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From biochemistry to business, James Anderson is driven by curiosity, courage and just a little bit of magic. He attributed those traits to helping his team, the Green Beans, clinch second place at Leeds’ Sustainability Case Competition this spring.

51��ý a year ago, James Anderson decided to trade pipettes and microscopes for pitch decks and pro formas. It’s no surprise that he was drawn to the world of startups, which prompted his decision to pursue his MBA at Leeds. Startups demand adaptability, agility and optimism—qualities he has relied on through career pivots, cross-continental moves and personal reinventions. He even joked that he was once a hard “no” on cats—that is, until Fred, his roommate’s cat, won him over.

Just getting started

New experiences will shape Anderson’s summer, too, as he doubles down on the startup life. He is stepping into a leadership role as one of two managing directors of , a flagship program hosted by Silicon Flatirons at CU 51��ý’s law school. The initiative will bring together 40 Leeds undergraduate students for a deep dive into Colorado’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the new venture creation process, create and build a startup with a team of their peers, and compete in a pitch contest for cash prizes. Anderson is focused on creating a tight-knit, high-impact experience.

“We’re inviting local Colorado startup legends to come and teach students how to pitch, network and raise capital for a venture. It’s a big program, with 40 students, but our goal is to make it feel like 12,” he said.

He knows the value of meaningful peer connection—that’s been his own experience in the High Growth Venture (HGV) Fellowship at the Deming Center, which includes eight MBA students selected to study startup growth and gain hands-on experience helping local startups through the HGV Impact Project initiative.

“It’s a fantastic family. Even before I started at Leeds, the HGV Fellowship felt like home,” he said.

“Even before I started at Leeds, the High Growth Venture Fellowship felt like home.”��

James Anderson (MBA’26)

From Johannesburg to Penn State

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Anderson moved to the U.S. at the “supple age of 19” to study biochemistry at Pennsylvania State University. Although it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the experience was by no means easy. Bridging the cultural gaps and differences between the U.S. and South Africa was a unique challenge for Anderson that—although jarring—sparked a deep resilience and an ability to adapt to changes.

“Although a lot of the processes (laundry, groceries, social norms) were similar, it felt as though every tool I picked up was a left-handed one,” he said.

After graduation in 2020, he worked in a Denver environmental testing lab, , and later joined a biotech startup in San Francisco, . Both roles gave him a front-row seat to the inner workings of early-stage companies and clarified his path toward an MBA.

“This is something that I've learned from Erick Mueller, and it’s that the people you’re working under are who you’re going to learn from. That’s where the real value in any opportunity comes,” he said.

“Just by chance, all the people in my executive suites were incredible. They had a clear vision, clear goals and the clear desire to execute.”

Though he once considered pursuing a PhD in his science field, Anderson discovered he was more drawn to the operational and strategic challenges of business—things like optimizing systems and building teams.

“I wanted to switch my career from the ‘whats and whys’ to the ‘who’s and hows’: ‘Who is the right person to handle this project?’ and ‘How can we get the funding needed to get this idea off the ground?’”

He realized founders don’t have to master technical expertise—they can hire PhDs. What matters most is that they have the vision to bring the right people together.

Lessons from rugby … and reinvention

Rugby was a defining part of Anderson’s identity and a key factor in choosing to study in the U.S., where the sport is rapidly growing. But a health condition cut his rugby career short.

That pivot opened the door, though, to an unexpected reinvention. As a resident advisor, he connected with a student who encouraged him to come support her at cheerleading tryouts. Anderson gave it a shot himself—and made the team.

"It was a great opportunity,” he said. It not only helped him stay close to competitive sports, but he enjoyed the travel and camaraderie—this time on the sidelines of Penn State’s lively college football scene.

Dream Big. Spark Change. Ignite Fires.

Anderson’s summer is jam-packed. Alongside Startup Summer, he’s working full-time at , an opportunity he discovered through the Deming Center. The role will deepen his understanding of venture investment—especially in the seed and accelerator stages, where his interest lies.

“I don’t have one straight path right now, and that’s OK. My goal is to keep as many doors open as possible.”

His email signature reads: Dream Big. Spark Change. Ignite Fires. To Anderson, it’s a mindset.

“There’s no point in dreaming small. To me it’s about momentum. Innovation is like a wildfire—it starts with a spark, a little oxygen and some wind.”

“There’s no point in dreaming small.”

James Anderson (MBA’26)

A community that fuels growth

Now halfway through his MBA at Leeds, Anderson reflected on how much he’s grown.

“From late nights prepping for case competitions to early morning networking calls with some of Colorado’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, I’ve never felt more energized or embedded in a community,” he shared on LinkedIn.

He’s found Colorado’s startup scene to be more dynamic and driven than he expected—and he’s all in.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise. The ecosystem here is incredibly tapped-in and supportive. I’m excited about building my career here in Colorado and beyond grateful to Leeds, the Deming Center and Silicon Flatirons for not just supporting me, but for handing me a launchpad. Now it’s time to see how far I can fly.”