Who We Are and Where We're Going Hi, hello, and thank you for checking out our About page! My name is Tony Bulbes, and I was the first one here, opening the virtual doors at Kadet Startup Studio, a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship where we nurture dreams and turn ideas into successful ventures. One can say I'm the heart of our studio, and it's probably true, as my journey is inspiring and aspirational. My story is a compelling blend of character-building, academic excellence, hands-on experience, and a relentless drive to shape a better future for everyone around me. From College Prep to International Horizons My journey began in Portland, Oregon, where I was born to Romanian parents and first-generation US immigrants. I started elementary school there and then moved on to a college prep high school, where I honed my analytical and problem-solving skills and received a solid start for an ambitious professional career. In the fall of 2019, I moved to the Netherlands to pursue my higher education goals. I'm in my final year at the internationally recognized Hotel School in Amsterdam. My education here is not merely about hospitality and management; it's a decanter of learning experiences where business development and revenue growth strategies are crafted and refined. The hotel school has been a fertile ground for me, allowing me to complete numerous projects that have expanded my expertise in the world of business. My experiences here have equipped me with the skills to navigate and lead in the competitive world of startups and business ventures. An Exciting Internship Awaits The next chapter in my journey is an upcoming internship at an international firm in Vienna, Austria. This opportunity is a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and desire to explore various business fields and structures. This internship will allow me to gain invaluable insights into the workings of a more prominent company, further enhancing my understanding of business building and development. It's a stepping stone that aligns perfectly with my vision for Kadet Startup Studio, which is to develop it into an incubator for young and bright entrepreneurs. The Path to a Master's in Management and Entrepreneurship My academic pursuits will not end in Vienna, though, as I plan to further my education with a master's program in management and entrepreneurship at the Erasmus School of Management in Rotterdam. This program will be instrumental in refining my skills in developing new business ideas and ventures, managing and nurturing startups, and helping founders secure capital for their growing needs. I aim to leverage this education to foster a more robust ecosystem at Kadet Startup Studio, where a student startup incubator can become the most appropriate venue for a new generation of young entrepreneurs. A Passion Beyond Work Reflecting on my journey, I can't help but be proud of my academic and professional achievements. But beyond that, I am a person with diverse interests and talents. My notorious interpersonal skills have helped me build a strong network of high-achieving individuals and foster collaboration, which is essential in entrepreneurship. One of my biggest passions is helping others (including helping colleagues finish their work), which is evident in my commitment to guiding young entrepreneurs through the challenges of starting and growing a business. I also deeply appreciate the arts, fine dining, and classical music entertainment, as these experiences enrich life and inspire creativity. A Vision for the Future Looking toward the future, I envision Kadet Startup Studio as a hub for growth and innovation. My goal is to create an environment where student startups thrive and offer early-stage support, incubation, and funding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. My vision for the studio goes beyond just supporting individual ventures; I want it to contribute to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem through a fresh and impactful strategy for students in their senior year in college and beyond. My actions center on building a community that values collaboration, creativity, and resilience. Leveraging my education and experiences, I aim to position Kadet Startup Studio as a leader in venture studios. In this place, innovative ideas are not only generated but actively supported, developed, and funded. A Thought-Provoking Question As I continue my journey, I often ponder the potential impact I can make. How will my personal blend of passion, education, and experience shape the future of entrepreneurship? What new frontiers will Kadet Startup Studio explore under my leadership? These questions invite reflection and may inspire others to consider their roles in the fast-changing field of startups and innovation. Being the founding partner of Kadet Startup Studio is more than just a title; it's a blueprint for my vision and drive. As you consider your journey as an entrepreneur, I encourage you to think about how you can contribute to the vibrant community we are building here at Kadet Studio. What role will YOU play in shaping the future of student startups and the world of business ventures?