Accelerators That Invest in Latin American Startups

In recent years, accelerators have become highly prominent in Latin America because of the significant support they provide to entrepreneurs in the region. According to our own research, 7 out of every 10 startup founders in LatAm are first-time founders. That means they will face many challenges on their journey to building a successful company

In this overview, we list the accelerators that actively invest in and accelerate Latin American startups, along with their investment offerings. Some have a fixed offering, others offer flexibility, and some are equity-free (grants). 

Acceleration programs investing in LATAM startups

1. 500 Global LATAM. 500 Global is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage founders building fast-growing technology companies. Investment: US $300K per 10%.
2. Institute for the Future of Education. IFE Launch is an initiative of the Tecnológico de Monterrey, led by the Institute for the Future of Education. IFE Launch is the international acceleration program for early-stage EdTechs seeking to solve educational challenges in Higher Education or Lifelong Learning. Equity-free investment: Up to US$ 30K
3. Rockstart LATAM. Rockstart is a global technology-focused startup accelerator founded in Amsterdam, with a presence in Latin America through its office in Bogotá, Colombia. Investment: US $125K for *6% in a SAFE + a follow-on of at least US $125K on the terms of the round.
4. EF Ventures. EF Ventures is a venture capital firm with 3 verticals. EF Ventures is the VC arm, investing a minimum of 25.000 USD and up to 250.000 USD in startups that understand how to sell. Then there is EF Exponential Accelerator, a 4-month acceleration program for startups looking to scale and grow their numbers rapidly. Finally, EF Espacios flexibles provides space for our startups and other startups to build a new hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Investment: 1st ticket ranges from US $25K to US $250K + a potential follow-on of US $40K.
5. Aster. Aster is the first startup accelerator in northern Chile. We were founded to strengthen and promote Antofagasta as a technology hub by supporting ventures working on solutions in mining, renewable energy, water processes, logistics, tourism, and astronomy. Investment: Initial ticket of US $15k, follow-on of US $50k or US $20k. Terms:some text
   1. 2,5% equity (negotiable for more advanced startups)
   2. 4% of sales until reaching 8M (including VAT)
6. Magical Startups. Magical Startups is a Chilean business accelerator. Since 2013, we have invested in and accelerated founders. We will invest a ticket of USD 125.000 in startups looking for a partner to help grow their business. After investing in your startup, we work together on a diagnostic to identify your challenges and opportunities. Investment: US $125K through a SAFE for an ownership stake between 4% and 10%, depending on the valuation.
7. Platanus Ventures. Platanus Ventures is an accelerator for early-stage Spanish-speaking digital ventures. We offer USD $200,000 in exchange for 5.5% equity, agreed upon through a SAFE. You also take part in a 3-month acceleration program where you receive mentorship from startup founders whose digital products have succeeded. Investment: US $200K for 5.5%
8. Start-up Chile. Start-Up Chile (SUP) is a public startup accelerator created by the Chilean Government for high-potential entrepreneurs to bootstrap their startups and use Chile as a foundation. Today, Start-Up Chile is the leading accelerator in LATAM, among the TOP 10 globally, and one of the biggest and most diverse startup communities in the world. Start-Up Chile has been a global game changer. Investment: Start-up Chile invests equity-free grants through 3 programs:some text
   1. Build: Approximately US $16K
   2. Ignite: Approximately US $32.9K
   3. Growth: Approximately US $82K
9. The Ganesha Lab. The Ganesha Lab is a Global Biotech Scale up for science and technology-based startups in Latam. We aim to inspire a better understanding of culture and responsiveness of evolving humans, connecting the world of science, biotech, entrepreneurs and people. Investment: US $100K
10. IndieBio. Our business is to turn scientists into entrepreneurs who can save lives and save the planet (we call this “human and planetary health”). Investment: US $525K
11. Techstars. Techstars is the global platform for investment and innovation. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with 3 simple ideas: entrepreneurs create the future, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Today, our mission is to make innovation accessible to everyone, everywhere. We do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. Investment: US $120K
12. Y Combinator. Twice a year we invest $500,000 per company in a large number of startups. We work intensively with the companies for three months, to get them into the best possible shape and refine their pitch to investors. Each cycle culminates in Demo Day, when the startups present their companies to a carefully selected, invite-only audience. Investment: US $500K
13. BuenTrip Hub. BuenTrip Hub seeks to transform local ecosystems and industries by identifying, mentoring, and investing in the most innovative technology startups in Latin America. Investment: US $100K for 7%.
14. Parallel 18. Parallel18 offers Puerto Rican and international entrepreneurs access to high-quality business training, mentors, business contacts and investors to help them scale from Puerto Rico. The program is part of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, a private non-profit created with the goal of maximizing Puerto Rico’s participation and creation of jobs in the global knowledge economy by promoting the investment and financing of science and technology research and development. Investment: US $40K equity-free + US $20K through a SAFE
15. UTEC Ventures.   UTEC Ventures. Empowering the best entrepreneurs in Latam. We connect the best technology startups and the world’s largest corporations. Investment:  US $25K investment in a convertible note (2,5%) + up to US $50K thousand (grant).
16. Boost Acceleration Camp. At Boost Acceleration, we help our startups accelerate their growth and prepare for upcoming investment rounds. Investment: Investment of USD $60K. USD $30K is in cash, and the other $USD 30K is in services.
17. StartGlobal. START Fellowship is a student-run accelerator program aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income countries through an interdisciplinary program. Grant: US $28K Founder Scholarship + US $7K equity-free kick-off grant + Up to US $90K grant.
18. AceleraLATAM. At AceleraLatam, we are a business accelerator and VC focused on improving the performance of early-stage startups and ventures. Investment: Startups selected after the program may be eligible for investment ranging from US $300K to US $700K
19. LAN Accelerator. LAN Accelerator has a 12-week program designed to bridge the gap between startups and product-market fit, focusing on emerging markets in Latin America. Investment (Best performers): US $50K - US $150K.
20. ‍Embarca. Embarca invests in bold, rocket-fueled early-stage entrepreneurs. We love decentralization, environmental and social impact. We are a hands-on fund for startups.   Investment: US $25K - US $50K

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