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As we close out an incredible year, we celebrate our partners and friends who made the 2024 Latinx/e Startup Hub Tour possible. Together, we championed Latino innovators and investors across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, advancing an inclusive startup ecosystem that thrives on diverse perspectives and lived experiences. These efforts not only spark innovation but also fuel the economy, create jobs, and uplift communities. Scalable, sustainable change requires collaboration, and we are deeply grateful to work alongside such visionary changemakers! Amplify LatinX TechRise Chicago Geekdom Capital Factory Techqueria LaFamilia Foundation Parallel18 Mana Tech Babson College Miami Check out this year’s metrics below, and stay tuned for what we have planned for 2025! 🚀 #HubTour24 Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Elvia Perez Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Monica Hinojos-Capes Alonso Cisneros Lucy Brennan Luis Martinez Joliz Cedeño Bianca Marina Corujo Carla Curiel Sergio Mankita, MBA

This #GivingTuesday, we celebrate our partners and friends at organizations championing #Latino innovators and investors in the U.S. #startup ecosystem.  A more inclusive innovation system benefits from the ingenuity and perspectives of those with lived experiences and whose success creates jobs, fuels the economy and uplifts communities.  Scalable, sustainable change requires collaboration, and we are grateful to work alongside these visionmakers. Please consider making a donation directly to these organizations. Your contributions fund mentorship programs, entrepreneurial resources, training and similar initiatives that drive meaningful change. #inclusiveinnovation Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the last stop of the Latinx Startup Hub Tour in vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷✨ The day was a celebration of innovation, inspiration, and collaboration, highlighting the incredible talent fueling Puerto Rico’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.  The agenda offered opportunities for learning and growth, with standout panels and workshops for both startups and regional investors. Highlights included “Puerto Rico as an Innovation Hub,” a compelling panel led by Lucy Crespo and Ella Woger-Nieves of Invest Puerto Rico, and moderated by Hector Jirau, Ph.D., of Parallel18. On the entrepreneurial track, the panel “Future-Proofing Your Startup,” moderated by Denisse Rodríguez Colón (Colmena66), featured expert insights from Rolando Texidor (Aeronet), Manny Morales (ticketera®), and Alberto Lugo (INVID).  Our pitch event was inspiring, as founders pitched their ventures on stage for a chance to win over $35,000 in non-dilutive capital. Congratulations to all who participated: Amasar LLC, Tale+, Let's Burble, abartysHealth, CelerOps, Cuvro, DeafTawk, GameTask, KONTi Design | Build Studio, Konvex, MedETechni, Parrots AI, PSI Software, Quibble, RED Atlas, Skootel. We are deeply grateful to our incredible partners at Parallel18 for their unwavering support and leadership in making this event a reality. Thank you, San Juan, for an unforgettable conclusion to the Latinx Startup Hub Tour! 🚀✨ Bianca Marina Corujo Natasha Martínez Rivera Hispanics in Philanthropy Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Elvia Perez Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez

The Startup Community is gaining another talented group of next-gen startup investors and innovators! Join us in celebrating the 35 exceptional graduates of AngelPath Academy’s Cohort 3! Over the past two months, these leaders from across the U.S. immersed themselves in an inclusive investing development program, preparing to become the next generation of angel investors and fund managers. With their unique perspectives, they are ready to shape an innovation ecosystem that uplifts and benefits all. Through an intensive curriculum—including an in-person bootcamp, weekly sessions, expert-led discussions, and mentor-supported investment projects—Cohort 3 demonstrated remarkable dedication and intentionality, mastering the fundamentals of early-stage investing. These graduates are now poised to drive change, serving as advisors, capital providers, entrepreneurs, and champions for the advancement of the Latino startup ecosystem. As we prepare for 2025, we extend our deepest appreciation to the program partners, speakers, and mentors whose collaboration made Cohort 3 a resounding success. Thank you for playing a vital role in cultivating an investing community that reflects and celebrates the ingenuity of AngelPath Academy’s Cohort 3 graduates. David Olivencia Angeles Investors Sergio Rodenzuela Max Fischer Wefunder Nancy Sims Toigo Foundation Jill Blackford Nasdaq Foundation Ashley Ryder Gabriela Redhead Eli Velasquez Cecilia Sanchez Rafael Barroso Eric Goytia Nummedal Carlos Méndez, CPA Luisa Brasil, MSc. Alejandro Mainetto Andres Nuñez 💭 Ricardo Flores Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Hispanics in Philanthropy

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our fifth stop on the Latinx Startup Hub Tour in Miami! 🌴✨ It was an inspiring day filled with meaningful connections, dynamic pitches, and a celebration of the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in South Florida 🚀  We started the day at Babson College Miami, where we met with 20 outstanding founders. Together, we explored strategies for growth and collaboration, and shared insights over lunch about what drives Miami founders to succeed. The energy continued at Mana Tech, where we gathered for an evening of networking and our highly anticipated pitch competition! Five phenomenal founders took the stage, representing a variety of industries, and delivered incredible pitches that highlighted the innovation and talent thriving in Miami. We’re so proud of all of you! 👏  Early Intervention Systems (Techstars ‘23) Nathalya Ramírez Hamperapp Jorge A. Rodriguez GoSprout.app Carlos Vazquez Kambia Cristian Zavaleta Wasabil Benjamín Pérez Pereira Inicio was also proud to present our Community Awards in Miami to celebrate outstanding contributions to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Mana Tech and Babson College Miami were honored for their exceptional work in funding and supporting founders, while Emiliano Abramzon received the Founder of the Year award for his remarkable efforts and inspiration he has provided to the Miami’s startup community. Thank you all for your dedication and impact! 🌟 Finally, we’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who made this event possible, especially Sergio Mankita, MBA and Carla Curiel, your passion and support continue to fuel the success of this tour!  Stay connected to events like this—download the *Startup Centro* app in the Apple Store today: https://lnkd.in/gayY8P-X 📲 Hispanics in Philanthropy Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Carla Curiel Sergio Mankita, MBA Charly Esnal Etienne Gillard

