Introduction

Welcome to another inspiring installment of the Founder Spotlight Podcast, hosted by Vatsa. In today's episode, we sat down with John Evans, the visionary founder of Catalyst GEM, a game-changing startup reshaping international student enrollment in higher education.

With over 30 years of experience in the field, John identified critical gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic and founded Catalyst GEM as a solution for institutions with limited resources. His innovative approach to tackling challenges in the international education landscape is proof that transformation often begins in times of adversity. Let’s dive into his journey and learn about the company's growth, impact, and vision for the future.

Origin Story

John Evans has devoted his career to higher education, particularly in the international education space. After decades of experience building companies and solving problems in the sector, the pandemic offered a moment of reflection. As educational institutions around the world struggled with creating efficiencies, John saw an opportunity to bring meaningful change.

"I recognized deficiencies for institutions with limited resources in the international education space and saw a chance to build technologies that would tackle these problems head-on," says John.

He initially launched Catalyst GEM as a marketplace for international students, aiming to simplify one of the most critical journeys—choosing and investing in their higher education future. But as the startup evolved, so did its focus, paving the way for a bold pivot—a move that would define Catalyst GEM’s mission and business model.

Challenges & Breakthroughs

The Early Pivot

Starting as a student-focused marketplace, Catalyst GEM quickly gained traction with over 200 institutions and tens of thousands of student users. However, John and the team opted to pivot early, shifting their focus to institutions themselves—a decision driven by the need for a sustainable revenue model.

"We realized that focusing on building technology and services for institutions would be more scalable and generate revenue earlier in the student journey."

Overcoming Market Hesitation

Like many startups, Catalyst GEM faced resistance from institutions hesitant to become early adopters of a new solution. To navigate this, the company developed a three-part business model targeting key pain points:

• Market Access: Helping institutions access international markets through agents, high schools, universities, and marketing affiliates.
• Optimizing Admissions: Building technology that speeds up the front-end of the admissions process, giving institutions a competitive edge.
• F1 Visa Success: Providing services to help students navigate the complex F1 visa process, increasing success rates and minimizing losses for institutions and students alike.

One of their first major breakthroughs came through their partnership with Empower Financing, which provides international student loans. Using Catalyst GEM’s solutions, Empower Financing clients saw a 220% increase in student visa success rates, dramatically improving outcomes.

Product & Market Insights

The uniqueness of Catalyst GEM lies in its multifaceted approach to international enrollment:

• Comprehensive Support: Offering solutions for recruitment, admissions optimization, and visa success ensures institutions can address multiple challenges efficiently.
• Customizable Services: Institutions can use the entire suite of solutions or select specific services based on their needs and budgets.
• Data-Driven Outcomes: Validated by measurable success, Catalyst GEM’s solutions have proven effective for boosting visa success rates and fast-tracking admissions.

"Thousands of institutions in the US need international students more than ever, and we’re excited to participate in creating positive change during these challenging times."

With domestic enrollment in decline and forecasted growth in international student demand, Catalyst GEM is addressing a transformative moment in US higher education.

Leadership & Company Culture

John Evans understands the challenges of leading a startup in today’s competitive landscape. His approach to leadership places an emphasis on innovation, resilience, and adaptability.

"Building a sustainable business is crucial. Investors value entrepreneurs who can prove their ability to create impact without excessive reliance on funding."

This self-reliant philosophy informs the company culture at Catalyst GEM. The team focuses on delivering real value to clients, improving outcomes, and driving growth organically wherever possible.

By prioritizing clarity of mission and resourcefulness, John ensures Catalyst GEM remains laser-focused on its goals while fostering an environment of collaboration and accountability.

Lessons & Advice

Drawing from his experience, John shared some practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Focus on sustainability: Build a business that can thrive independently rather than relying on external capital as a lifeline.
• Don’t chase distractions: Raising investment can be a time-consuming and distracting process; focus on proving your business model first.
• Choose the right partners: If you pursue funding, ensure it’s with partners who align with your mission and long-term vision.

"Raising capital becomes much easier when you don’t need it."

This mindset demonstrates the value of prioritizing stability and scalability as foundational elements of any startup journey.

Future Vision

Looking ahead to 2025, Catalyst GEM is gearing up for a transformative year. With domestic enrollment forecasted to decline by 15% and international student demand on the rise, the need for their solutions has never been greater.

"By the end of the decade, over 2 million international students could be studying in the US. Catalyst GEM is excited to help institutions tap into this opportunity while supporting students in their life-changing journeys."

The company plans to scale its offerings, expand its client base, and continue innovating to meet the evolving challenges in higher education.

Conclusion

John Evans and Catalyst GEM exemplify the power of purpose-driven innovation. From identifying a critical gap during a global crisis to creating transformative solutions for institutions and students alike, their journey is an inspiring testament to resilience and vision in entrepreneurship.

If you’re interested in learning more about Catalyst GEM’s mission and impact, be sure to check out the full podcast episode. Stay tuned for more stories of entrepreneurs making a difference in their industries.