Diaspora Star | Yonas Beshawred : Bridging Silicon Valley and Ethiopia

Yonas Beshawred’s journey is a story of ambition, resilience, and connection between his roots and global innovation. Born and raised in Maryland to Ethiopian immigrant parents, Yonas grew up witnessing firsthand the sacrifices required to build a new life in a foreign country.

His parents worked multiple jobs while pursuing their education at Howard University, instilling in him a belief that challenges could be overcome with hard work and vision. This upbringing shaped his perspective, giving him the confidence to aim high and pursue opportunities that others might shy away from.

He developed a natural curiosity for technology early on, which led him to the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and later pursued part of a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction. Even as a student, Yonas demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, organizing initiatives such as donating old computers to Ethiopian charities supporting orphanages. His early drive to identify problems and create solutions set the stage for his professional path.

After graduating, Yonas began his career as a business analyst at Accenture. While the corporate experience added credibility, he was drawn to the energy and creativity of startups. Following a classmate to Silicon Valley, he joined a small seed-stage company as an intern. Immersed in the fast-paced environment, he worked side by side with engineers and the CEO, gaining firsthand insight into startup culture and operational dynamics.

This Silicon Valley exposure inspired him to launch his own venture. Yonas founded StackShare, a platform that helps developers and companies discover and share technology. What began as a side project eventually grew into a global enterprise with over 1.5 million users. Over a decade, he raised $12 million in venture capital, developed enterprise products, and successfully sold the company to FOSSA for a reported $20 million, carefully weighing market trends and personal ambitions before making the exit.

Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Yonas has focused on creating meaningful impact. He co-founded the Habeshas in Tech initiative, which connects Ethiopian and Eritrean tech communities across the U.S. and Ethiopia. The initiative provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and visibility for diaspora talent, reflecting Yonas’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem for others following a similar path.

He also serves on the boards of Harambeans and The Biya Belayneh Foundation for Mental Health. Through these roles, Yonas emphasizes the importance of giving back, supporting education, mental health, and community development initiatives that empower the next generation of innovators.

Today, Yonas is leading StarSling, a startup building “Cursor for DevOps,” which graduated from Y Combinator’s first-ever Spring Batch in 2025. The company further exemplifies his ability to blend cutting-edge technology with a global perspective, bridging opportunities between Silicon Valley innovation and Ethiopian talent.

Yonas Beshawred’s story illustrates how roots, education, and vision can converge to create lasting impact. From Maryland to Silicon Valley and back to Africa, he continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that success is not just about building companies, but also about nurturing communities and connecting the diaspora to meaningful opportunities.