Inicio is heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for our 6th and last stop on our 2024 Latinx/e Startup Hub Tour! 🌴🚀 Join us on Tuesday, November 19h, as we partner with Parallel18 to connect Latinx/e funders, founders, and field builders in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷 This is an incredible opportunity to network, share insights, and fuel the innovation that drives our communities forward. Whether you're a founder looking to scale, an investor championing diverse startups, or simply passionate about Latinx entrepreneurship, we can't wait to see you there! Register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/ef6MFaeQ #FundLatinxFounders #HubTour24 Hispanics in Philanthropy Jorge M. Calderon Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Natasha Martínez Rivera Parallel18

Amid the recent political outcome, as the Latino startup community takes a moment to breathe, reflect, and regroup, we want to share what gives us strength—no big secret, it’s you. Each day, the team at Inicio is inspired by everyone we meet on our journey of investment and ecosystem building. We’re grateful for your spark, ingenuity, perseverance, kindness, authenticity, and sheer awesomeness. Together, we’ll find our path forward, with our shared joy as a superpower to keep advancing the Latino startup ecosystem and the positive impact we bring to society. Thank you to our network of friends, partners, founders, AngelPath & Fellows alumni—you are the true engine for good. Siempre Juntos

Inicio is heading to Miami for the 5th stop on our Latinx/e Startup Hub Tour! 🚀 Join us on Wednesday, November 13th, as we partner with Mana Tech and Babson College Miami to connect Latinx/e funders, founders, and field builders in the heart of Miami's thriving startup ecosystem. This is an incredible opportunity to network, share insights, and fuel the innovation that drives our communities forward. Whether you're a founder looking to scale, an investor championing diverse startups, or simply passionate about Latinx entrepreneurship, we can't wait to see you there! Register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/eTWzS68N #FundLatinxFounders #HubTour24 Hispanics in Philanthropy Mana Tech Babson College Sergio Mankita, MBA Carla Curiel Charly Esnal Etienne Gillard Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Monica Hoyos Martens

Today’s election results could be a pivotal opportunity to build on momentum and scale Latino participation, success & influence in the startup economy. Advancing economic opportunities for Latinos in the startup ecosystem requires a unified effort across public and private sectors. While private investment & philanthropy are essential, government support plays a critical role in addressing long standing economic inequities. Programs like SBIC/SBIR, and SSBCI provide vital pathways for investment, collaboration & the elevation of Latino & other underrepresented entrepreneurs—creating a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone. The next administration will shape resource allocation for innovation and will set the tone for how the nation approaches racial justice & economic opportunity for historically under-resourced communities. This election cycle brings a notable increase in Latino influence, with ~4.3M more eligible Latino voters nationwide since 2016. In the 18 Latino Startup Hubs identified by Inicio—regions with Latino populations above 20% & established innovation ecosystems—about 770K new Latino voters have been added. Latino households in these Hubs earn an ave. of $51,706, compared to a regional ave. of $76,278, and face an above-ave. cost of living index of 122 (100 is ave.). These economic challenges are likely top of mind as Latino voters consider the nation’s future direction. Historically, Latino Startup Hub regions have leaned Democratic, with ~60% of presidential votes going to Democrats in the '16 & '20 elections, compared to ~36% for Republicans. In this cycle, candidates across gov. levels offer distinct visions on resource allocation & inclusivity, both broadly and within the startup economy. A largely Democratic win would likely strengthen & expand federal programs like the CHIPS Act while introducing new initiatives, such as loans for Black & Latino entrepreneurs—supporting diverse founders & their communities. This approach could open doors across the #LatinoStartupHubs, generating economic opportunities & advancing Latino-led innovation. Conversely, a majority Republican administration may signal reduced support in regions that haven’t traditionally aligned politically, as seen when 75% of DOT funds were allocated to Republican-leaning states in 2018-19. The Rep. platform has increasingly opposed diversity initiatives, often casting Latinos in a negative light, suggesting that support for Latino innovation could face substantial challenges. No matter the outcome, I remain optimistic about the future of Latino Startup Hubs & our broader innovation ecosystem. I am hopeful that collaboration with public & private partners will endure, though the rationale & approach may differ. Latino talent, driven by unique perspectives & solutions, is crucial to America’s leadership in global innovation. As Latinos, let's move forward with confidence, optimism & pride in where we come from, who we are & our potential. #Vote

📣Calling all Bay Area entrepreneurs! Kapor Center has partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) Foundation and Golden State Warriors to host the 2025 NBA All-Star Pitch Competition in the Bay Area 🏆 If you, or someone you know, are an early-stage startup led by diverse or underrepresented entrepreneurs and from one of the nine (9) Bay Area counties, this competition is for you! Selected applicants will have the unique chance to pitch their business in front of NBA legends, venture capitalists, and some of the top minds in tech, for the opportunity to win over $150,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. Get your applications in by Nov. 9th: bit.ly/3YwUdFx