Caricaco Summit 2026 positions Central America as a leading VC ecosystem in Latin America
The event’s third edition brought together more than 280 venture capital and startup ecosystem leaders at the Marriott Los Sueños in Costa Rica.
Los Sueños, Costa Rica, 19 March 2026. — The third edition of the Caricaco Summit 2026 was successfully held on 18 and 19 March at the Marriott Los Sueños in Costa Rica, organized by Caricaco Ventures. The event brought together more than 280 attendees—including entrepreneurs, investors, and venture capital ecosystem leaders—from Central America, the Caribbean, and countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States, reaffirming its position as one of the region’s leading venture capital ecosystem events.
An agenda featuring international guests
This edition featured prominent international figures from the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship, including:
- Eric Acher, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Monashees
- Paulo Passoni, Managing Partner of Valor Capital
- Allen Taylor, Managing Partner of Endeavor Catalyst
- Brian Requarth, Co-Founder of Latitud
- Roger Terán, Co-Founder of R2
- Shu Nyatta, Founder and Managing Partner of Bicycle Capital
Attendees especially valued the opportunity to meet and interact directly with these leaders—decision-makers who would be difficult to reach in other settings.
Highlights from Caricaco Summit 2026
Over the course of two days, Caricaco Summit offered a high-caliber program featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and ample networking opportunities. The event had a main stage for its core sessions, as well as coffee-break areas and dining spaces that encouraged spontaneous connections among participants. Toyota and JP Morgan joined the event as lead sponsors. On day 2, JP Morgan hosted a special closed-door event exclusively for the region’s Family Offices.
One of the first day’s highlights was the closing panel featuring Roger Terán, co-founder of R2, who shared his experience following the company’s recent exit, offering an open and candid perspective on building and selling a startup in the region.
To close out the first day, attendees enjoyed an evening of traditional Costa Rican music and dancing, adding a cultural and celebratory dimension to the gathering.
“Caricaco Summit is unquestionably one of the best events in the region. The quality of the content, speakers, and panels is outstanding. The networking with entrepreneurs, investors, and a highly curated group of family offices makes it well worth attending for anyone in the startup and venture capital ecosystem.” Pablo García, Executive Director of Enlaces, an angel investor network in the Dominican Republic.
Launch: Mapping the 20 standout startups in Central America and the Caribbean
One of the most significant announcements at this edition was the presentation of the mapping of the 20 most promising startups in Central America and the Caribbean, an initiative developed by Startuplinks and Cuántico VP, with support from Caricaco Ventures and other funds in the region. The study identifies and highlights twenty companies with exceptional qualities, and aims to raise the profile of the entrepreneurial talent and potential emerging in these markets.
Access the mapping and connect with the 20 startups listed here.
“We created this mapping because we want other ecosystems to know what’s being built in Central America and the Caribbean. We joined forces with the region’s top venture capital funds and asked them to nominate the best startups, so we could put together a high-quality list. We definitely achieved our goal, and I’m very happy with the result. Central America and the Caribbean have great startups that, in 2-3 years, will be making waves across the region; we saw companies with tremendous potential, especially in fintech and enterprise software.” Said Israel García, CEO and Co-Founder of Startuplinks.
A maturing and consolidating ecosystem
With each edition, Caricaco Summit is cementing its place as a forum where Central America and the Caribbean’s entrepreneurial ecosystem comes together, builds connections, and moves forward. The caliber of attendees, the diversity of their backgrounds, and the depth of the conversations reflect a region claiming its place on Latin America’s venture capital map.
About Caricaco Ventures
Caricaco is the leading community for the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem of Central America and the Caribbean. Learn more at https://caricaco.com/
Press contact:
- Valerie Arias - Communications Coordinator
- valerie@caricaco.com
