.S. But in today’s interconnected world, the spirit of entrepreneurship is anything but geographically confined. Around the globe, driven individuals are launching businesses, solving local challenges, and building economies with the same passion and tenacity found in any New York boardroom or California garage.
Shalom Lamm, an American entrepreneur known for his success in real estate, nonprofit leadership, and civic initiatives, has long advocated for a global understanding of entrepreneurship. His belief: innovation knows no borders. As someone who has worked internationally and observed entrepreneurial ecosystems firsthand, Lamm sees entrepreneurship not as a uniquely American story—but a global movement shaped by culture, necessity, and vision.
A Universal Drive to Create and Innovate
Entrepreneurship starts with a mindset—the urge to solve a problem, create value, and take ownership of one’s economic destiny. In the United States, this mindset is reinforced by a supportive ecosystem of venture capital, accelerator programs, and a cultural emphasis on risk-taking.
But in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, the spirit is equally strong—often fueled by necessity and resourcefulness rather than access to capital.
“Entrepreneurs abroad are incredibly adaptive,” says Shalom Lamm. “They might not have venture funding or a team of consultants, but they have drive, ingenuity, and an intimate understanding of their local markets. That’s powerful.”
Spotlight on Global Entrepreneurship
Let’s take a look at how various countries are channeling this entrepreneurial energy—and how Shalom Lamm’s insights add perspective to each:
Kenya and the Rise of Mobile Innovation
In Kenya, limited access to traditional banking led to the creation of M-Pesa, one of the world’s most successful mobile money platforms. Entrepreneurs in East Africa have since embraced fintech to solve issues in agriculture, education, and logistics.
Shalom Lamm points out, “This is a perfect example of localized innovation. Entrepreneurs saw a need—safe, accessible financial services—and built a solution from the ground up. They didn’t wait for big institutions to step in.”
India’s Digital Leap
India has emerged as a global hub for technology startups, with government-backed initiatives like “Startup India” supporting entrepreneurs with tax incentives, training, and funding. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are now recognized globally for their startup ecosystems.
Lamm admires the role of policy in shaping entrepreneurial opportunity: “What India is doing—connecting innovation with policy support—is something we can all learn from. When governments act as enablers instead of gatekeepers, incredible things happen.”
South America’s Social Entrepreneurs
In countries like Colombia, Chile, and Brazil, a growing number of entrepreneurs are focused on social change—addressing poverty, education, and environmental sustainability. These “impact entrepreneurs” are driven not only by profit but also by purpose.
“Purpose-driven entrepreneurship is what the world needs more of,” Lamm notes. “These leaders are using business as a force for good. That’s inspiring.”
What Entrepreneurs in the U.S. Can Learn
While the United States continues to lead in many aspects of innovation, Shalom Lamm believes American entrepreneurs can benefit greatly by looking beyond their borders.
“Global entrepreneurs remind us to stay grounded,” Lamm explains. “They work with limited resources, and yet their creativity is limitless. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who thinks success only comes with a big budget.”
He also emphasizes cultural adaptability: “Working internationally forces you to listen, learn, and collaborate across differences. Those are critical traits in any entrepreneur’s toolkit.”
Final Thoughts: The Future is Borderless
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, entrepreneurship is becoming more globalized—and more democratized. People everywhere are building solutions to local and global problems, often in ways that defy traditional Western business models.
Shalom Lamm’s experience and observations make one thing clear: the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in every corner of the world. From digital pioneers in Southeast Asia to sustainability champions in South America, today’s entrepreneurs are proving that innovation isn’t limited by geography—it’s inspired by it.
“Entrepreneurship is about courage, creativity, and commitment,” says Lamm. “And those values? They speak every language.”