Mexico and Colombia still show low levels of VC funding per capita in international comparison.

 

 

 Mexico and Colombia still show low levels of VC funding per capita in international comparison.

 

Operational GP 

Stefan Krautwald

  • Founder Latin Leap VC Studio
  • Former CEO Cdiscount Latam 
  • Co-Founder & MD Dafiti LATAM
  • Co-Founder Farmalisto, Fluz.app
  • LATAM angel investor and  start-up board advisor
  • MSc WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

Jessica Maldonado

  • Business Operations Manager Rappi
  • Growth Marketing, CRM Rappi
  • Investment Analyst Ecopetrol
  • Bsc Finance and International Relations Universidad Externado de Colombia

Investment Committee 

Stefan Krautwald

  • Founder Latin Leap VC Studio
  • Former CEO Cdiscount Latam 
  • Co-Founder & MD Dafiti LATAM
  • Co-Founder Farmalisto, Fluz.app
  • LATAM angel investor and  start-up board advisor
  • MSc WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

Madeleine Clavijo

  • Co-Founder Kushki Pagos 
  • Former President Colombia Fintech
  • Member of Board of Directors Finsocial
  • VP Efecty
  • MSc Universidad La Rioja

David Geisen

  • CEO Mercadolibre Mexico & Spanish Speaking LATAM
  • Co-Founder Dafiti México and Clickonero
  • Founder Mexican Ecommerce Association
  • MSc WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

Rodrigo Zorrilla

  • Chairman Afore Citibanamex
  • Former CEO ICG Citibanamex 
  • Former CEO Citi Global Markets Japan
  • Former COO Citi Asia
  • MBA  ITAM Mexico

 

paco ybarra

  • Former CEO Citi Institutional Clients Group
  • Former Member of Citi Global Executive Committee
  • MBA IESE
  • Member of Alumni Executive Committee  IESE University

Why Now VC in Latam?

Why Latin America Is a Hotspot for Venture Capital:
The startup culture in Latin America has been gaining momentum, fueled by a tech-savvy population and a growing middle class with digital consumption on the rise. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina are leading the pack, showcasing a surge in VC funding that is cultivating a fertile ground for innovation and disruption.
 
Untapped Markets and High Growth Potential: Latin America’s economies are characterized by market gaps and consumer needs that are unmet by existing services, offering a clear runway for startups to deliver innovative solutions and scale rapidly.
 
Supportive Government Policies: Governments across the region are implementing initiatives to foster entrepreneurship, such as startup visa programs, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms, making it easier for VCs to invest and startups to thrive.
 
Success Stories and Regional Unicorns: The rise of regional unicorns such as Rappi, Nubank, and MercadoLibre is testament to the region’s potential. These success stories not only inspire confidence but also pave the way for new ventures to attract VC attention.
 
Increasing Local and International VC Presence: Both local and international VCs are expanding their footprint in Latin America. The influx of capital is not just from traditional VC hubs like Silicon Valley but also from European and Asian investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
 
Technological Advancements and Digital Adoption: With one of the world’s fastest-growing rates of internet and smartphone penetration, Latin America is a hotbed for digital businesses. This trend is bolstering the e-commerce, fintech, and edtech sectors, in particular, attracting significant VC deals.
 
The Role of Venture Capital in Catalyzing Growth:
VC funding is more than just financial backing; it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and economic development. By providing not only capital but also mentorship, networking opportunities, and strategic guidance, VCs are instrumental in scaling startups from local players to global competitors.