CUX IA, an Argentinian startup, has been selected to participate in the European acceleration program “Hummelnest Accelerator,” organized by Transformation Lighthouse. Additionally, the company has secured an initial investment of €50,000 from the European venture capital fund RUJ VC.
Transformation Lighthouse Expands to Argentina
Transformation Lighthouse has announced its entry into Argentina with the goal of identifying and nurturing local talent to drive business innovation. As part of this initiative, it selected seven global startups to join the “Hummelnest Accelerator” program, which connects startups with potential business opportunities. Among the chosen companies, CUX IA stands out as a promising player.
This year, Transformation Lighthouse has partnered with Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark, a leading Austrian bank committed to fostering innovation, and RUJ VC, a European venture capital fund dedicated to supporting startups. Together, they will provide mentorship, financial support, and networking opportunities to the selected startups, helping them scale internationally. RUJ VC has already committed to an initial investment of €50,000 in CUX IA, recognizing the potential of its project. Other startups in the program also have the opportunity to receive similar funding at the end of the program.
A Competitive Selection Process
Out of 678 startup applicants from 69 countries, 20 were shortlisted for the program. Among them, two were Argentinian: CUX IA and NotFossil, which participated in the Circular Hero Track program. Ultimately, CUX IA, founded by Connie Ansaldi, was one of the seven startups selected to join the accelerator.
“We aim to create an environment where startups can thrive with the right support, accessing funding, mentorship, and strategic connections crucial for global success. The strong performance of Argentinian startups in our program reinforces our confidence in local talent and their extraordinary ability to innovate with passion,” stated Urska Jez, CEO and founder of Transformation Lighthouse and Managing Partner at RUJ VC.
CUX IA: A Promising Startup in Emotional Well-Being
CUX IA, founded and led by CEO Connie Ansaldi, is an innovative platform focused on comprehensive emotional well-being. It integrates artificial intelligence with human support, offering access to healthcare professionals via telemedicine. Following in the footsteps of the Argentinian startup Nawaiam, which won the 2024 edition of the program, CUX IA was selected by Transformation Lighthouse to expand its global reach.
“We are thrilled to announce that CUX IA is the first startup to join the Hummelnest Accelerator 2025, an acceleration program backed by Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark and Transformation Lighthouse. Hummelnest is more than just a program; it is an ecosystem where magic happens, a place where great ideas turn into impactful realities. This initiative is supported by a strong alliance between the financial sector and innovation, alongside the brilliant minds of Urška Jež from Transformation Lighthouse and Hannes Meixner from Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark,” said Connie Ansaldi, CEO and founder of CUX IA.
“For CUX IA, this is a major milestone in our growth journey. Being chosen by a financial institution of Raiffeisen-Landesbank’s caliber and an accelerator team like Transformation Lighthouse is a testament to our mission: making emotional well-being an accessible priority for everyone. Furthermore, receiving an investment offer from a European venture capital firm, RUJ VC, is an important recognition of our value to society,” Ansaldi added.
Funding and Growth Opportunities
In addition to the initial investment, startups in the program have the chance to secure further financing based on their performance and growth. The selection process concluded on January 26, 2025, with applicants submitting their forms via the Hummelnest platform. The high number of applications highlights the program’s global significance and impact.
The selected startups will benefit from:
- Potential investment of up to €100,000, including €50,000 from Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark and an equal potential amount from RUJ VC.
- Business development mentorship, leadership coaching, and growth strategy guidance.
- Strategic connections with key businesses and markets in Europe, the U.S., and India.
- Specialized workshops on team development and international expansion.
A Track Record of Success in Argentina
“We are extremely proud to have been selected among so many startups and to be the first in Latin America to receive this recognition. This achievement is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. With the guidance and leadership of Urska and her team, we are confident that we will not only continue growing but also forge meaningful synergies that will unlock exciting opportunities for our future. This is just the beginning of a promising journey toward innovation,” said Horacio Llovet, founder and CEO of Nawaiam. His company was selected for the 2024 edition of the “Hummelnest Accelerator” and continues to benefit from Transformation Lighthouse’s support today.
With this new milestone, CUX IA is set to make a significant impact in the field of emotional well-being, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to expand globally.