Athena, San Juan, Puerto Rico: Athena

Written answers to the questions

Total 174 words used.

Imagine reclaiming over 2,000 hours a year. For busy leaders and investors, that's the life-changing impact Athena delivers. Founded in 2020 by Jonathan Swanson and Robert Hayes, Athena has soared to success, becoming a game-changer in the global delegation landscape. But their story goes beyond just numbers; it's about a company prioritizing its people to fuel its growth.

From a fledgling startup, Athena has achieved a substantial 21.7x increase in annual recurring revenue, jumping from $3 million to $65 million in just three years (2021-2024) with minimal marketing spend. Athena's 2025 forecasts indicate even higher growth, with a projected increase of 215% in revenue and active clients, solidifying their position as a leader in the transformed executive assistant landscape.

Athena’s impact extends beyond financials. The company boasts an impressive roster of clients, including industry titans in Artificial Intelligence, private equity, venture capital, hospitality, investment banking, and more. They've matched founders of over 1,000 companies with highly trained assistants, and their reach extends to venture capitalists managing over $100 billion in AUM.

Total 232 words used.

Financial Growth and Market Position

• 21.7x revenue growth from $3M to $65M (2021-2024)

• Achieved with minimal marketing spend

• 2025 projections: 215% increase in revenue and active clients

• Positioned as a leader in the executive assistant industry

Elite Clientele and Industry Reach

• Serving top leaders in AI, private equity, venture capital, hospitality, and investment banking

• Matched founders of over 1,000 companies with highly trained assistants

• Supporting venture capitalists managing over $100 billion in AUM

Revolutionizing Executive Assistance

• Focus on 1-to-1 strategic partnerships

• Assistants as force multipliers, not just support staff

• Rigorous recruitment process:

  • 50,000 assistant interviews per month globally

  • Top 10% selection rate ensures elite talent

The Art of Delegation: Maximizing Productivity

• World-class delegation training empowers assistants

• Boosts client efficiency, providing 10x productivity gains

• Ensures leaders focus on high-impact activities

Workforce Growth and Global Expansion

• Workforce growth from 500 (2020) to 3,000+ employees

• Operations across the United States, the Philippines, and Kenya

• Expanding in Latin America, starting in Guatemala

Employee-Centric Culture and Programs

• Prioritizing employee well-being, development, and recognition

• Innovative employee programs:

  1. Deferred Bonus Program – Encourages loyalty and entrepreneurship

  2. Pet Support Program – Reimburses up to $85 per quarter for pet medical expenses

  3. Flexible Reimbursement Program – $181,202 spent on 1,791 employees (2023)

  4. Force Multiplier Program – 7-15% merit increase exceeding industry standards

  5. Metis College MBA Program – Globally accredited, free $50,000 MBA for employees

Total 149 words used.

Athena’s achievements are remarkable in both scale and speed, setting it apart from traditional players in the executive assistant industry. Most delegation service providers focus on incremental growth, whereas Athena has achieved a 21.7x increase in annual recurring revenue from $3M to $65M (2021-2024). 

The company’s approach to hiring also sets it apart. Interviewing 50,000 assistants per month to select the top 10% is an unmatched level of recruitment excellence. Competitors often scale by outsourcing talent without such meticulous vetting, leading to varied quality.

Additionally, Athena’s employee-centric programs, such as the Deferred Bonus and Metis College MBA Program, highlight a long-term investment in workforce development. Unlike competitors, Athena fosters retention and career growth, ensuring continuity and high-quality service.

By expanding into Latin America and Kenya, Athena is also widening its global footprint more aggressively than many firms, reinforcing its position as a category leader redefining executive delegation.