I recently read a blog post on VentureBeat called “The lost generation of entrepreneurs.” The author asserts that today’s start-ups do not allow 20-somethings to develop entrepreneurial leadership skills. I can’t speak in generalities for all of today’s start-ups, but I can say that at Meltwater, this is simply not the case.

I’ve heard colleagues describe the International Management Trainee program at Meltwater as “entrepreneurship on a red carpet.” In other words, sales people who aspire to be managers at Meltwater receive start-up opportunities with the backing of a large organization (Meltwater recently reached $100M in sales).

Let me explain. True story: a highly-driven, 20-something joins Meltwater as an entry-level Sales Consultant with little relevant prior work experience. 6 months later, he is promoted to Sales Manager, leading a team of 4 new hires. He develops the talent in his team over the next few months, and 2 of his team members are subsequently promoted after working with him. Within 1 year of employment, he is sent off to the U.S. East Coast to open the Philadelphia office, then subsequently opens and manages the New York office, and eventually he opens Meltwater’s first South American office in Buenos Aires.

My colleague’s story is not unique within Meltwater. He’s not a fluke. There are literally hundreds of stories of professional development and opportunity within the company.

I had a chance to sit down with Meltwater’s CEO, Jorn Lyseggen, this afternoon. This is what he has to say about it: “Meltwater is a company that gives young people…