Week 29, 2024 - Latin America

Newsletter
As the digital revolution continues to reshape global economies, the gig economy has emerged as a powerful force, particularly in Latin America. Characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, the gig economy offers flexibility and new income opportunities for millions of workers. Often referred to as a "white-collar...
Published on
July 19, 2024

"Time is an illusion that only exists when you don't think about it." - Carlos Fuentes (Mexican novelist)

MARKETS

July 18, End Of Day

BUSINESS

Gig Economy in Latin America

As the digital revolution continues to reshape global economies, the gig economy has emerged as a powerful force, particularly in Latin America. Characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, the gig economy offers flexibility and new income opportunities for millions of workers. Often referred to as a "white-collar revolution," this shift is redefining traditional labor landscapes and presenting both opportunities and challenges across the region

1. Rapid Growth and Economic Impact:

  • Latin America is a significant contributor to the global gig economy, with the market valued at $204 billion in 2019 and rose to $455 billion in 2023.
  • The region's gig economy is projected to grow by 15% in the coming years, driven by increased demand for flexible work arrangements.

2. Sectoral Insights:

  • Tech Industry: The gig economy is closely tied to the tech sector's growth, with many tech professionals opting for freelance work. Major tech companies like Google, Dell, and Uber have established operations in Latin America, supporting this trend.
  • Delivery and Transport: Apps like iFood, Rappi, and Uber have become ubiquitous, offering significant employment opportunities. For instance, Brazil's transport sector has 1.7 million drivers registered as independent contractors.

3. Worker Protections and Challenges:

  • Despite the economic benefits, gig workers often face exploitation, with reports of low pay, long hours, and lack of benefits. For example, 70% of delivery drivers in Ecuador work an average of 70 hours per week with no days off.
  • Legislative efforts in Peru, Chile, and Colombia aim to improve conditions for gig workers, but enforcement remains a challenge.

4. Financial Inclusion:

  • Gig workers in Latin America have historically had limited access to traditional banking services. Initiatives by companies like Uber and Didi, which offer alternative loans based on gig workers' data, are helping to address this issue.
  • These financial products are designed to support gig workers by providing access to credit, which is crucial for their financial stability and growth.
  • To fully harness the gig economy's potential, it is essential to address challenges related to worker protections, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.

Fundraising picks of the week

Recylink: This B-Corporation, profitable since July 2023, connects waste generators, transporters, and destinations, improving waste management communications. With a 2x YoY revenue growth and only a 2.3% churn rate since 2021, Recylink demonstrates a strong market presence. Dive deeper into the case here.

Kigui: Kigui's impact is substantial, having reduced 460k tons of CO2 emissions, saved 440k products from being wasted, and conserved 174.6M liters of water in 2022 alone. They incentivize consumers to purchase products close to their best buy date in supermarkets.  Dive deeper into the case here.

iZi: They facilitate management information for business decisions and empower SMC sales channels through Fintech solutions. Their platform features over 1200 clients, a remarkable 90% renewal rate, and has been cash positive since March 2023. Dive deeper into the case here.

Interested in Latin American businesses? Subscribe here to get business updates in the verticals that interest you the most.

Dive deeper into other fundraising firms in LatAm here.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Argentina: Argentina tripled its lithium carbonate production capacity over the past two years, reaching 136,500 tons annually. The country's Chamber of Mining Entrepreneurs attributes this growth to new projects, including the Centenario Ratones plant in Salta, a joint venture between France's Eramet and China's Tsingshan. Argentina, the world's fourth-largest lithium producer, is expanding its output to compete with Chile, the top producer in Latin America.

Brazil: Over 100 countries are expected to join Brazil's Global Alliance Against Hunger, which aims to combat global food insecurity. The initiative, promoted by Minister Wellington Dias, will officially launch at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November. The alliance seeks to remove all countries from the FAO's hunger map by 2030. Brazil aims to achieve this goal again by 2026.

Venezuela: Loans of fertilizers and seeds from agricultural guilds have boosted rice and corn production, reversing years of decline. Farmers benefit from these loans amid tight credit and high inflation. Despite the improvements, some small producers struggle with loan repayments and potential shutdowns. Recent economic adjustments and new funding practices are offering relief, though challenges remain.

FURTHER READING

Check our recently published insights here. Recent post:

🌆 Proptech’s Market Potential in Latin America

Proptech is transforming the real estate landscape in Latin America, fueled by significant economic and social drivers. This sector not only modernizes real estate transactions and management but also enhances housing accessibility and stimulates regional economic growth.

Key Factors Impacting Market Potential:

  • 🚀 Technological Advancement: The drive towards digital transformation in real estate is pivotal. With a significant portion of the sector still undigitized, there’s a vast opportunity for growth and innovation.
  • 🏘 Housing Deficit: Addressing the housing needs of millions is a critical challenge. Proptech solutions that streamline building and transaction processes can significantly impact the market, particularly in areas with severe housing shortages.
  • 📊 Economic Conditions: The expanding middle class and urbanization trends provide a fertile environment for proptech ventures. Economic stability and growth directly influence real estate development and technology adoption.

🔍 Read more here.

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