Alvaro F. Torres

Four months ago, I met with José Esteban del Corral Sánchez, CEO of KeyZell, to share our visions about the ongoing transformation in medicine. I had heard fantastic things about KeyZell, and that meeting confirmed them✔️. KeyZell is the company leading what we call precision medicine on a global scale. They are renowned for their focus on personalized cancer treatments. From that meeting, a connection emerged between both of us and our organizations. We believe that together 💡 we can share knowledge and experiences. We both utilize AI and share an obsession with seeking technology-based health solutions. When we began planning the launch of VivaWell five years ago, one of the fundamental pillars we defined was to establish partnerships with other tech-based startups. We did this a few months ago with Shen.AI, and now with KeyZell. At VivaWell, we believe that collaborative environments are crucial for transforming health. 👉 And that’s exactly what we are doing. Media coverage: https://yhoo.it/3YAWWPP #healthtech #healthcare #health #AI #Biotech #Innovation

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This is GREAT news for the Argentina's real estate sector. and mortgage markets. The creation of the "mortgage for future assets" through a Decreto de Necesidad y Urgencia (DNU) or emergency decree is indeed a major shift in policy aimed at stimulating mortgage lending and property development. Key Features of the "Mortgage for Future Assets" Financing for new/unregistered projects: This allows mortgages to be issued for properties that are still in development or not yet officially registered, potentially accelerating the construction process. Inclusion of ongoing projects: Existing projects that are already underway can now be financed through mortgages, providing more options for developers and buyers. Simplified process: The mention of "simply with a banknote" suggests a streamlined approval process, which could reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Potential Impact Boost to mortgage lending: This measure is likely to increase the availability of mortgage credit, which has been severely limited in Argentina in recent years. In 2022, the mortgage market was equivalent to just 0.5% of GDP, down from 5.36% in 2000. Stimulating real estate development: By allowing financing for projects in earlier stages, this could encourage more property development and construction activity. Increased housing access: Easier access to mortgages could potentially make homeownership more attainable for many Argentines who have been priced out of the market.Economic growth: A revitalized construction and real estate sector could contribute to overall economic growth and job creation. https://lnkd.in/g7kTu6xe

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Despite the fact that Argentina bought US$19 billion in the year, the Central Bank's net reserves are still negative by almost US$10 billion According to the calculation methodology of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which subtracts the payment commitments for the next 12 months and the Treasury deposits, they would be negative at US$10.489 Billion, according to estimates by the consulting firm Outlier. Under Sergio Massa's previous economic management, net reserves as of November 30, 2023, were negative at US$10.545 Billion; that is, they improved only US$56 million. If you add the deposits that the Treasury has because it saved and bought dollars with the pesos obtained from the tax surplus, the negative net reserves are reduced to US$4.789 Billion. "In this case, it must be taken into account that as soon as January begins, they will fall by about US$3 billion for the payment of Bonares and Global bonds," Outlier said in his daily report. Therefore, the nets would still be negative at US$7.789 Billion and the improvement with the situation left by the previous government would be US$2.700 Billion. The Central Bank's inability to retain more of the dollars it bought during the year is due to the fact that both the National State and the provinces had to pay debt maturities. As the country is prohibited from international financing, despite the abrupt fall in the country risk from more than 2000 basis points to 650, Argentina resorted to cash payment of its commitments, which reduced the monetary institution's ability to accumulate reserves. In 2025, this dynamic could be repeated. The Ministry of Economy sent a message to the markets by announcing that it already has enough dollars to pay the capital and interest maturities of US$435 billion in January and part of those in July. "As the Government continues to pay cash for maturities, it lengthens the exit of the stock because it is left with fewer reserves. They may not be interested in going to the market to look for financing, since risk-free international rates are high, around 4.6%. If we add the Argentine country risk of 650 points, they are rates around 11% and going out to finance at those levels is not sustainable," explained Gabriel Caamaño, economist at Outlier. Next year, Argentina faces maturities of more than US$25 billion in debt in foreign currency between the commitments of the Nation, provinces and companies. "Although it is likely that the private sector will continue to take credit in dollars and that will strengthen the reserves - between September and December almost US$9 billion entered in this way - solvency is not guaranteed. https://lnkd.in/g4a4ckGp

