Week 8, 2024 - Latin America

Newsletter
New technologies are revolutionizing the energy sector in LatAm by enabling more efficient distribution networks. This shift towards renewable energy, supported by technological advancements, is reshaping the region's approach to energy production, distribution, and consumption, marking a pivotal step towards sustainability...
Published on
March 22, 2024

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library." - Jorge Luis Borges (Argentinian writer, essayist, poet and translator)

MARKETS

February 22, End Of Day

TECH

Fundraising picks of the week

LEAF: LEAF is led by co-founders who bring over 20 years of combined experience in technology and climate change, ensuring a deep understanding of the market's needs and the environmental impact. Their platform addresses the growing demand for accessible carbon management solutions. Dive deeper into the case here.

Aquit: Pioneering advanced biotech solutions, Aquit addresses the challenges of sustainable aquaculture. With a natural immunity booster and a focus on replacing antibiotics, they've formed R&D alliances with other key players. Dive deeper into the case here.

Alfred: Alfred is transforming the vehicle maintenance industry into a hassle-free experience. Alfred has already demonstrated significant traction by registering over 25,000 vehicles across 6 cities and completing more than 60,000 services. Dive deeper into the initiative 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 - Technologies are transforming energy

New technologies are revolutionizing the energy sector in LatAm by enabling more efficient distribution networks. This shift towards renewable energy, supported by technological advancements, is reshaping the region's approach to energy production, distribution, and consumption, marking a pivotal step towards sustainability and efficiency. How are new technologies transforming energy?

  1. Ambitious Renewable Energy Goals: The region has set ambitious targets through initiatives like RELAC, aiming for at least a 70% share of renewables in the electricity matrix by 2030. This reflects a strategic commitment to drastically transform the energy sector towards sustainability.
  2. Rapid Growth in Energy Demand: Energy demand in the region is expected to triple by 2050, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation and meet this growing demand sustainably.
  3. Significant Job Creation Potential: The transition towards renewable energy is expected to create approximately 15 million net new jobs by 2030, even when accounting for jobs lost in the fossil fuel sector. This highlights the economic as well as environmental benefits of the energy transition.
  4. Challenges in Energy Storage and Distribution: The report points out significant challenges in terms of energy storage and distribution, particularly the need to reduce battery costs, increase their lifespan, and encourage the adoption of smart grids. Addressing these challenges is critical for the effective distribution of renewable energy.
  5. Technological Innovations Driving Efficiency: Technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data are increasingly relevant, offering the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by predicting demand, optimizing distribution networks, and enabling more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Argentina: In January, Argentina reported a financial surplus of approximately $587 million, the first instance of spending less than its revenue in over a decade. This achievement is part of the government's economic adjustment program, aiming for fiscal balance amid challenging economic conditions. The surplus resulted from public sector income growth aligning closely with the country's annual inflation rate and a strategic reduction in public expenditures.

Brazil: Brazil plans to launch a $2 billion forex hedging program to attract foreign investment in green projects, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank. The initiative aims to provide foreign exchange derivatives to mitigate currency risks for investors in sustainable development, facilitated through the central bank. This measure, part of a broader effort to bolster "green" investment and reduce currency volatility, includes extending the maturity of $100 billion in swaps and establishing a liquidity line for project finance in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

Cuba: US state agriculture officials are eyeing opportunities in Cuba's evolving private sector amid economic reforms. During a visit, they observed the growth of non-farm businesses and met with Cuban officials, noting Cuba's openness to foreign investment in agriculture, a shift from its traditionally closed stance, though US investments are not yet authorized.

FURTHER READING

🏦 Insights from a Fintech expert

Georg Hauer, exGM at N26 and Banking Advisor, analyses two Fintech decks in the Credit and Web3 space. He breaks down and shares valuable insights on the decks, including:

  • The importance of addressing liquidity and credit risk management in fintech business models.
  • The need for founders to focus on making their decks stand out and be memorable to investors.

Check how the companies managed to stand out and Georg's insights below.

📺 Watch on Youtube here.

Thanks to the startups included!

talo: Crypto Payments Infrastructure for businesses in LATAM

Presto: Changing the credit game in Bolivia.

If you want to be considered for future reviews send an email to info@helmi.la

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