The one Dominican Power Circle every startup founder needs to know

The Dominican Republic isn’t just ripe for disruption, it’s already shifting. But in a country where who you know still matters more than what you build, knowing where real influence lives is half the game. And if you’re serious about scaling a startup here, whether you’re a local founder, returning diaspora, or digital nomad investor sniffing for frontier markets, you need to understand ANJE.

ANJE (Asociación Nacional de Jóvenes Empresarios) isn’t just a youth business association. It’s a strategic lever and possibly one of the most underutilized unlocks for early-stage founders operating in or eyeing the Dominican-Caribbean market.

ANJE 101, Why It Matters

Founded in 1981, ANJE has long been the vanguard for the next generation of Dominican business leadership. But it’s not some dusty old chamber of commerce. It’s an elite filtration system where the country’s future CEOs, family business heirs, and public policy influencers test their credibility. Think Harvard Club meets Fortune 500, but designed for a rising Latin American class.

It’s also highly selective, which is exactly why you should care.

What ANJE Represents

More than 600 members spanning corporate leadership, tech, family enterprises, and VC
Direct policy influence, with ANJE often sitting on national economic panels and legislative commissions

• Strong ties to AMCHAMDR, INICIA, ProDominicana, and the central bank
• Regular events that blend business forums, youth summits, and private access to decision-makers
• Hosted the first presidential debate in the Dominican Republic

If you think operating outside of ANJE means you’re a rebel, think again. It likely means you’re building with less visibility, fewer allies, and a longer road to institutional credibility.

Why This Matters for the Digital Nomad and Diaspora Set

Too many nomads come to the DR looking for cheap real estate and sunshine, not realizing they’re sitting on top of the Caribbean’s next economic breakout. But if you’re serious about investing in the region’s future or building something that scales across Latin America, you need a proximity plan.

ANJE is part of that plan.

Want bank introductions? ANJE’s board knows them.
Want events that draw press, ministers, and corporate sponsors? ANJE alumni have those doors.  Want to understand how Dominican high society intersects with startup innovation? That’s ANJE’s terrain.

The Play, How to Join

Eligibility:

• Must be under 40 years old
• Must be a Dominican national or legal resident with verifiable business or professional track record

Steps:

1. Visit anje.org and select “Hazte Miembro”
2. Upload your CV, short bio, and a motivation letter
3. Wait for membership committee review (2–4 weeks)
4. Be prepared for a vetting call or follow-up meeting

Pro tip: they prioritize clarity, tangible impact, and professional positioning. Tenure in-country is secondary to trajectory.

Final Word

ANJE doesn’t get talked about enough in startup circles, and that’s a mistake. It’s not just a networking group. It’s a credential, a relationship engine, and a quiet power broker in a country where most things still happen behind closed doors.

If you’re serious about building wealth, creating systems, and scaling visibility in the DR, ANJE isn’t optional. It’s an acceleration layer.

And for the ones thinking long-term, it’s also legacy insurance.

—————————–
By Jonathan Joel Mentor
Founder & CEO of Successment | Revenue Growth Strategist | Expert in Startup Ecosystem Development | United Nations World Summit Award Nominee