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Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - Latin America, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌎️

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📰 Important News

• Inatel and CAS Tecnologia celebrated 10 years of collaboration in research, development, and innovation, advancing technological solutions in energy, water, and gas sectors with a focus on Smart Grid and IoT technologies.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Brazilian startup Carecode emerged from stealth with a $4.3 million pre-seed round mostly funded by a16z and QED, with participation from Endeavor Catalyst, KDX Ventures, K50 Ventures, and Latitud Ventures, as well as high-profile figures from Brazil’s tech scene, including Nubank founder David Vélez.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Food To Save acquired Fruta Imperfeita to combat food waste from the production chain, broadening its operations and aiming for national expansion in 2025 while integrating sustainability into its business model.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Carecode

Brazilian healthcare startup Carecode, founded in 2023 by Thomaz Srougi, has emerged from stealth after raising a $4.3 million pre-seed round led by a16z and QED Investors, with participation from Endeavor Catalyst, KDX Ventures, K50 Ventures, and Latitud Ventures. The round also included prominent figures like Nubank founder David Vélez. Carecode leverages AI to automate administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling and patient communications, aiming to cut costs and improve healthcare outcomes. Focused on WhatsApp integration for local users, the startup addresses Brazil's $100 billion healthcare administrative burden. Co-founder Pedro Magalhães brings deep tech expertise, complementing Srougi’s track record as the founder of Dr. Consulta.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Andreessen Horowitz

With no major VC moves this week, we’ve decided to highlight Andreessen Horowitz, one of the top venture capital firms globally. A16z is stage agnostic, investing in seed to growth-stage technology companies, with $44 billion across multiple funds. They recently led a pre-seed round in Carecode and have made several significant investments in the region, reflecting their commitment to fostering innovation. Notable deals in LATAM include co-leading Loft’s $175 million Series C in 2020, participating in Addi's Series C in Brazil, and investing in NG.Cash to support financial inclusion in underserved areas.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: Y Combinator Spring 2025

Apply to the Y Combinator Spring 2025 Batch by February 11th, 2025 to join one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators. The batch, held in San Francisco from April to June 2025, offers access to $500,000 in funding, top-tier mentorship, networking opportunities, and a vibrant community of founders. Participants will work closely with experienced YC General Partners, attend weekly meetups, and gain insights from renowned startup leaders like the founders of Airbnb and Stripe. Don’t miss the chance to secure funding and accelerate your startup journey—apply now and unlock lifelong connections within YC’s powerful alumni network.