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WHILE INSURTECH DECLINES MASS, AUDITAMOS BY GRUPO QONECTAPP EXPANDS RAPIDLY ORGANICALLY: + The Jimenez Cocq brothers have launched the first Proptech Ecosystem in the insurance industry, integrated as real estate co-ownership assistance, to common space policies in buildings and condominiums, expanding this massive propellant activator model in August of this year. organic demand, associated with local companies from: USA, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Peru and Chile. Now it will begin to prepare its next launch of its own payment platform for maintenance and rental expenses, in its own ecosystem, generating a big difference with the insurtech peers, where the vast majority are closing their operations due to lack of financing in risk capital, and they, have applied a strategy of being close to their potential clients, integrating and digitizing their Compliance Audit Firm, and strengthening their services, with the incorporation of several managers, responsible for maximizing the positive experience for the committees of administration and administrators, the last to join was Rodrigo Sandoval, HDI Subscriber Manager, and Rodrigo Téllez, Senior Inspector of the Superintendency of Casinos in Chile. Visit: AuditamosAsistencia.cl

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Eduardo de Leon, co-founder of Coba (YC S23), says no! In this Lobster Talks clip, he shares how his team, without prestigious degrees, built a successful startup and got into Y Combinator. ✅ Eduardo emphasizes that building something people want and following YC's advice are key. ✅ He shares his experience of gaining valuable insights from YC partners who have built and scaled businesses themselves. ✅ Coba's story is an inspiration for founders who don't come from traditional backgrounds. Tune in to the full Lobster Talks episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube to hear Eduardo's advice for aspiring founders -> https://lnkd.in/eNBSTP2Z . . . . . #Fintech #CrossBorderPayments #LatinAmerica #Contractors #Startups #YC #YCombinator #Pivot #Crypto #Growth #FounderAdvice #Coba #Podcast #LobsterTalks

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Since 2020 I have had the privilege of being part of BuiltWorlds. Throughout these years I have seen how corporations, startups, and companies from Latin America have begun to take an interest in the events that BuiltWorlds holds. Likewise, companies, corporations and CVCs and VCs from North America and Europe have been interested in learning more about the development of the ConTech ecosystem in Latin America. Based on this interest in the ecosystem, a year ago we began to explore the possibility of holding a Summit or an event focused on technological adoption for construction, sustainability and infrastructure development in Latinoamerica. Today this event, Building Latam Fest, is not only a reality, but it exceeds the expectations that any of us could have in mind. What began with a Whatsapp group and zoom calls to brainstorm ideas about what the event could be, will be the largest Contech, Cleantech and Buildtech event in Latin America and the most solid step for the consolidation of the ecosystem in the region.   The purpose is not to make just another event, the purpose is to have an event to consolidate the ecosystem, to disseminate how the innovation areas of corporations and companies in the sector can have innovation programs to respond to the challenges they have, so that startups can find accelerators and specialized mentoring in the industry that helps them structure themselves in the best possible way for investment, that investors know how the ecosystem is generating opportunities for technological development that can provide return and that in the end the sector benefits from this whole virtuous circle.   Within this process, we could not have found a better ally than La Mezcladora - Hub de Innovación of UTEC Ventures for the organization of the event, nor a better space than UTEC, the technological university of Peru, in Lima. Save the date and participate in this unique event Thanks to all that help in the WA group and the zoom calls to make the event a reality: La Mezcladora - Hub de Innovación, Progreso X, NEXT by Lamosa, Leonard:LatAm, Cementos Pacasmayo SAA, UNACEM, Buildtech Ventures LLC, Mangxo, 360Lateral, Buildpeer, Zacua Ventures, Spybee, Alexis Pérez, @alex Tamayo, Erick Ricardo Melgar Godoy, Gabriela Rodas Urruela, Sheidy Li Cam, Daniel Chamochumbi, Ines Roggero Cilloniz, Francisco Barua, Luis Enrique Flórez Parodi, Victoria Medrano Blanco, Carlos Enrique Sosa, Margarita de la Peña Virgós, Juan Alejandro Saldarriaga Fernández, Natalia Stephanou Frieri, Lilianne Brunstein, Ana María Montoya Arango, Robert ROCHA B., Rodrigo Zetina V., Sergio Angelini, Mauricio Valdes, Julian Rico, Felipe Garzón, @alvaro V, ★ GERMAN ELERA, Mario Espana muchos otros que seguramente se me pasan

