In a thriving ecosystem where entrepreneurial talent is abundant, yet consolidation remains a challenge, Emprelatam emerges as a key accelerator for Latin American startups.
Founded in early 2019 by Juan Manuel Amorós, a seasoned entrepreneur with an extensive background in the tech industry, Emprelatam was created with the mission of providing strategic support to entrepreneurs without requiring an equity stake. This equity-free model has accelerated over 950 startups across 20 countries, generating a total revenue of $4 million.
A Strong Support Network
Emprelatam offers tailored mentorship, progress tracking, and strategic connections at the regional level. The firm boasts a robust support network of over 3,500 professionals, including:
- Mentors
- Investors
- Corporations
- Governments
- Public and private entities
“I believe in the transformative economic and social power of businesses and the courage of entrepreneurs to make it happen. They just need the right conditions to succeed,” says Juan Manuel Amorós, CEO and founder of Emprelatam, in an exclusive interview with iProUP.
Supporting Startups at All Stages
Unlike traditional accelerators that focus solely on companies with unicorn potential, Emprelatam supports startups at different stages, from early ideas to scale-ups—firms that have already surpassed their initial growth phase.
Some of the Latin American startups that have benefited from Emprelatam include:
- Morfi (Argentina)
- Buho (Chile)
- Mercately (Ecuador)
- Leadsales (Mexico)
- Sento.ai (Guatemala)
- Val Logistics (Colombia)
A Bridge Between Startups and Investment Funds
One of Emprelatam’s key differentiators is that it does not take equity in the companies it supports. Instead, it acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs and investment opportunities.
“With a flexible support model, Emprelatam has connected startups with investment funds such as Y Combinator, Techstars, and Cacao Ventures, enabling them to raise more than $70 million in funding,” adds Amorós.
More than 950 tech companies in the region have received support from Emprelatam, with 54% of them originating from more developed ecosystems such as:
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Chile
- Colombia
The Selection Process
To join Emprelatam, startups must go through a rigorous selection process. Every cycle, the accelerator receives around 700 applications, but only a select number of projects make it through multiple interviews to become part of the program.
“At very early stages, we look for talented, complementary teams with a strong desire to disrupt the status quo and a healthy obsession with the problem and solution they are developing,” explains Amorós.
The Future of Emprelatam
Startups that have participated in Emprelatam have raised over $70 million in investment from venture capital funds, angel investors, and grants, typically giving up 15% equity per round.
Looking ahead, the accelerator aims to impact more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners in the coming years.
“We seek to solidify our presence and impact, becoming the go-to reference for tech startup creation and growth, not only for startups but also for companies looking to expand through our network,” Amorós told iProUP.
To achieve this, Emprelatam will launch a new platform powered by cutting-edge technology and backed by industry leaders. The goal is to triple support for early-stage companies.
Additionally, the company plans to establish physical hubs in key Latin American countries, where startups, entrepreneurs, and investors can meet and access growth resources. These hubs will be launched in:
- Argentina
- Chile
- Mexico
- Colombia
“We are very optimistic about Argentina’s future. The world is once again looking at us, thanks to our history of success and resilience, with outstanding Argentine entrepreneurs. We want to reclaim our position as a beacon of technology and innovation in Latin America,” concludes Amorós.