By some measures, this has been a down year for Peru startups seeking to enter acceleration programs. For example, no Peru startups were selected for the latest batches of Y Combinator or 500 Startups Latam.
However, in many ways, founders in Peru or local acceleration programs are moving forward. Only in the last month, over 20 up-and-coming Peru startups were selected to particiate in acceleration programs. Many are relative newcomers to the startup community.
Local programs supporting promising startups
UTEC Ventures. UTEC Ventures, which has separated itself as the top accelerator in Peru, announced its ninth generation of startups. This is exciting because there are A LOT of startups here. UTEC is constantly evolving and staying relevant, as shown by this year’s focus on Fintech and the Post-Covid world. With the help of Peru’s local Fintech Association, 21 startups were selected.
Endeavor ScaleUp 2020. This year’s Endeavor Peru program includes Cuy Movil, Dyfferent, Grupo Alba and Riqra. Group Alba is a company offering high quality products to the growing pet market in Peru – brands include Barker, Yogy and Natural Home.
Regional programs selecting Peru startups
Platzi DemoDay. The Platzi program picked Agente BTC and Smiledu as two of fifteen finalists. It’s refreshing to see an international, startup-led accelerator giving exposure to two Peruvian startups. The Platzi program has a bunch of great perks, including getting advice from members of the most successful startups in the region.
Visa Everywhere. Riqra was one of only 10 finalists for the Finnovista Visa Everywhere program. The Peru startup will be part of a showcase on Thursday, October 15th. You can register here.
The state of the early stage Peru startup ecosystem is strong. Tech startups are accelerating through 2020. Now it’s investors turn to back some of these promising teams.