Finalists from WeXchange’s Call for Proposals Pitch their Companies to Investors

IDB Lab’s WeXchange platform focuses on the growth of female STEM entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean

Fifteen women entrepreneurs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) areas from Latin America will present their startups to potential investors on May 24 at an event developed by IDB Lab, under its WeXchange platform, focused on technological entrepreneurship led by women. The WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition finalists will present to the most relevant investors in the venture capital industry in our region, in Miami, during the VC Latam Summit, organized by nine national venture capital associations and private capital.

More than 300 applicants applied for this call, aimed at the most innovative and dynamic entrepreneurs in our region. Startups were required to have a founder or a woman on their leadership team and to have technology at the core of their product or service. The companies were also required to be in their financing phase and have their headquarters and operations based in at least one country in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“WeXchange is one of IDB Lab’s flagship platforms to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Latin America and the Caribbean while addressing priorities such as gender equality. Companies with women on their leadership teams generate a better return on investment. Entrepreneurial women, technology, and innovation form a virtuous circle that helps Latin America and the Caribbean continue to advance along the path of recovery,” said Irene Arias, CEO of IDB Lab.

The finalists come from seven countries in the region (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru) and are focused on the areas of finance, education, health, food, agriculture, veterinary medicine, human resources, commerce, artificial intelligence, and big data. In addition to contacting potential investors, the representatives of these fifteen companies have had the opportunity to participate in a five-day boot camp, organized by Google, to receive specific training that includes workshops on technology, digital marketing, leadership, and raising capital.

The leading STEM finalists who will present their companies are:

• Tatiana Malvasio, Co-founder and COO of Kilimo (Argentina), a platform that uses artificial intelligence to help farmers reduce irrigation and optimize their crops. 
• Ingrid Briggiler, founder and CEO of Nume (Argentina), a monthly subscription solution for purchasing contraceptives and accessing medical consultations in a simple and affordable way.
• Omaira Saucedo, Co-founder, and CMO of Tu Gerente (Bolivia), financial software for SMEs that organizes and collects information from SMEs in one place, facilitating registration and management.
• Coloma Gil, Co-founder, and CEO of Ambar (Chile), a pet care platform offering veterinary appointments and the sale of medicines, food, or accessories for pets, among other services.
• Agustina Colunga, COO of Get on Board (Chile), a recruitment platform for information technology professionals. 
• Elena Shtonova, CEO of MO Technologies (Colombia), a company that offers modular credit services and uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to determine the financial capacity of companies, merchants, and individuals.
• Catalina Gómez, Co-founder, and CEO of Veloz (Colombia), a platform that connects commercial brands with women dedicated to independent sales.
• Fernanda Alderette, Founder and CEO of Databits (Ecuador), a live online learning platform helping improve employees’ skills in data science and artificial intelligence.
• Andrea Baba, Co-founder, and CEO of Fitco (Mexico), an all-in-one business software that allows you to create personalized web pages and integrate online payment solutions, facilitating online sales.
• Gabriela Ceballos, Co-founder, and CEO of Hitch (Mexico), a data-driven, technology-enabled recruiting platform that makes up for the lack of data by hiring the right talent.
• Kylie Naughton, COO of Jefa (Mexico), a women-only digital community that allows female entrepreneurs to access financing opportunities, such as savings accounts, credit cards, and loans.
• Elizabeth Ureta, CSO of Plant Squad (Mexico), a company that formulates, manufactures, and markets 100% plant-based food products, allowing consumers to follow a more environmentally and health-friendly vegetarian diet.
• Marianella Alvarez, growth leader of Manzana Verde (Peru), a monthly subscription platform delivering healthy meals and nutritional advice.
• Laure Schlesinger, Co-founder and COO of Prestamype (Peru), a Fintech company focused on providing financing and electronic invoicing solutions to micro and small businesses.
• Domenica Obando, Founder, and CEO of Talently (Peru), a company that trains technological talent in Latin America to obtain remote jobs worldwide.

The event, organized by WeXchange to connect female entrepreneurs with investors, includes a conversation with founders and partners of startups and venture capital funds who will share their experiences with both the face-to-face and virtual audience, providing practical advice to raising capital - one of the most significant challenges when starting a business.

This event is made possible with the support of Google and the Women Entrepreneurs Funding Initiative (We-Fi).

It will take place on May 24, in person, in the city of Miami, and virtually. To register, please click here. For more information, please visit the WeXchange homepage.