International entrepreneurship and international entrepreneurs have stimulated increasing research interest. Also, the significance of diasporans as entrepreneurs and their role in international business has been acknowledged (Cohen, 2008; Brinkerhoff, 2009; Riddle, Hvirnak & Nielsen, 2010). Despite the increasing number of diaspora studies the phenomenon of diaspora entrepreneurship has not yet been fully understood. Many diasporans become entrepreneurs because it provides livelihood, often in the absence of other alternatives, but there are also individuals who become diasporans to fulfill their entrepreneurial goals. Emerging countries are seen as the “country of origin” of diasporans, but not yet as countries where diasporans want to invest and work in. Thus, it is important to understand the flows of people and the direction of the flows, and beyond that, the reasons that stem not only from socio-economic circumstances, but also from the individuals’ dreams and socio-cultural context. What makes people to become entrepreneurs in an emerging market like Uzbekistan, especially if they have other alternatives? We attempt to identify key drivers for this decision from a rather holistic perspective. This qualitative study examines culturally different entrepreneurs who have decided to invest and work in Uzbekistan, both Uzbek and non-Uzbek entrepreneurs. We contribute to understanding the criteria and reasoning that guides establishment of emerging country- entrepreneurship on an individual level.