E546 | Tony Jamous, Oyster: Reversing Brain Drain: Building an Impact Unicorn

Welcome to a new episode of the Impact Highlight Series, powered by EUVC, Impact VC and Impact Supporters. Today, we’re joined by Tony Jamous, founder and CEO of Oyster. Oyster is on a mission to reverse brain drain and reduce wealth inequality by democratizing access to global job opportunities. Before founding Oyster in 2020, Tony took his previous software API company public on the New York Stock Exchange.Together, we dive into how Tony built Oyster into an impact unicorn, what it means to lead a mission-driven company, and why he believes impact and financial success are collinear. From hiring across 45 countries to creating a billion-dollar company in just two years, Tony shares the lessons, challenges, and values that guide him.This is the playbook for building impact unicorns — straight from the founder’s journey.🎧 Here's what's covered:02:11 Witnessing the Power of Global Hiring in 45 Countries05:02 Why Oyster Started: Democratizing Access to Global Jobs08:27 From Zero to $1B in Two Years — How the Pandemic Accelerated Demand12:04 Impact Entrepreneurs: Using Technology as a Means, Not an End15:43 Aligning Financial Success with Impact — The Virtuous Cycle20:12 The “Inner Rock”: Sticking to Your Values Under Pressure24:05 Playing the Infinite Game: Building for the Next Generation27:44 Recruiting for Mission Alignment & Emotional Stability33:02 Why Impact Businesses Attract the Best Talent and Investors37:19 The Oyster Framework: Wellbeing as a Core OKR41:08 Choosing Impact-Driven Investors with Real Frameworks46:30 Actionable Tip for Generalist VCs: Get Curious and Start Testing