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Jean-Pierre Adechi
Founder/ CEO at Wheeli - Techstars '17
Jean-Pierre Adechi is a serial entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Wheeli, a ridesharing platform specifically designed for college students. He co-founded Wheeli in 2016 after recognizing a gap in the market for student transportation solutions. The startup was part of the Techstars accelerator program in 2017 and received venture capital backing. Despite its initial success and features in media outlets like Forbes, Wheeli ceased operations in 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.13
Adechi's entrepreneurial journey began with his first business, Touche de Finesse, a high-end French catering service that catered to events such as New York Fashion shows and the United Nations. He graduated from Lycée Français de New York and briefly attended Wesleyan University before dropping out due to financial constraints. He later completed his education at Baruch College.12
In addition to his work with Wheeli, Adechi has been involved in various ventures, including co-founding Authorized Dealer Films and the Alphabet City Dolly Film Festival. He is currently consulting on projects and engaging in speaking opportunities related to entrepreneurship and technology.1
Highlights
I just published my latest founder guide called "How VCs Raise Funds and How it Impacts Founders". You can find it here under the resources section: www.jpadechi.com.
I have operated in private equity as a VC backed Black startup founder, as a VC investor and as a private equity fund of funds investor which has provided me with unique insights and understanding of venture capital, growth capital and buyout strategies within private equity.
I put together guides to help founders from pre-seed to series A. I aspire for the guides to be honest and light on industry jargon/notions so that they are accessible and not intimidating for those that are interested in entering the startup/ VC space.
I hope you find this recent one helpful! More guides to come!
My opinion piece entitled "Why Do White Men Raise More VC Dollars Than Anyone Else?" was recently published by Techstars. The perspective I deliver is in part substantiated by quantitative data and in other parts an expression of my opinions based on my experience as a black tech founder/CEO.
