Crazy Wisdom The Changing Face of Entrepreneurship in Latin America: A Conversation with Ivan Montoya
Aug 14, 2023
53:32
Intro
- Guest: Ivan Montoya, a LatAm Super Angel & VC. Follow him out on LinkedIN
- Focus areas: #fintech, #proptech, #logistics, #latinamerica, and #latamstartups.
- In Latin America, traditional methods still have a place, and macro-level influences are impactful, but the atomic level of capitalism is most vital.
- Technology startups have to consider various factors like interest rates, product pricing, investor risk, and tax incentives.
- The investment environment is dependent on both investors and founders, and the company's stage.
- A clear separation should exist between investors and the business, with distinctions between super passive investors and active investors.
- The investors' role in company ownership is crucial.
- There's a shift towards similarity in investing in private companies in Latin America.
- In 5 years, generalizations about Silicon Valley may change.
- Confidence levels in raising capital differ.
- 2nd and 3rd time investors are less rare in Silicon Valley, and the difference between LatAm and others is startup types and deep tech focus.
- Ambition levels differ across regions, but a focus exists on LatAm for global opportunities.
- Startups have evolved from a clubby environment to a more open one, where introductions are not limited to referrals.
- Different backgrounds create diversity, leading to great companies, as in Silicon Valley.
- The role of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and how it influences investment decisions.
- A focus on long-term prospects over quick gains.
- Overview of Brazilian startup landscape, which is ahead of other Latin American countries.
- Banks were traditionally oligopolistic; now, Central Bank drives innovation.
- Industry sectors include cyber security, hospitality, logistics, and social media.
- Trends include consumer and B2B focus, and a comparison to U.S. debt/credit.
- Innovations in access to credit, with examples of companies like Onecarnow.
- Inertia of organizations in the U.S. compared to Latin America.
- Innovation in home lending and credit systems, including AI and technology in collection processes.
- Economy as a mix of physics (e.g., positive cash flows, unit economics) and psychology (e.g., willingness to endure losses).
- Historical examples and reminiscing about market scenarios.