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Venture Capital Mx - Angela Care "Angela Care is about more than medication; it’s about empowering patients and caregivers to reclaim their time and peace of mind." – Carlos Dominguez Lantigua (Founder, Angela Care) What is Angela Care? Angela Care is a comprehensive health-tech platform transforming how patients with chronic diseases manage their medications. The service offers pre-sorted medication packets, automated reminders, and seamless pharmacy integrations, ensuring patients take the right medication at the right time. How does Angela Care work? Angela Care simplifies medication management by taking the burden off individuals and their caregivers, providing a seamless, personalized service. Here are a few of its key features: - Medication Tracking and Prescription Management - Medicine Procurement and Organization - Convenient Delivery - Dose Reminders - 24/7 Healthcare Support In this feature, Carlos shares insights into the challenges of launching a health-tech startup, his vision for Angela Care, and how partnerships can drive growth and credibility. (Link to Full Feature in Comments) #mexico #startups #venturecapital

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Bloomberg Línea highlights the growing influence of #LatinAmerican investors and a shift from just residential investment to commercial real estate investment. Bravo to Katian Castro for securing this story! 🌟 Latino investors, particularly from Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, are increasingly targeting #SouthFlorida's commercial real estate market, drawn by the region's economic stability and cultural ties. Despite challenges like high costs and limited availability, sectors such as multifamily, industrial and retail properties remain highly attractive. Will this trend continue with an increased investment from LATAM in CRE vs. residential? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/esb9QwZ3 Levy Public Relations & Events Jessica Levy Tomas Sulichin Ana Trias

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✨ Breaking: Medellín Venture Capital Announces New Fund.- Medellín Venture Capital Medellín Venture Capital is a new investment program co-led by Medellín's municipality and the innovation center Ruta N. Starting in 2025, it plans to deploy $1.2 million in pre-seed and seed rounds as part of a broader $11 million strategy, targeting sectors like mobility, health, air quality, energy, circular economy, and deeptech. https://rutanmedellin.org/ Please share to let other #Founders know For the ❤️ of Startups #Fusion42 #Startups #Venturecapital

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Talking with Jose Antonio Pascual del Valle, or Pepe, is always interesting: a Spanish that has lived, worked and built for a long time in LatAm and brings different, deep insights to each topic. In this new episode of Startup Sounds, powered by Draper House Americas & Draper Startup House, listen to the head of Cencosud Ventures here: Spotify 🎧 https://lnkd.in/dxNQNtpW YouTube 📹 https://lnkd.in/dU_uG6Ve 🇺🇾THE URUGUAYAN ECOSYSTEM 🌟 What's happening in Uruguay is incredible. Some companies led the way in establishing here, and others followed, like we did with Cencosud Ventures some time ago. They understood that local talent can compete in the Uruguayan market. You also have Kazsek... a friend of mine saw Diaz Velez from Nubank running by the river the other day! IMPROVING RETAIL IN THE AMERICAS 🛍️🌎 With operations across the continent, they are looking for founders who can improve the way people shop, providing more leverage all their assets across the continent and different brands! A PITCH FOR CORPORATE VC 💼🚀 Traditional VCs can compete with us in brand and money and "building" the company. But when it comes to implementing and growing the business, they can't compete with them: they can test and launch their products with Cencosud and all its verticals as clients! SYSTEMATIC INNOVATION IN BIG CORPORATES 🏢💡 At Cencosud, Cencosud Ventures helps challenge the status quo and think creatively about how the company operates. With pilots to learn and identify improvements, different teams manage to launch innovative solutions consistently. Pilots are a double-edged sword: if they are too long, they don't work; decision makers must be comfortable making decisions with less information! THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF BOARDS 🧑‍💼🤝 The best boards he's been part of are energetic, with members sharing insights, information, and ideas, where board meetings are not the only interaction. Boards shouldn't be just for reporting or be boring. They should exist from the start: it's a space for reflecting and abstracting from day-to-day operations. Also, they should have to-dos: a list of tasks for board members to add value! THE CHALLENGE OF WEARING 3 HATS IN BOARDS 🎩🎩🎩 As a corporate VC, he wears three hats: corporate stock owner, regular stock owner, and one that thinks about the wellbeing of the startup. What's best for the startup, the stock owners, and the Corporate VC are not always aligned! Vikram Bharati Ignacio Campo Mariano B. irene pasolini Santiago Caniggia Bengolea Julian De Muria Joaquin Stein Matheus Da Conceição Rodrigues

