Entrepreneurship, a pillar of freedom, now shares democracy's global threats.
The First Startup Hub Labeled “extremist”
The First Startup Hub Operating in Exile
The First Startup Hub Whose Team’s Sentenced to a Collective 27.5 Years in Prison for fostering entrepreneurial free thinking and pro democratic values.
Imaguru is the first Startup Hub globally declared an enemy of the state by the Europe’s last dictatorship for its democratic beliefs and entrepreneurial impact.
To protect our founders and innovators we blurred their faces. Since Imaguru is labeled extremist anyone linked to it, faces the risk of persecution and criminal charges by the regime.
Founders sentenced in absentia: 12 and 11 years of prison
Statelessness Crisis
In Exile
DOMESTICALLY
with former team members questioned and filmed
Sentenced to 4,5 years of prison.
Founder Tania Marinich and team members faced surveillance.
Imaguru and its founders were labeled "extremist" —the first startup hub to face such repression—leading to clients and community cutting ties to avoid association. Imaguru now faces widespread financial challenges, as clients—both individuals and companies—distance themselves to avoid potential repercussions.
Websites were blocked, operations hacked. EU team members of Belarus origin houses searched in Belarus, including those of their parents. The intimidation of team members along with the extremist label has forced some team members to quit their roles to protect their families.
Politically motivated trials convicted founders Tania Marinich and Anastasiya Khamiankova in December, 2024, sentencing them to 12 and 11 years in prison in absentia along with property seizures, and a combined $160,000 in penalties
The prosecution of Imaguru founders, Tania Marinich and Anastasiya Khamiankova, has left them stateless, stripping them of essential ID documentation. This restricts their ability to travel, register business deals, and operate effectively.
"As horrible as Imaguru persecution is, for many - it is still a far and localized conflict. Which is understandable, why bother if you have to it little, if any connection.
Well, because if we lose, it might just be a precedent that will soon enough spill over to wherever you are reading this from. It’s a battle for a fair and evolving world with innovation at its very core where every little push helps - including yours."
As horrible as the situation in Belarus is, for many — it is still a localized conflict. Which is understandable, as it is a fight against a dictator in a foreign land, to which you have little, if any connection. Why bother?