Key Takeaways
- Revolutionizing Immigration: imii is redefining how migrants navigate the complex process of settling in a new country through an AI-driven platform.
- Founder’s Vision: Jane, the founder of imii, draws on her personal immigration challenges and professional background to design a solution with real-world impact.
- Empathy and Innovation: imii focuses on creating a supportive ecosystem for migrants, addressing their unique needs and protecting them from scams and unreliable information.
- Inspiring Startup Journey: The imii journey includes personal struggles, resilience, and the triumph of building a mission-driven product.
A Platform Born From Experience
Immigration can be a life-altering challenge filled with bureaucratic red tape, fragmented information, and emotional stress. For Jane, the founder of imii, these struggles were deeply personal. Born to immigrant parents from the Soviet Union who moved to Japan, she grew up in a multicultural environment and later experienced the complexity of immigration firsthand. Her move to London underscored the need for better tools to support migrants in navigating the intricacies of relocation.
imii was conceptualized to fill this gap. The app provides personalized, AI-driven support, connecting migrants with reliable resources and services. Whether it’s housing, legal advice, or language courses, imii aims to simplify and democratize access to information while fostering a sense of security for its users.
From Journalist to Social Impact Entrepreneur
Jane’s journey to entrepreneurship was far from linear. Trained as a journalist, she worked in media and television before transitioning to digital content in the tech industry. Her background in storytelling became a cornerstone for imii, allowing her to craft a narrative that resonates globally. However, it wasn’t until a personal breakthrough in 2022 that Jane realized she could use her experiences to build something impactful.
“My time in journalism taught me the power of narratives to evoke empathy,” she shared. “I wanted imii to reflect that—to be a tool that not only informs but truly supports migrants.”
Her career in startups further prepared her for this venture. At a cancer care company, she learned the nuances of strategy, product development, and creating mission-driven solutions, all of which laid the groundwork for imii.
The Journey to Building imii
Finding a co-founder proved to be both a challenge and a turning point for Jane. After an unsuccessful stint with the Antler Accelerator program, she met Alexandra at a networking event. This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of a productive partnership. Alexandra’s expertise in product management and machine learning complemented Jane’s vision, and together they built the first version of imii on a modest budget.
Launching the MVP (minimum viable product) was no small feat. The team faced technical hurdles, delays, and the pressures of bootstrapping. But their persistence paid off, with imii gaining traction and receiving positive feedback from users. For Jane, the success of the MVP validated the concept and reinforced her mission.
Empathy as a Core Principle
One of imii’s standout features is its focus on empathy and community. Jane drew inspiration from her own immigration experiences, where having human guidance made all the difference. She wanted to replicate this sense of support through technology.
Unlike competitors focused on relocation services, imii targets the “settling-in” phase, helping migrants integrate into their new communities. It offers multilingual support, connecting users with trusted local service providers who understand their cultural and linguistic needs.
“We’re building more than an app; we’re building a support system for people uprooting their lives,” Jane explained. “It’s about creating a safer, smoother path to integration.”
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
The journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Jane candidly shared her struggles with imposter syndrome and mental health, particularly after the Antler program. Diagnosed with mixed anxiety-depression disorder, she took time to reflect and recharge. A trip to Colombia provided the clarity and motivation to push forward, and soon after, imii began gaining momentum.
Winning a pitch competition in late 2022 became a pivotal moment for the startup. It not only boosted Jane’s confidence but also attracted early interest from investors. While imii remains bootstrapped, the team is preparing for a fundraising push, with plans to expand into the US and European markets.
The Future of Immigration Support
Jane envisions imii becoming a global standard for immigration services. Unlike platforms that monetize through exclusivity, imii fosters an open ecosystem where users can access diverse resources without gatekeeping. Its mission is to make the immigration journey less stressful, more informed, and ultimately empowering.
For businesses, imii offers opportunities to connect with migrant communities by becoming trusted service providers on the platform. The team is also exploring partnerships with public sector organizations to broaden their reach and impact.
With a focus on underserved communities, imii is positioned to address the growing demand for migration support, fueled by global challenges such as climate change and conflicts.
Advice for Aspiring Founders
Jane’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision. For other social impact entrepreneurs, she shares three key lessons:
- Break New Ground: Don’t let the absence of precedent deter you from innovating.
- Be Patient: Meaningful change takes time, so embrace the process.
- Ask for Help: Building a mission-driven venture often attracts people who genuinely want to support your cause.
A Global Vision
As imii scales, Jane’s goal is to see it used by half a million people within three years. “There’s no dominant player in this space yet,” she noted. “We have the opportunity to set the standard and become a trusted name in immigration support.”
imii is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, with plans for premium features in the near future. For migrants and businesses alike, it’s more than an app—it’s a companion for building a better life.
