Continuing our series, we’re thrilled to share the story of Ignacio "Nacho" Marchionna, a Wharton MBA graduate and Merchant alumnus who has fully embraced the entrepreneurial path. Nacho co-founded Draper House Americas, a network dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs with education, community, and angel investments. His journey highlights the challenges and rewards of building a business post-MBA, making him an inspiration to aspiring founders. “I knew I wanted to build something impactful and with a long-term focus, and Draper House became my platform for that mission,” he reflects.
Summer Internship: Choosing Entrepreneurship Over a Corporate Path
Nacho’s MBA experience diverged from the traditional corporate internship. Instead, he spent his summer at Draper House Americas, where he finally had “time” to focus solely on his business operations. Juggling multiple roles, Nacho wore many hats—a common theme in entrepreneurship—but missed out on the corporate America experience that most of his peers pursued. “I did miss out on the typical NYC corporate summer, but for me, diving into my own venture was where I knew I’d grow the most,” he shares.
Balancing My MBA and Startup: Mastering the Art of Timeboxing
Managing Draper House Americas while completing his Wharton MBA was no small feat. Nacho balanced academics, social activities, and professional networking on one side, while coordinating programs and meetings in South America for Draper on the other. This dual commitment taught him to “timebox” his day and sharpen his ability to switch gears quickly, essential skills for any entrepreneur. “Timeboxing was my secret weapon; it helped me stay productive while navigating two very different worlds,” Nacho explains.
Building My Business After the MBA: A Leap into the Unknown
After graduating, Nacho made the bold decision to work full-time on Draper House Americas—a move not common among his peers, which sparked both curiosity and concern. Applying a more action-focused mindset from his MBA, he resisted slow, drawn-out discussions, favoring decisive, execution-oriented approaches. Nacho leaned heavily on his network of mentors, former colleagues, and friends, finding both guidance and emotional support along the way. “Having a clear, action-driven approach has been vital—it keeps things moving forward,” he says.
Early Achievements and Milestones: Gaining Traction
One of Nacho’s early accomplishments post-MBA was being part of the successful team that launched Draper House’s operations in the US, including an angel club for investing in startups. They also secured corporate sponsors to fuel their mission of supporting budding entrepreneurs. This milestone affirmed Nacho’s choice to continue on the entrepreneurial path was indeed the right one. Each new week presents fresh challenges, but he sees this ongoing learning as integral to his journey. “Reaching this stage feels validating, like I’m building something real that adds value for founders,” he shares.
Reflections on the MBA Journey: Transformation Beyond Expectations
Looking back, Nacho reflects that his Wharton experience transformed him in unexpected ways. Exposure to a global network expanded his worldview, while his MBA community equipped him with new tools and a redefined perspective. Professionally, the Wharton MBA broadened his network beyond Latin America, preparing him for a global entrepreneurial impact. Personally, Nacho has become more open to diverse ideas, cultures, and perspectives—an invaluable asset in today’s interconnected world. “The MBA taught me resilience and opened my eyes to a world of possibilities,” he says.
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
Ready to Begin Your Entrepreneurial Journey? Are you aiming to launch a business or shape the startup ecosystem? Let Merchant GMAT & Admissions support you on your MBA journey. With guidance from successful alumni like Nacho, we’re here to help you build your future.
Your success story starts here! Book a free strategy session today by filling out the form below, and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your MBA dreams and beyond. The future you’ve always wanted is just a click away!
