Hello there,

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 🌎️

If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the perfect time. Don't miss the opportunity to supercharge your understanding and stay ahead in this dynamic world.

Let's delve into the core sections of our weekly newsletter:

• 📰 Important News

• 💸 Top Funding Rounds

• 💰️ Notable Exits

• 🏦 About Investors

• 📈 Deep Dive Bites

• 🤝 Diversity Spotlight

• 🚀 Startup Of the Week

• 💼 Investor of the Week

• 🤑 Opportunity Radar

📰 Important News

• Mexican fintech unicorn Stori launched Inversión+, a fixed-term investment product offering an annual return rate of up to 15.5%.

• Colombian edtech company Platzi has partnered with DeVry University to offer discounted U.S. degrees to Latin Americans.

• Rivool Finance has launched a new Investment Banking arm, led by Fernando Fegyveres, to address capital market needs.

• Itaipu Parquetec and Nestlé Brasil have formed a partnership to enhance Brazil's industrial practices and support tech startups.

• Banco Safra has launched its credit fintech, Safra Sociedade de Crédito Direto, with Central Bank approval enhancing its presence in Brazil.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Brazilian fintech Asaas secured $150 million in a funding round led by BOND to expand its product offerings for SMEs.

• Agrolend has raised $53.22 million in a Series C funding round to enhance credit access for small and medium rural producers in Brazil.

• Rooftop has raised $17.74 million allowing homeowners to sell their properties for cash within 45 days and repurchase them later while paying rent.

• Brazilian HRtech Mentora has raised $300,000 in a pre-seed round led by DOMO.VC to enhance its technology and customer base.

• Yuool has opened an investment round aiming to raise $620,000, having already secured $270,000, to expand operations.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Warburg Pincus purchased a minority stake in Brazilian accounting startup Contabilizei for $125 million, becoming the largest shareholder in the company.

• Globant has acquired Exusia to enhance its digital solutions portfolio and leverage Exusia's strong partnerships with major tech firms.

• Brazilian health techs Zitrus and Unio have merged to form Nexdom, aiming to centralize health insurance management and technology solutions.

• Equity Fund Group has acquired a stake in Grupo Empreende Brazil to enhance its presence in the events sector and to expand operations.

• Banlek, a leading Brazilian photography platform, is expanding in Paraguay and Portugal through the acquisition of UliSite.

🏦 About Investors

• Montreal has launched a $5.32 million Corporate Venture Capital fund, Montreal Ventures, aimed at investing in early-stage startups in Brazil.

• The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and Sebrae launched a $1.67 billion Guarantee Fund to enhance credit access for microentrepreneurs.

📈 Deep Dive Bites

Colombia's startup scene is surging, with local VCs like ALIVE and Simma Capital fueling the boom. These firms are backing game-changers in fintech, e-commerce, and beyond, from Rappi to Crehana. Intrigued by the innovation shaping Latin America's digital future? Explore the full article to uncover how Colombia's VCs are transforming ambitious ideas into regional powerhouses and positioning the country as a rising star in the global startup ecosystem.

🚀 Startup Of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Asaas

Asaas is a Brazilian fintech company that provides an all-in-one solution for SMEs, offering corporate accounts, automation, and management tools. They recently secured $150 million in a funding round led by BOND, with participation from Softbank and 23S Capital. The funds will be used to strengthen their AML Index, further development, and mergers and acquisitions. Asaas aims to reach $200 million in revenue by 2026 and has made several acquisitions, including NexInvoice, to expand its product offerings.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Montreal Ventures

Montreal has established Montreal Ventures, a $5.32 million Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) fund to invest in early-stage startups in Brazil. The fund focuses on sectors like Govtech, IdTech, cybersecurity, fintech, IoT, and AI, aiming to foster strategic collaboration and innovation. Montreal, a leading tech company in Brazil, seeks to support innovative solutions through this initiative. Montreal is also a hub for venture capital, with firms like Real Ventures playing a significant role in promoting early-stage tech companies.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Action for Women’s Health

Apply for the Action for Women's Health open call and secure funding to enhance women's mental and physical health globally. With a total fund of $250 million, selected organizations will receive flexible funding ranging from $1 million to $5 million. This initiative is designed for organizations focused on serving women and improving health outcomes while centering equity in their approach. To participate, complete the Organizational Readiness Tool and familiarize yourself with the Open Call Rules. Don't miss the chance to scale your impact and contribute to women's health—submit your application by January 10, 2025.