Defy Ventures: Redefining Rehabilitation Through Entrepreneurship and Human Connection

Pat Glazier, CEO of Defy Ventures, spearheads a transformative mission from Los Angeles, guiding a nonprofit that champions entrepreneurship training within the walls of prisons across eight states. This initiative transcends conventional rehabilitation, offering a powerful paradigm shift that reframes incarcerated individuals not as numbers, but as "Entrepreneurs-in-Training" (EITs) possessing untapped potential. The author’s personal experience as a volunteer at Defy events, including a coaching day in New York and a pitch competition in California, provides a unique vantage point into the profound humanizing effect at the core of Defy’s methodology, revealing a crucial rule above all others: this program is fundamentally about restoring humanity.

Within the correctional facilities where Defy operates, specific protocols govern interactions: address individuals by first names only, avoid making promises, refrain from inquiring about their offenses, and embrace gestures of camaraderie like high-fives and fist bumps. These rules, while important for maintaining order and respect, collectively underscore a deeper principle – the deliberate dismantling of dehumanizing labels. As Glazier articulates, having led the organization since its founder’s departure in 2018, "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?" This linguistic re-framing is more than semantic; it’s a powerful psychological intervention, designed to foster self-worth and aspirational identity in an environment often stripped of both.

The term "Entrepreneur-in-Training" (EIT) is central to Defy’s ethos, deliberately replacing stigmatizing labels like "convicts" or "inmates." This intentional shift in nomenclature reflects a profound understanding of how language shapes perception and identity, both internally and externally. For individuals who have long been defined by their past mistakes and institutional designations, being called an EIT offers a pathway to a new, productive self-concept. The author, typically engaging with entrepreneurs and investors in a journalistic capacity, chose to volunteer with Defy, observing firsthand the profound impact of this approach and its broader implications for understanding entrepreneurship itself. The revelation is clear: even within the confines of a prison, the fundamental principles of a pitch and a business remain universally applicable.

Glazier insightfully observes that "Legal and illegal businesses involve the same skill sets. They require thoughtfulness around cash management, followership, marketing, inventory management, operations." This perspective challenges conventional wisdom, suggesting that the drive, strategic thinking, and resourcefulness often associated with illicit activities can be re-channeled into legitimate, value-creating endeavors. Defy Ventures aims to "transform that hustle," employing entrepreneurship as a powerful "transformational frame." This approach recognizes that the grit, resilience, and problem-solving abilities honed in challenging circumstances are, in essence, entrepreneurial traits. By providing structure, education, and mentorship, Defy helps individuals redirect these inherent capabilities toward positive societal and personal outcomes.

The business pitches presented by EITs are often remarkably sophisticated and grounded in reality, frequently surpassing the viability of many conventional startup proposals. Unlike some startup founders who might be disconnected from market realities, EITs are inherently problem-solvers, often identifying clear customer needs rooted in their lived experiences or observations. Their proposals are rigorously structured, requiring a defined customer problem, a minimum viable product (MVP), a meticulous plan for overhead costs, and a plausible path to scalability. This practical rigor is partly a function of their environment, where resources are scarce and every decision carries significant weight. Simultaneously, EITs are preparing for the formidable challenge of re-entry, which includes transparently addressing their past transgressions. Glazier emphasizes the strategy: "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.’" This blend of entrepreneurial acumen and radical honesty forms a powerful foundation for future success.

Stripping away the labels and societal contexts, the core difference between an EIT and a mainstream startup founder often boils down not to talent, innovative ideas, or sheer grit, but to opportunity and context. Entrepreneurship, at its heart, is the decision to seize control of one’s destiny, to imagine a future and actively build towards it. For individuals returning from prison, this path is particularly compelling. Glazier notes, "Certainly, entrepreneurship for people coming home from prison can be a path to economic independence. When you come home, getting hired can be hard, advancement can be constrained. So, the idea that you can come home and be your own boss can be very compelling." The systemic barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals—such as background checks, societal stigma, and limited networks—make self-employment an attractive and often necessary alternative. This fosters not only financial stability but also a renewed sense of agency and purpose.

