Nikolas Ortega

Current Role:

Lopez Fellow

Current Company:

Company

Linkedin Profile

What was the biggest highlight of your fellowship experience?

The biggest highlight was learning directly from Colorwave's community of serial entrepreneurs, operators, and investors. Beyond just advice, they showed us how to navigate spaces of power and influence. They opened up about their journeys, sharing both triumphs and setbacks, which helped demystify the path for those of us looking to make similar leaps in our careers.

How has your career trajectory been impacted by completing the fellowship?

Colorwave fundamentally shifted how I approached risk in my career at Google. Instead of staying in my ad sales lane, I leveraged my position to spearhead a global DEI initiative, secured a rotation in AI policy, and even interned at Harlem Capital. The fellowship showed me that entrepreneurship wasn't just about taking blind risks - it was about making calculated moves while building valuable experiences.

Why do you think programs and communities such as Colorwave need to exist?

Colorwave serves two critical needs: creating visible pathways for underrepresented professionals in early-stage ventures and building a support system for those taking the leap. As America becomes increasingly multiethnic, we need the next wave of innovation to reflect this diversity. Colorwave isn't just about representation - it's about creating a new generation of builders who understand both the technology and its impact on diverse communities.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

I'm working toward becoming a serial entrepreneur and investor who helps maintain America's innovative edge through practical action. This means building companies that deploy technology thoughtfully, championing inclusive hiring, and advocating for policies that expand access to opportunity. I want to prove that innovation thrives when we tap into diverse talent pools and experiences.

How has the wealth gap impacted your life or family and what do you believe might be critical to overcoming that?

As a Colombian immigrant, I've experienced firsthand how lack of generational wealth limits risk-taking. Despite working at a leading technology firm, I couldn't easily take the entrepreneurial leaps that peers with financial cushions could. But this experience shaped my perspective on what's needed to close the wealth gap: we need to create practical pathways to financial security, reduce arbitrary barriers to entry, and acknowledge that most technical skills can be taught outside traditional degree programs. The solution isn't just about access to capital - it's about combining skills development, network building, and financial literacy in ways that create lasting change.

Why would you recommend the program and joining Colorwave?

Colorwave is perfect for professionals who look successful on paper but want to think bigger. It's for people who are curious about the early-stage tech ecosystem but need the roadmap and community to make that transition. The program is especially valuable for contrarians who want to understand how to channel their drive for impact into tangible opportunities - whether that's launching a company, moving into investing, or join an early stage startup. You'll find a community that pushes you to dream bigger while providing practical tools to execute on those dreams.

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