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

• 📋️ Curated Lists

• 📈 Deep Dive Bites

• 🎙️ Expert Insights

• 🤝 Diversity Spotlight

• 🚀 Startup Of the Week

• 💼 Investor of the Week

• 🤑 Opportunity Radar

📰 Important News

• Nubank has partnered with FINABIEN to expand its Cuenta Nu deposit network in Mexico, allowing cash deposits at 1,700 branches nationwide.

• The Brazilian National Data Protection Authority has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, demanding changes to its data collection and privacy practices.

• Liga Ventures' published a study revealing a 29% increase in fintech investments in Brazil, with $680 million raised in 2024.

• Mexican startup Forma Foods launched innovative 3D printing technology to produce plant-based meat, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative.

• Mission Brasil appointed Julio Bastos as its new Chief Commercial Officer to drive growth through technological innovation and agile solutions.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Latii, a proptech startup, raised $5 million to develop AI-driven tools that streamline the sourcing and quoting of high-quality construction materials.

• Lerian raised $3.14 million in a funding round led by MAYA Capital to expand its tech team and accelerate product development.

• Brazilian healthtech Central da Visão raised $1.7 million in a Series A round led by HT3 Investimentos to expand its network of clinics.

• Patagon AI, an Ecuador-based startup, raised $1.1 million to expand its AI-powered sales automation platform across Latin America.

• Chilean foodtech Brota Superfoods raised $630,000 from Manutara Ventures after winning the Manutara Ventures Challenge.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Brazilian fintech company Nelogica acquired European trading software firm Bookmap to enhance its global presence.

🏦 About Investors

• The Estímulo Impact Fund has launched a $3.49 million emergency credit line for SMEs in São Paulo affected by blackouts.

📋️ Curated Lists

Explore how Uruguay’s vibrant venture capital scene is powering innovation and growth across Latin America. Key firms like IC Ventures, Kaszek, and MrPink VC, headquartered in Montevideo, are making a profound impact on Uruguay’s startup landscape. Through strategic investments, mentorship, and valuable resources, these VCs are nurturing the country’s most promising entrepreneurs. Delve into the full article to discover the complete list of Uruguay’s leading VCs shaping the future of its startup ecosystem.

🚀 Startup Of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Lerian

Lerian, founded by Fred Amaral, co-founder of the Banking as a Service unicorn Dock, is a startup focused on solving critical challenges in the core banking sector, such as high infrastructure costs and the lack of flexibility in financial product creation. To accelerate its growth, Lerian raised $3.14 million in a funding round led by MAYA Capital, with participation from Quartz, Supera Capital, Norte Ventures, Crivo Ventures, and a group of angel investors. This investment will enable Lerian to expand its technology team and accelerate the development of its modular, open-source banking solutions, aiming to serve financial institutions globally.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Estímulo

Estímulo, Brazil's largest impact fund, launched a $3.49 million credit line to support food and beauty sector entrepreneurs in São Paulo affected by rains and power outages. The initiative, in partnership with key local organizations, offers unsecured, fast-access credit with favorable terms to alleviate losses exceeding $17.43 million in the food service sector. Estímulo, founded in 2020, combines donations and impact investments to support small businesses, having raised over $34.86 million by 2024, reinvesting repayments to help more entrepreneurs.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

Apply to the Techstars Anywhere Accelerator by Nov 20th, 2024, to elevate your startup from anywhere in the world. This innovative remote-first program, designed for companies across various industries, offers access to top-tier mentorship, funding of up to $120,000, and a worldwide network of investors. With three in-person meetups throughout the Americas, you'll gain valuable insights and connections to help you succeed. The accelerator kicks off on Mar 10th, 2025, and culminates in a Demo Day on Jun 5th, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and accelerate your business journey.