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Mexico City's Luxury Real Estate: What to Expect in the Coming Months 🏙️✨ As we approach the end of 2024, Mexico City's luxury real estate market is buzzing with anticipation. November and December are poised to offer unique opportunities for investors and luxury home seekers alike. Market Momentum Continues 🌟 Despite global economic fluctuations, Mexico City's luxury property market remains robust. The city's blend of cultural richness and economic stability continues to attract high-net-worth individuals from around the world. Evolving Buyer Preferences 🏡 • Affluent buyers are seeking more than just opulence—they desire homes that elevate their lifestyle. Imagine starting your day with panoramic views of the city skyline 🌇, working from a cutting-edge home office 💼, or relaxing in your private wellness retreat 🧘‍♀️. • Hotspot neighborhoods like Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, and Pedregal offer the perfect mix of luxury, convenience, and community. Why Now is the Ideal Time ⏰ • Currency Advantage 💱: Favorable exchange rates continue to make investments more attractive for foreign buyers. • Negotiation Opportunities 🤝: Year-end market dynamics often lead to motivated sellers open to favorable terms. • Cutting-Edge Developments 🚀: Be among the first to own properties featuring the latest in eco-friendly designs 🌿 and smart home technology 🏠🤖. Key Considerations 🔍 • Interest Rates: Stay informed about current rates that could impact financing. • Economic Policies: Keep an eye on local and global economic indicators that may affect your investment. • Supply Chain Dynamics: Be aware of any developments that could influence construction timelines. Seize the Moment 🚀 The closing months of 2024 present a golden opportunity to invest in Mexico City's luxury real estate. Whether you're looking to expand your investment portfolio or find your dream home, the market is ripe with possibilities. #LuxuryRealEstate #MexicoCity #InvestmentOpportunity #LuxuryLiving #RealEstate2024

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A Journey Between Life Sciences and Mortality This week, I lost a renowned Chilean researcher—my scientific mentor at the start of my career, with whom I shared many years in a biotech startup where I learned so much about the industry. He was much older, and his last days were marked by chronic health issues. Few people know that just months ago, I also lost a dear friend and investor, a passionate advocate for innovation, science, and biotechnology. He was committed to giving new generations the chance to build biologically-driven solutions to alleviate human suffering. It's strange to work in life sciences and speak of death so closely. Maybe it's cultural—we rarely mention death, often treating it as taboo, something to avoid or fight. Because we don't talk about it, we fear it. But death is a natural event, like being born. It doesn't take anything away. Instead, it gives us this moment, as it hasn’t yet taken us. The best preparation for death is to fully live in the present. Losing the fear of death means gaining a greater appreciation for life. We are all on this path; death is the great equalizer. Today, as I left the funeral, walking through a beautiful cemetery, I saw the image I share here. I can't fully explain it, but the pillars you see represent those friends I lost—standing along a path, marking the way for those of us who will follow, sooner or later. Death is part of life. We must honor it, confront it without fear, and appreciate every fleeting moment it grants us. "Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it." — Haruki Murakami #LifeAndDeath #ZentynelVC #ScienceAndBusiness

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LatAm Seed Stage Valuations Are Finally Coming Down – This is Good for Founders and VCs When the market correction started in early 2022 the first companies to see steep valuation declines were public equities, pre-IPO, and late-stage growth businesses. Over the following 18 months, valuation declines trickled down the alphabet until they seemed to hit a wall shielding pre-seed and seed companies whose valuations remained at 2021 levels. This is beginning to change. One of the main reasons for this change is that founders starting a business today are watching their peers who raised in 2021 struggle to sustain their valuations. Many 2021 businesses have resorted to internal bridge rounds, others are doing flat or down rounds, some have decreased burn significantly hoping to grow into their previous round’s high valuation, and yet others have had to fold. None of these scenarios is ideal. They tend to add a lot of stress to founders’ lives and in most cases lead to increased dilution. The business suffers as a consequence. Founders raising their Seed round today are noticing this trend and are adjusting valuations accordingly. This is the smart thing to do for a simple reason: Raising a Series A in 2024 is very different from 2021 In 2024 investors scrutinize traction at the A-round. They meticulously review KPIs, want to understand a path to profitability, double click on cash burn, and then look at what public market comps are trading at. None of that happened in 2021 where a strong team and a compelling vision for the business were enough. What does all this mean for 2024 Seed companies? The implication of raising at a very high valuation in 2024 is that you need to be very confident that you will be able to get enough traction in 24 months to defend a 2x or preferably 3x valuation increase from the previous round. This is easier to do if you start at $7m post vs. $20m post. Conservations between VCs and founders about valuation should focus on having an honest discussion about what needs to happen to raise the next round of financing and what traction and signs of product-market fit one needs to see to go out and raise successfully. Founders and VCs are finally taking note of these new market circumstances and both are better off for it. Disclaimer: There are always exceptions to the above. Some businesses truly require more capital at the early stages of the business in which case a higher valuation is warranted.