The ultimate objective of Defy Ventures extends beyond merely creating new businesses; it’s about forging a viable path back into society and empowering individuals to become a better version of themselves. The program’s efficacy is supported by compelling evidence: 85% of released graduates secure employment within six months, and the one-year recidivism rate stands at less than 10%. These figures dramatically outperform national averages, where the one-year recidivism rate often exceeds 40%. This success points to a deeply effective model, rooted in a holistic approach that combines practical business skills with intensive personal development, mentorship, and a robust community of support. By fostering self-belief and equipping individuals with transferable skills, Defy Ventures not only reduces crime but also contributes to stronger communities and a more equitable society. The program taps into a fundamental human drive—the ability to envision and construct a future that does not yet exist—making entrepreneurship an undeniable expression of freedom for every founder, regardless of their starting point.

VENTURE CAPITAL

• Code Metal, a Boston, Mass.-based code translation platform for mission-critical industries, raised $125 million in Series B funding. Salesforce Ventures led the round and was joined by Accel, Cap B, and others.
• Braintrust, a San Francisco-based developer of AI monitoring technology, raised $80 million in Series B funding. ICONIQ led the round and was joined by Andreessen Horowitz, Greylock, and others.
• Altesa BioSciences, a College Park, Ga.-based pharmaceutical company focused on therapies for COPD and asthma, raised $75 million in Series B funding. Forbion led the round and was joined by Sanofi and existing investors.
• ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, a Pleasanton, Calif.-based developer of non-CPAP sleep apnea devices, raised $38 million in funding from Catalio Capital Management.
• VIZZIA, a Paris, France-based provider of video surveillance technology for public safety and cleanliness, raised €30 million ($35.3 million) in Series B funding. Base10 Partners led the round and was joined by Headline and Sistafund.
• Circuit, an Austin, Texas-based developer of AI technology designed for manufacturing and service companies, raised $30 million from Jim Breyer, Charlie Amato, and other individual investors.
• Eagle Wireless, a Cleveland, Ohio-based Internet of Things and automotive solutions company, raised $30 million in Series B funding. Asymmetric Capital Partners and The O.H.I.O. Fund led the round.
• Portkey, a San Francisco-based developer of a platform designed to get AI systems ready for production, raised $15 million in Series A funding. Elevation Capital led the round and was joined by Lightspeed.

PRIVATE EQUITY

• Amberjack Capital Partners acquired CIMA Services, a Pasadena, Texas-based waste management, environmental remediation and industrial services company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• Ariel Alternatives acquired Front Line Power Construction, a Rosharon, Texas-based powerline construction company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• Bregal Sagemount acquired a majority stake in Harbor Compliance, a Lancaster, Pa.-based compliance solutions provider for nonprofit and middle-market corporations. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• Centralis, backed by HGGC, acquired PINE Advisor Solutions, a Denver, Colo.-based provider of compliance, fund officer, and distribution services to asset managers. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• CUBE, backed by Hg, acquired 4CRisk.ai, a San Francisco-based regulatory technology company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• Greenbriar Equity Group agreed to acquire AIT Worldwide Logistics, an Itasca, Ill.-based freight-forwarding company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• Impact XM, a portfolio company of The Riverside Company, acquired Jack Morton, a Boston, Mass.-based brand experience and live event marketing agency. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• OceanSound Partners acquired Automated Financial Systems, an Exton, Pa.-based provider of loan servicing and lifecycle management technology for financial services companies. Financial terms were not disclosed.
• WestView Capital acquired a minority stake in Benefits All In, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based employee healthcare benefit and risk management company. Financial terms were not disclosed.

OTHERS

• eBay agreed to acquire Depop, a London, U.K.-based secondhand fashion marketplace, from Etsy for approximately $1.2 billion in cash.

IPOS

• Clear Street Group, a New York City-based capital markets infrastructure company, withdrew plans to raise up to $364 million in an offering of 13 million shares priced between $26 and $28 on the Nasdaq.

FUNDS + FUNDS OF FUNDS

• HGGC, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based private equity firm, raised $3.2 billion for its fifth fund focused on middle-market companies in the tech, business services, financial services, and consumer sectors.

PEOPLE

• DCVC, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based venture capital firm, promoted Rachel Slaybaugh to general partner.