The J Curve with Olga Maslikhova Paulo Passoni (Valor Capital) on IPOs, M&A, and AI’s Impact on Startups in Latam
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Feb 11, 2025 Paulo Passoni, a leading Latin American investor and key figure in SoftBank's tech investments, dives into the challenges startups face in LatAm. He discusses the shortcomings of M&A as an exit strategy and the harsh realities of pursuing IPOs, revealing that $300M+ revenue is essential for listing. Paulo critiques the $200M acquisition trap, explores how SoftBank's investments reshaped the landscape, and emphasizes the critical role of AI in accelerating startup growth. His insights are a must for anyone invested in the future of Latin American entrepreneurship.
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Upbringing and Early Influences
- Paulo Passoni grew up in a poor Sao Paulo neighborhood, but attended a good private school.
- His mother's career as a congresswoman taught him about risk-taking and hard work.
Volleyball and Life Lessons
- Playing professional volleyball taught Paulo about meritocracy and teamwork.
- It also showed him that early success doesn't guarantee future success.
Brazilian Economic Influence
- Growing up in Brazil's volatile economy shaped Paulo's understanding of risk and resilience.
- However, it also instilled a short-term mindset that can hinder long-term growth.