Leonardo Vieira

🚀 Deep Tech in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): a model for global success 🌎 I recently read the report "Deep Tech: The New Wave" by Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo and found some fascinating insights about how startups in LAC are paving the way for success. 💡 Key elements of the emerging business model for deep tech startups in LAC include: • Global market strategy 🌍 LAC startups are focusing on international markets from the outset, aiming to scale beyond regional boundaries. This global approach allows them to tap into larger customer bases and attract global investors. • Impact-driven mentality, with an early drive to market ⚡ These startups are not only about technological innovation; they are mission-driven, aiming to solve significant global challenges. This impact-oriented approach is paired with a sense of urgency to bring products to market quickly. • R&D in LAC for talent cost arbitrage 🧠 By conducting research and development in LAC, these startups benefit from a pool of highly skilled talent at a lower cost compared to other regions. This strategic choice enhances their competitiveness on a global scale. • Founders living abroad or traveling to be close to clients and large investors 🌐 Many founders are either based abroad or frequently travel to key markets. This proximity to clients and investors helps them stay attuned to global trends and build stronger business relationships. • IP protection in global markets 🔒 To safeguard their innovations, LAC startups are prioritizing intellectual property protection in major global markets. This strategy not only secures their technology but also enhances their valuation and attractiveness to investors. • Holding company in a safe legal jurisdiction 🛡️ Establishing a holding company in a stable legal environment ensures better access to international funding, legal protections, and business continuity. This structure is critical for mitigating risks associated with operating in volatile markets This approach mirrors the success seen in Israel’s “Startup Nation” model. While there’s still room for growth, the current strategy is a powerful formula for driving innovation and scaling globally! Read the complete article: https://lnkd.in/dtKnrBhi Let’s make the #biorevolution together! 🌱⚗️

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Have you ever heard me speaking about “The Multiplier Effect” and found yourself saying: “What the heck is he taking about?” 🤔 Well… let me use the only LatAm 🌎 company to make it into Y Combinator this year to make my case. I’ll start by a huge congrats to Lucas Rosa, Artur Negrão and Maria Eduarda Kumlehn, co-founders of Salvy (YC W24)!! 👏👏 Amazing to be selected by YC and even more to have raised a seed extension last week led by Pioneer Fund (founded by Arash Ferdowsi, co-founder of Dropbox). Salvy is not Endeavor (yet), but has a very Endeavor story… And here’s where the multiplier effect story begins 📖: 1️⃣ All the founders had past experience as executives at Endeavor company’s: EBANX, Conta Azul and Pipefy. This is a bit of the same story as the one that has PayPal leading to LinkedIn, Tesla, Yelp, YouTube… 2️⃣ Their first clients included leading Endeavor companies auch as RD Station, Beep Saúde and Pipefy (but today also include the likes of Holand-based Hunter Douglas, Inc., Japan-based The Coffee, and Brazil’s Wiser Educação). 3️⃣ Their initial pre-seed back in 2022, was made possible by Latitud, co-founded by Endeavor entrepreneur Brian Requarth. And their seed investment (6 months ago) was then led by SaaSholic, which seems to have been concocted out of Endeavor company Rock Content, and includes LPs such as Endeavor entrepreneurs André Fonseca from Dito CRM amd Diego Gomes from Rock Content, plus a handful of executives from RD Station, Rocket.Chat, Pipefy and Rock Content, among others. 💥 Now tell me: How would a bustling ecosystem be possible, without the spark that comes from prior entrepreneurs? Ecosystems only thrive thanks to entrepreneurs multiplying their impact? We tend to talk about employment, wealth creation and mentoring, which I haven’t even tapped into, but ther’s much more! The facts above are proof of a strong Brazilian ecosystem and a sign of much more greatness to come, but more importantly the great significance of the multiplier effect (❎🚀). Now on to my traditional “company description”: Founded out of Curitiba 🇧🇷 in 2022 Salvy operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), in essence a mobile carrier for businesses in Brazil. Again, congrats to the Salvy (YC W24) team! 🎉 Look forward to seeing you in the Endeavor circuit in a not too distant future. 😉

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When it comes to investing in Latin American or Brazilian tech startups, there are critical differences that U.S. investors might not fully understand. Let's unpack two major ones 👇 1️⃣ Complex Business Models 🤯 It’s quite rare to see local startups in Latin America building a pure SaaS solution right off the bat. Instead, these startups often blend their tech products with services and sometimes managing physical infrastructure. The ecosystem here is still developing, which means a significant part of running a tech business involves educating the market and creating the necessary infrastructure. This complexity means that the standard SaaS evaluation frameworks used in the U.S. by many successful VC investors just don’t fit the bill in a market like Brazil. 2️⃣ Different Valuation and Exit Strategies 💸 In the U.S., the primary exit strategy for VCs is via IPO. This setup allows U.S. investors more leeway to potentially overpay for startups if they have a strong conviction around the team and the market opportunity. Contrast that with Brazil, where most VC exits still occur through M&As, and it's quite rare to see deals exceeding the $1B mark. This landscape places a premium on financial discipline.

