Week 10, 2024 - Latin America

Newsletter
Despite the recent downturn in the LatAm startup ecosystem, there are compelling reasons to remain optimistic about the future of venture capital in LatAm. According to Gina Gotthilf and Tomas Roggio, LatAm's venture capital scene is positioned for recovery, bolstered by several key factors. Disciplined Founding Teams: The current...
Published on
May 3, 2024

"No matter what, nobody can take away the dances you've already had." - Gabriel García Márquez (Colombian novelist)

MARKETS

March 7, End Of Day

TECH

Fundraising picks of the week

Clinspace: Clinspace is connecting healthcare professionals with clinics that have available spaces. This company is tackling the inefficiencies of healthcare space utilization with a platform that offers over 800 office space options. Get to know the case here.

Coco: Bridging the digital gap, Coco offers an "Internet in a box" solution, striving to provide internet access to every community. Their innovative approach has already connected over 10,000 people to the internet. Get to know the case here.

FeedVax: Animal farming is a $2,3T industry that has a $300B loses due to diseases. There are two bad alternatives to prevent diseases: injectable vaccines and antibiotics. The new way to solve these problems → Oral vaccines. Get to know the case here.

Interested in Latin American startups? Subscribe here to get startups’ monthly progress updates in the verticals that interest you the most.

Dive deeper into other fundraising firms in LatAm here.

More in tech - Optimism is warranted

Despite the recent downturn in the LatAm startup ecosystem, there are compelling reasons to remain optimistic about the future of venture capital in LatAm. According to Gina Gotthilf and Tomas Roggio, LatAm's venture capital scene is positioned for recovery, bolstered by several key factors:

  1. Disciplined Founding Teams: The current economic conditions demand that founders focus intensively on unit economics, monetization strategies, lean building, and achieving milestones. This has led to the emergence of a resilient and efficient cohort of startups.
  2. Favorable Monetary Policies: The anticipation of lower interest rates in both the US and across LatAm presents a more attractive landscape for venture capital. Lower rates enhance the appeal of investing in startups, considered high-return alternative assets, encouraging more capital flow into the region's tech sector.
  3. Availability of Dry Powder: Funds raised in the record-breaking year of 2021 are nearing their investment deadlines, prompting venture capital firms to actively seek and invest in promising startups across LatAm. This trend is evidenced by significant funding rounds in diverse sectors, indicating a healthy appetite for new ventures.
  4. Embrace of Artificial Intelligence: There is a growing trend of startups leveraging AI to improve margins and operational efficiency. While Latin America may not lead in core AI developments, the integration of AI into businesses is expected to attract further venture capital investment.
  5. Rising Talent Pool: The startup ecosystem benefits from an influx of highly skilled individuals choosing entrepreneurship over traditional corporate paths. Successful companies like MercadoLibre and Nubank have inspired a new generation of founders and workers, enriching the talent pool and fostering innovation.
  6. Untapped Market Potential: LatAm faces numerous challenges that present opportunities for startups. Issues such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial infrastructure are ripe for innovative solutions, offering vast markets for new entrants to address.

While there is a reason for an optimistic outlook on LatAm's VC scene, it is important not to overlook the region's structural challenges, such as political instability and regulatory uncertainty, which are pivotal for a realistic assessment of startup sustainability and growth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Chile: Chile aims to launch three or four new lithium projects by 2026 to boost control over the strategic metal, according to Finance Minister Mario Marcel. This initiative coincides with the country's efforts to form public-private partnerships for lithium production. Currently, only Albemarle and SQM operate lithium projects in Chile, with the government, under President Gabriel Boric, working to finalize exploration tenders and define a national lithium strategy.

Brazil: Stellantis announced a $6.07 billion investment in Brazil from 2025 to 2030, planning to launch over 40 new models, including hybrid-flex and electric vehicles. This investment aligns with Brazil's Mover automotive program, promoting sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Stellantis, owning brands like Fiat and Peugeot, also plans to produce an electric vehicle in Brazil, further expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Mexico: Mexican inflation is expected to slow in February, prompting speculation that the central bank may reduce the benchmark interest rate soon, possibly during its March 21 meeting. Predictions suggest headline inflation could fall to its lowest since June 2021, although still above the central bank's target. The anticipation follows the central bank's decision to maintain the interest rate at 11.25%, indicating a potential rate cut could be discussed in future meetings.

FURTHER READING

Check our recently published insights here. Recent posts:

🏦 What are the main challenges and risks in FinTech in LatAm?

By fostering an environment that supports innovation, ensures robust cybersecurity, navigates regulatory landscapes effectively, builds public trust, and improves digital infrastructure, fintech companies can unlock the full potential of financial technology to drive financial inclusion and economic development in the region.

🔍 Read more here.

🧬 What are the key innovations in Deep tech in LatAm?

The IDB's observation of a "Big Bang of Deep Tech Innovation" underscores a transformative period in which Latin America is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address complex challenges and foster economic growth. This era of innovation is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, blending advancements in computing, manufacturing, materials science, and beyond to create solutions that were once considered the realm of science fiction.

🔍 Read more here.

🛴 How is the future outlook of Mobility tech in LatAm?

The adoption of mobility tech brings numerous benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. Improved transportation efficiency leads to reduced travel times and increased productivity. Enhanced connectivity and real-time data enable better traffic management, reducing congestion and improving overall road safety. Trends for the future include innovative transportation modes, green transportation and digital transformation.

🔍 Read more here.

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