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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

• Mexico has launched the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency to centralize digital inclusion and promote technological sovereignty.

• Recife is set to open Brazil's first AI and cybersecurity research center in 2025, led by CIn/UFPE with over 150 researchers.

• Uruguayan paytech Prex has become the first fully digital fintech regulated by the Peruvian Banking Superintendency as a credit company.

• Vambe, a Chilean startup, pivoted to AI agents for WhatsApp communication, growing its ARR from $20,000 to $1 million in less than a year.

• Payment aggregator Paymóvil and digital wallet Máximo Pay have partnered to offer financial products in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• CloudWalk raised $444 million to provide upfront payment advances to merchants helping businesses access funds faster.

• BNDES approved $32.38 million for Eve Air Mobility to advance the development of its eVTOL flying car.

• Zig raised $25.45 million in its third investment round of 2024 to fuel global expansion in the live entertainment sector.

• Onze raised $20 million to expand its corporate pension platform offering financial wellness solutions and credit options.

• Chilean startup Colektia raised $9 million led by Mouro Capital to enhance AI-driven digital debt collection across Latin America.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Softplan Group completed the acquisition of Runrun.it, projecting $15.27 million in revenue for 2024 and a 45% CAGR.

• Advent International acquired a majority stake in Siesa, an ERP software company in Colombia, to strengthen its position in Latin America's tech sector.

• Beneficient has agreed to acquire Mercantile Bank International for $1.5 million in stock and cash, expanding its alternative asset custody services.

• HR Path has acquired Pay Human Group, combining its global HR expertise with Pay Human's payroll management leadership in Mexico and Colombia.

• Agrovision acquired ZurGroup to launch Agrovision Chile, expanding premium cherry and blueberry production for global distribution.

🏦 About Investors

• GVC Gaesco and Next Tier Ventures launched a $52.78 million AI-focused fund targeting B2B startups in Europe, the US, and Latin America.

• 49 Educação launched 49 Ventures, a program that combines investment and strategic guidance provided by renowned entrepreneurs.

• FCamara announced a $1.64 million investment in Distrito to accelerate AI Factory’s growth, with a potential total investment of $8.21 million by 2027.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

CloudWalk

CloudWalk, the Brazilian fintech founded by Luis Silva in 2013, has secured a record-breaking $444 million through a Credit Rights Investment Fund (FIDC) led by Itaú BBA, with participation from Bradesco BBI, BTG Pactual, BB-Banco de Investimento (BB-BI), and Safra. This follows a $31 million raise in May 2024 and will support the growth of its InfinitePay platform, which accelerates merchant payouts and empowers small businesses. CloudWalk has rapidly expanded its client base, growing from 1 million merchants in 2023 to 3 million in 2024, and continues to innovate with tools like Tap to Pay and InfiniteNitro. With $500 million in annual recurring revenue and plans for U.S. expansion, CloudWalk is driving significant change in global merchant payments.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

49 Educação

Founded in 2020 by Leandro Piazza and Leonardo Burtet in Florianópolis, Brazil, 49 Educação has become a pioneer as the country's first "startup university," focusing on practical training for entrepreneurs. The organization has accelerated over 3,000 startups and reached a portfolio valuation of over $160 million. In 2025, 49 Educação is launching 49 Ventures, an investment and strategic advisory initiative designed to support startups in their global expansion. Led by seasoned entrepreneurs with successful exits, 49 Ventures will connect startups to Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) funds, offering them capital and guidance to prepare for fundraising and exits. The initiative strengthens 49 Educação's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: Imagine H2O 2025

Apply to the Imagine H2O 2025 programs today and take your water innovation to the next level. The Accelerator program, with over fourteen years of experience, connects early-stage startups to a network of industry experts, investors, and customers to help commercialize and scale their solutions. Open to global applicants, the program offers tailored support for startups with less than 7 years in operation, under $5 million in revenue, and less than $10 million in equity investment. Don't miss the chance to accelerate your path to market—apply by December 14th, 2024, and join a global community driving water innovation.