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🚀 Top developments in #LatAm private capital: • Nubank acquired Hyperplane, a US-based AI platform that helps banks deploy deep-learning models trained in proprietary data. #VC • Patria exited Guarde Aqui Self Storage, a Brazil-based space rental solutions company, through a strategic sale to GoodStorage, a Brazil-based self-storage company. #PE • SIFEM - The Swiss Development Finance Institution invested USD15m in Ashmore Andean Fund III, a fund focusing on infrastructure and growth investments in Colombia and Peru. #RealAssets For more industry news, view the latest edition of LAVCA's #PCU: https://hubs.la/Q02Gr6k10 #venturecapital #LatinAmerica #markettrends #investments #finance #tech #privatecapital #finance #startups #privateequity

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More than 50% of startups fail because of poor go to market execution💥 Out of those, many more fail because marketing related issues. These are 5 strategies to derisk your go to market 👇 Thanks & Credit Guillermo Flor 1. Build a competitive advantage: https://lnkd.in/dJnTtXBU 2. Start with your customer and go back to your product: https://lnkd.in/dqXBZYmP 3. Find Product Market Fit: https://lnkd.in/dRqXZfPD 4. Attract the existing demand instead of having to create demand: https://lnkd.in/d4uQy5mE 5. Target behavioural change: https://lnkd.in/d7RnDUnM 6. Learn how to sell: https://lnkd.in/dFA4x3jn 5. Flywheel and scale: https://lnkd.in/d-SBgDEp

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I remember like it was yesterday when David Vélez, Cristina Junqueira, and a few visionary individuals at Nubank decided to launch a no-cost credit card. Almost 10 years ago, this was a bold, almost unthinkable move—people not understanding their strategy were asking: how could they offer a product without charging fees? Fast forward to today, and the critics who once doubted Nubank's sustainability, even as recently as two years ago, now witness how this Brazilian fintech still the largest digital bank in the world and the most valuable financial institution in Latin America with 100 million clients loving a simple product. Their success is built on a powerful strategy: relentless focus on customer satisfaction, cultivating a strong corporate culture, and delivering solutions that are remarkably simple, much like Apple or OpenCo. This simplicity, in turn, made it easy for customers to manage their finances, track their expenses, and access their data seamlessly. Nubank’s journey shows how simplicity, culture, and leadership can combine to build not just a business, but a love brand, with customers becoming passionate advocates. It's a lesson in how businesses can scale and shift to profitability with the right focus on metrics and culture. And it’s not just about any one thing—these metrics of culture, leadership, and unit economics must work together, balanced by the strong customer-centric values Nubank practices daily. We can’t focus on just one of them; they need to be integrated to create a sustainable business. At the same time, supported by strong investors, such as Sequoia, Kaszek and Tiger, Nubank exemplifies the most critical strategy behind any business: mindset, the mindset to leverage once all pieces balance together. The moment they decided to flip the switch to profitability, they didn’t just become profitable—they became one of the most profitable. Nubank's success is a masterclass in innovatin banking solutions by putting customer satisfaction first and keeping things simple, very simple. #strategy #innovation #clientfirst #simple

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Why Businesses Are Choosing Bogotá Bogotá is quickly becoming a go-to spot for companies looking to expand in Latin America. Here’s why: 1. Thriving Economy: The city has a vibrant economy with strong sectors in technology and finance. 2. Great Location: Its central position makes it ideal for trade and logistics. 3. Talented Workforce: Bogotá has a young, educated population ready to meet business needs. 4. Supportive Government: Local and national policies are encouraging foreign investment. 5. Better Infrastructure: Improvements in transportation and communication are making business operations smoother. 6. Growing Market: With a rising middle class, consumer demand is on the upswing. These elements make Bogotá an exciting place for businesses to grow and thrive. #BusinessGrowth #Bogotá #LatinAmerica #InvestmentOpportunities #Workforce #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #DigitalTransformation #Sustainability #MarketTrends #Networking #FutureOfWork #Startups #GlobalBusiness #EmergingMarkets

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Throughout 2024, #Mexico 🇲🇽 has attracted over $USD500 million in Venture Capital investments. Where is the industry headed? What are the challenges and opportunities on the horizon? Join us for an exclusive look at the latest insights during the presentation of our "Mexico Venture Capital Report: An Overview for 2024." RVSP | https://lu.ma/8h9xrdh8

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Chile’s venture capital (#VC) industry is one of the most advanced in Latin America 🇨🇱 . In 2023, the country secured USD 898 million in investments, reflecting a modest 12% decrease compared to the previous year. While this marks the largest dip during the global VC market's adjustment phase, it is still far less severe than what most other countries have faced. Despite the decline, this amount remains five times higher than pre-pandemic levels, prior to the record-breaking investments of 2021 and 2022. In terms of deals, there were 362 in 2023, with an average investment of USD 2.4 million, slightly down from the USD 2.6 million average in 2022. It’s worth noting that while total investment saw a drop, the average ticket size and number of deals were not as significantly affected.

