AI Fest: Bridging the Gap Between Startups and Investment Funds in Latin America
AI Fest fosters connections between startups and investors in Latin America, highlighting Cora as the winner of the “AI For Corporates Challenge” and cementing Mexico City’s status.
- Although talent and AI adoption are advancing rapidly in Latin America, investment remains below its potential. Building bridges between startups and investment funds is essential to scale innovation and foster a more mature ecosystem.
- Cora won the “AI For Corporates Challenge,” held during AI Fest as part of Mexico Tech Week 2025, earning access to a package of resources valued at $20,000 USD to support its growth.
- The collaboration between startups and investment funds, strengthened by this festival, cements Mexico City’s status as a technology hub and enables Latin America to compete globally in purposeful innovation.
While talent and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) are growing rapidly in Latin America, investment in the region remains considerably below its potential, making it necessary to build bridges between startups and investment funds. In this context, events like AI Fest are essential for closing that gap and connecting innovation with capital.
On Thursday 23 in October, Mexico City reaffirmed its technology leadership in Latin America. The private cocktail reception—organized by Batech.ai, Startuplinks, Bluebox and Fleet as part of Mexico Tech Week 2025 — closed out AI Fest and brought together investors, founders, and business leaders in a space where strategic connections shape the future of the industry.
“The difference between a startup that manages to scale its operations and one that stagnates lies in access to spaces where talent meets those who can turn innovation into reality. This event is the perfect bridge for driving collaboration between startups and investment funds,” says Israel García, Director of Startuplinks.
Innovation Is Also About Making Connections
During the event, networking took center stage. Attendees exchanged contact information, explored partnerships, and discussed funding opportunities, while the finalists in the “AI For Corporates Challenge” prepared to present their proposals to a panel of experts. Four startups competed for the award:
- Cora: A platform for automating regulatory compliance.
- Maat.ai: A company specializing in identity verification and document validation.
- Fleet: A company focused on predictive AI-powered people analytics.
- LlamitAI: A startup developing intelligent agents for financial services.
At the end of the deliberations, the judges crowned Cora the winner of the competition. In addition to consulting services from sponsors, including companies such as Nvidia, Oracle, Perkins Coie, and Lazo, it will receive a package of resources valued at $20,000 USD.
From Latin America to the World
The event cemented the Mexican capital’s position as the region’s center for technological innovation.
“Latin America has what it takes to compete on a global scale. What’s needed is to create meeting points like AI Fest, where collaboration translates into capital, mentorship, and market access—making it possible for companies to grow sustainably.”
AI Fest was backed by key sponsors such as CuanticoVP, Felz, deRecruiters, Apolo25, Delfi AI, ADN, Brücke, and Fleet, companies committed to strengthening the region’s technology sector. The event sets a precedent for future gatherings that can make Latin America an international benchmark for purposeful innovation.
About Startuplinks
Startuplinks is a venture capital (VC) platform that strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mexico and Latin America. It connects founders, investors, and key players to accelerate the growth of startups with global potential. Based in Mexico City, it offers tools, data, educational content, calls for applications, and reports that drive innovation and access to capital across the region. Its mission is to help Latin American founders build world-class startups. Learn more at www.startuplinks.world
About Batech
Batech is a Mexican artificial intelligence company that turns existing cameras into sources of strategic data. Its SaaS platform transforms images into actionable insights to optimize safety, efficiency, and customer experience in sectors such as retail, logistics, and industry. With proprietary technology and reach across Latin America, Batech is driving the transition to smarter spaces and data-driven decisions. Learn more at www.batech.ai
