Bian Li is known in Ghana for the help she provided an entire village. Here, she’s known for the help she provides start-ups, future leaders and entrepreneurs. We asked The Hungry Lab’s chief executive what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur — and as a city.
What is The Hungry Lab?
The Hungry Lab is a launchpad for entrepreneurs. We provide advice, resources and services to help entrepreneurs succeed at every
stage. We’re like a hybrid incubator, accelerator and investor pipeline with global resources.
What does it take to succeed as an entrepreneur?
Personal resilience. You go through a lot of ups and downs. It takes self-clarity, adaptability and grit to learn from the failures and challenges — and power through them.
Why headquarter at 200 Spectrum Center?
There’s also a lot of talent and energy here. WeWork, at 200 Spectrum Center, stood out not only for its location but for its high-energy environment for startups.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been officially installed as “Queen Mother Mama Asinor II” in a village in Ghana. I was named a female chief after working with village elders on community projects.
Your prediction for Irvine’s future?
Irvine is the central hub bridging the tech corridor between L.A. and San Diego. It’s got the talent, innovation (especially from UC Irvine) and infrastructure to thrive. To maximize this potential, however, Irvine needs to enhance its capacity to serve its young entrepreneurs with access to affordable resources, funding and advisory. We want Irvine to be known as the hub for youth innovation.
