Media Resources
About Empowered Startups
Empowered Startups is a global startup incubator and accelerator that helps international entrepreneurs launch innovative ventures while supporting their immigration goals. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, the company operates across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Its flagship offerings include startup visa programs for Canada, the U.S. (EB-2 NIW), Portugal (HQA), and Australia—providing hands-on business incubation, immigration and business legal counsel, and compliance support. Empowered is a government-designated organization in both Canada and Portugal and maintains a strong network of partnerships with post-secondary institutions that collaborate with founders to develop ventures suited to local markets.
Partnerships & Recognition
The company is led by a multidisciplinary team of international business experts, immigration legal professionals, business mentors, and client support specialists. Key leaders include Amber Allen, Paul Girodo, and Christopher Lennon, who bring deep expertise in Lean Startup methodology, business innovation, and international immigration law. Empowered Startups has been recognized by The Globe and Mail, Forbes Asia, and numerous other media outlets for its rapid growth and global impact.
For Media and Marketing Inquiries
For all media inquiries or interview requests, please contact our communications team. We are happy to provide background information, official statements, or connect you with the appropriate spokesperson. Whether you’re working on a story, seeking expert insight, or looking for visuals and brand assets, we’re here to help ensure timely and accurate responses.
Erin O’Connor
Marketing Lead
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Leadership
Empowered Startups is led by an innovative and business-savvy leadership team with a deep understanding of international immigration challenges and opportunities. Committed to our clients’ success, we provide strategic guidance and personalized support to help them thrive in a global landscape
Amber Allen
Co-Founder
Amber Allen, a McGill MBA and former professional athlete, is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor who has founded and grown multiple companies since 2005. As Co-Founder and Director of Empowered Startups, she played a key role in shaping it into a leading global venture studio and startup incubator, expanding operations to Canada, the USA, Portugal, France, and Vietnam. Under her leadership in governance and finance, Empowered was twice named one of Canada’s top growing companies by The Globe & Mail. Amber has also invested in clinical-stage biotechnology and previously worked as a scientist with Health Canada. Beyond business, she supports environmental and community initiatives, including Ecojustice. She is a McGill and Whitecaps Team BC Hall of Fame inductee, a former national soccer team player, and was named to Canada’s 2008 Olympic team.
Paul Girodo
Co-Founder
Paul Girodo, MBA, is a global leader in transnational entrepreneurship, specializing in launching university lab-based startups and guiding them from problem/solution fit to market commercialization. As Co-Founder of Empowered Startups, he has been instrumental in building the organization into a top global provider of R&D-driven startup deal flow for national immigration and innovation programs in Canada, Portugal, and the United States. Paul has led the design of cutting-edge incubation programs that benefit governments, universities, and local communities, while expanding Empowered’s global footprint to Vancouver, Seattle, Lisbon, Grenoble, and Ho Chi Minh City. A former professional football player in the CFL and a current international Masters Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competitor, Paul has also founded and invested in numerous ventures, including a clinical-stage biotech firm. He supports environmental and community causes like Ecojustice and brings additional expertise in anti-money laundering strategies through close collaboration with his father, Michel Girodo, an INTERPOL Medal winner.
Christopher Lennon
President and General Counsel
After over a decade at a leading Vancouver law firm advising technology companies, research institutions, and corporate boards, Chris joined Empowered Startups Ltd. as President and General Counsel. Having served as Empowered’s primary legal counsel since its founding, he also advised on strategic matters and individual ventures within the incubator. In his current role, Chris oversees all legal and operational aspects of the organization, working closely with its Board of Directors. In addition to his work at Empowered, he continues to advise clients in the tech sector through his practice at Lennon Law Corporation.
The Latest from the Newsroom
Discover inspiring stories of driven entrepreneurs, impactful events, and thriving ventures supported by Empowered Startups. Stay up to date with the latest from our global startup ecosystem.