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Starting a new business demands more than just a great idea and funding; it requires a deep understanding of every aspect of the business. As the founder of a commercial LED company, which I ran for 15 years during the early days of LED lighting, and later a cannabis cultivation and processing company in Colombia, which I have led for 4 years, and being in the cannabis industry for 8 years, I have seen firsthand the importance of mastering the intricacies of each industry. In the early days of LED lighting, technology was evolving rapidly. Understanding the nuances of light-emitting diodes, manufacturing processes, and specific applications allowed me to innovate and address market needs effectively. This comprehensive knowledge helped my company deliver high-quality solutions and adapt to a fast-changing landscape. Transitioning to the cannabis industry in Colombia posed different challenges. Navigating the regulatory environment, mastering cultivation techniques, processing methods, and understanding global market dynamics were all crucial. Immersing myself in these aspects enabled me to build a solid foundation, ensure compliance, optimise production, and identify key market opportunities. This deep understanding was vital for establishing credibility and trust in a nascent industry. Learning and mastering these industries have made me a more rounded and educated leader. Adapting to different sectors and grasping their complexities enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, allowing me to navigate various business challenges with confidence. This breadth of experience also makes me a highly effective advisor and consultant. I understand the critical factors that drive success in both established and emerging markets and can provide valuable, practical insights to other entrepreneurs and businesses. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of only grasping the basics and hiring employees to manage details from day one. While delegation is essential, doing so too early can be costly and may lead to losing control over the business's direction and ethos. It’s crucial to learn and master your business independently first, conserving resources and ensuring you bring on board individuals who genuinely add value and align with your company’s culture and objectives. In summary, my journey from founding a commercial LED company to leading a cannabis cultivation and processing business in Colombia exemplifies the value of deep industry knowledge. This commitment to learning (which requires commitment on the level of becoming a PhD) has not only fueled my success but also shaped me into a well-rounded, educated leader. It positions me as a valuable advisor and consultant, capable of guiding others through the complexities of their business ventures. #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #IndustryKnowledge #LEDLighting #MedicalCannabis #BusinessStrategy #Consulting #BusinessGrowth #LearningAndDevelopment

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Just released MELI's 3Q results and the word that best summarizes them is "strong", with net revenues of $5.3 billion, growing 35% year-over-year. I am amazed by the power of this ecosystem. In Commerce, unique buyers climbed 21% year-on-year, to nearly 61 million, while GMV reached $12.9 billion, rising 14% in dollars; Mercado Pago saw its credit portfolio soar by 77% year-on-year, reaching an impressive $6 billion; and total payment volume (TPV) increased by 34% to $50.7 billion. We continue to make key strategic decisions to ensure the sustainable growth of our ecosystem with investments in customer experience, technology and logistics remaining at the forefront of commerce and technology in Latin America! The best is yet to come! #MercadoLibre #ShapingOurX25

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Venture Capital Mx - Digitt "Digitt is here to provide a fair and transparent option for people with a proven willingness and ability to pay, currently paying higher interest rates than what they deserve. We’re not just another financial service; we’re a partner for those looking to rebuild their financial lives." - David García Aceves Digitt, co founded by David García Aceves and Manuel Alvarez Vergara, is a fintech company that helps individuals in Mexico manage and refinance their credit card debt, specifically focusing on prime and near-prime customers. Digitt offers personalized solutions with fair interest rates and no hidden fees, making financial recovery more accessible and transparent for users. Traditional banks have long profited from consumers through opaque fees and soaring interest rates, often trapping even financially responsible individuals in cycles of debt. “Banks have been taking advantage of customers with hidden fees and predatory rates for years. We knew there had to be a better way, and that’s why we built Digitt.” In this feature, David shares the inspiration behind Digitt, key insights into the company’s digital marketing success, and the challenges of raising capital in Mexico’s financial markets. Link to Full Feature in Comments #startups #mexico #venturecapital

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In this episode of "Real Angle" about setting up a first fund, Diego Hurtado, MBA, MSc, Principal at Navio Consulting (https://lnkd.in/e5VTUVZF), discusses fund management and raising funds for small to medium-sized developers. Navio Consulting helps these developers build and set up real estate investment funds, and then assists in managing them. The typical fund structure involves adhering to Regulation D, Rule 506(c), which allows for the marketing of the offering to accredited investors. Diego emphasizes the importance of trust and relationships in the fundraising process, and the need for professionalization in the industry.

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