Jullian Duran, Wharton MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Miami & Houston
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard, BA in Economics + Tsinghua University, MSc in Global Affairs (Schwarzman Scholar)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product Lead, fintech, MARA, 2 years; CEO & Co-founder, fintech, ASPAN, 1 year; Product Manager, fintech, Mesha, 1 year; Product Manager, fintech, Airwallex, 1 year; Product Manager, edtech, Gradvisor, 0.5 years; President & Co-founder, education NGO, DILO, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have been an on-and-off entrepreneur for the past half decade and realized the best thing I could use was a network refresh. I spent a lot of time in a particular domain of fintech but wanted to build something bigger, still tech oriented, but applied to a legacy business. I am using my MBA to scale up a venture I started with my brother earlier this year after leaving my last corporate job.
Why did you choose The Wharton School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, the network. I wanted something new, so going back to Harvard did not feel right. I have had plenty of interactions with Silicon Valley tech guys and also wanted a break from that. Wharton’s connection to finance, its incredible alum, and its East Coast vibe aligned with my outlook. Second, the financial aid. I was offered a full-ride, so this MBA represents a non-dilutive accelerator for my new venture.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I sit at the intersection of many cultures, industries, and networks, making me a unique bridge for innovations. My family is Ecuadorian, I grew up in the US, my wife is Kazakh, and I spent most of my 20s bouncing between China and other parts of Asia. My latest experience is in fintech, but I have also been deep into education, clean energy, politics, finance, consulting, and even archaeology. Lastly, I bring a robust network of Ivy League grads, NGO visionaries, crypto insiders, energy titans, data center operators, payments experts, and academics.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am writing a novel about the Hispanic American experience, basing it on stories from my family, and using it to call for more civic engagement.
Post-MBA career interests:
Entrepreneurship. I want to see my startup grow and improve lives. I also hope to publish my novel.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take risks after college. It might seem like you have to plan everything carefully, but your 20s are about venturing so you don’t enter your 30s with regrets.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Quit my corporate job sooner to start a venture.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Financial strain after my first failed startup. I needed that to be better at risk taking, but getting through it took a lot of support from family and friends.
What is your initial impression of the Wharton students/culture/community?
Ambitious and kind. Everyone is excited to create new things, relationships, and experiences.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Entrepreneurship club and weighing an affinity organization and/or a sporting league.
What is one thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you?
I am not the only American with an eclectic international journey.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Seeing how much I can scale my startup, and do so with management insights from billion-dollar CEOs.