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If you’re curious about LATAM and nearshore, here are 3 go-to sources for news and insights: Nearshore Americas Up-to-date reports on nearshore news and interviews with people working in nearshore Latinometrics Compelling visuals and articles about a range of topics and trends in Latin America that don’t get much media attention Rest of World (https://lnkd.in/gksWTigu) In-depth articles on the tech world and labor market from perspectives outside the West For general news about Mexico, check out Mexico News Daily: https://lnkd.in/gk4UcT6h. I read stories and articles from these places all the time, as well as from other Spanish sources. If you’re in the US and Latin America isn’t on your radar other than as a vacation spot, get a glimpse into what’s happening day to day south of the border.

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Conta Simples is one of the most promising fintech startups in the world according to CB Insights

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𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡: 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐫 (𝟏𝟎 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬) 🌎 LATAM is fast becoming a battleground for fintech scale, innovation, and product diversification, making it a region to watch closely. 1️⃣ Strategic Funding Fuels Expansion 💰 The latest rounds by Neon (R$500M) and Cobre ($35M) signal a strategic push into both domestic and cross-border markets. Neon’s two-part raise in less than a year highlights how it's positioning itself to dominate Brazil’s financial ecosystem, while Cobre’s treasury platform aims to build out infrastructure critical for scaling in key LATAM economies like Colombia and Mexico 2️⃣ AI-Powered Credit Tech Takes Center Stage 💳 The partnership between Dock and Ant International is setting a new standard for credit management in Brazil. By embedding AI-powered credit solutions, they’re driving efficiency for fintechs handling vast customer portfolios, laying the groundwork for smoother lending and risk management processes across LATAM. 3️⃣ Emerging Players Eye New Markets 🗺️ Mexican unicorn Stori’s expansion into Colombia and Vivo (Telefônica Brasil)’s Central Bank credit license reflect a deeper trend of regional diversification. These moves illustrate how fintechs are not just expanding geographically but are also redefining financial services by localizing offerings to cater to new customer bases. ____________ 🤿 Want to dive deeper into these trends and uncover more insights? Check out our latest infographic and gain access to exclusive analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, and unlock in-depth reports and strategic playbooks with our membership plans here 👉: https://lnkd.in/gAkt7aeS #fintech #payments #credit #AI #LATAM

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💰 Most people dream of becoming a millionaire one day, but without a clear 'why,' it’s just a dream. Things get complicated when your goal lacks clarity, like a prosecutor without a solid motive. 🎯 Having a vision is crucial, and it starts with defining your why. What’s driving your financial independence? For me, tools from the FI movement, like the 4% rule, have brought that clarity. 🧮 Here’s the formula: Multiply your monthly expenses by 300 to find your FI number. Example: $12K in monthly costs? Multiply by 300, and your FI number is $3.6M. That’s how much you’d need to invest—ideally in low-cost index funds like the S&P 500—to withdraw 4% annually without running out of money for at least 30 years. ✨ You now need to work backward and define your strategy. Example: Let’s say you want to hit your goal in 20 years—you’d need to invest $1,500 monthly or $375 weekly to become FI in 20 years. It’s not set in stone, but it’s simple to start: Earn more, spend less, automate your investments, and you’ll be on the path to financial independence. At EducUp, we’ve helped transform the financial lives of over 238K+ students with our personal finance courses. 📚 👀 Have you calculated your FI number? What’s your mission to achieve it? #FinancialIndependence #FIMovement #PersonalFinance #EducUp #MillionaireMindset

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According to Statista, Brazil stands out as the top Latin American startup hub, boasting over 13,000 startup companies in the past decade. The country is home to 17 unicorn companies, making it the sole Latin American nation ranked among the top ten global unicorn markets. Nubank, Wellhub, and Wildlife Studios are a few examples of Brazilian Unicorns, with many more in the pipeline, offering exciting investment opportunities. #Brazil #Startup #Unicorns Brex was also founded by Brazilians. If you are an investor and you are trying to surf this wave, follow us at Silicon Hills Brasil

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The state of AI in Latin America https://buff.ly/3ygdaTL by @verdictuk Latin America is expected to gain 5.4% of GDP—an estimated $500bn—by 2030 through AI, though this is a small gain compared to China (26.1%) and the US (14.5%) #rafAIgual #stateof #AI #Latam #strategy #adoption

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