Musings from Mexico City #15
Welcome to the fifteenth edition of Musings from Mexico City. A personal newsletter on tech, community, and happenings in Mexico City & Latin America!
Returning after a brief hiatus from writing fills me with enthusiasm. In today's Musings, I am eager to delve into topics like co-hosting the inaugural Mexico Tech Week in 2023 & recently announced 2024 dates, recent funding developments in Mexico, and the myriad opportunities unfolding at Latin American startups and venture capital funds.
Upon reflection of the past quarter, I have discerned a palpable surge of positive momentum in the early-stage landscape. It is heartening to witness an opportune period for fundraising, witnessing startups finding solid ground as they navigate the intricate path toward achieving product-market fit and sustainable revenue growth.
The prospects for investment in Latin America have never been more promising, and I take pride in standing alongside those committed to the region's enduring spirit.
🇲🇽 Mexico Tech Week & Dates for 2024!
I was energized to be part of launching the inaugural year of Mexico Tech Week. Alongside Alex Santana, Itzel Revuelta, Victor Noguera, Bernie Cordero, Vincent Speranza, Patricia Gamieros, and Archie Cochrane — we spent many hours helping create the frame to build a community-led “unconference”that turned into a magical week
We had over 80+ events, 130+ event partners, and 3,600+ participants that helped make Mexico City’s tech ecosystem feel electric. Check out the amazing Recap video by our media partner, VIOO here
We are looking forward to Mexico Tech Week 2024. The official dates are October 21-27, 2024 (more here)!
💸 Mexico Fundraising News
500 Startups LatAm launches Fund IV to continue to invest in Latin America (more here)
Kapital raises $40M Series B led by Tribe Capital (more here)
Yalo raises $20M Series C extension (more here)
Solvento raises $3.5M Seed extension and $50M debt vehicle (more here)
Pomelo raises a $40M Series B led by Kaszek (more here)
🔼 Promotions & Movement @ Latam VC Funds
Ian Medford-Gonzalez leaves FEMSA Ventures after 5 years to joins Kuona as Chief of Staff & Head of Finance
Daniel Bronsoiler joins Bridge Investments as an MBA Intern while at Kellogg School of Management, previously at DILA Capital
Patricia Desentis was promoted to Principal at 500 Startups Latam
Clare McKee leaves Propel Ventures and joins Functional Finance as a Product Manager
📚 What I’m Reading…
Expanding Your US Brand into Mexico: The Power of a Merchant of Record (more here)
RappiCuenta to Cease Operations in Mexico by February 2024 (more here)
High interest rates, main obstacle for fintech (more here)
2024 Fintech Predictions by QED (more here)
👩💻 VC Firms & Startups Hiring
Latin America Investment Intern @ Quona Capital (apply here)
Principal @ Fen Ventures (apply here)
🐶 Dog of the Month: Hal-Finney!
🎉 Congratulations, Hal-Finney! Our Pawsitively Pawesome Dog of the Month! Pup of Lynne 🐾
We're thrilled to announce that Hal has wagged his way into our hearts and clinched the title of Dog of the Month! 🏆 Hal, with his irresistible charm and furry charisma, has captured the admiration of the entire community.
Let's raise our paws in celebration of Hal's paw-some achievement!
💜 Gratitude
Thank you to the many friends, peers, and mentors who continue to support me in my LatAm journey. A special shout-out to Marcelo Claure, Shu Nyatta, Stephania Greco, Felipe Fujiwara, Ana Ramos, Itzel Revuelta, Alex Santana, Chase Hansel, Natalia Gonzalez-Vela, Farshid Jahed, Cristian Raygoza, David Haber, Alex Friedman, Andrew Vuu, Eze Piantoni, Claudio Schlegel, Miguel Armanza, Matt Pieterse, Amelia Friedman-DeSorrento, Robin Fish, Mo Barhoush, Delma Betancourt, Mercedes Zhang, Ryan Croft, Mercedes Zhang, Fabrice Nadjari, Miguel Burger-Calderon, Chris Schroeder, Pam Simon, Allen Taylor, Alex Pudge, Olivia Deng, Haziq Azizi Bin Ahmad Zakir, Evan Cohen, and Kelly Kiewel.
Abrazos,
Kate Kiewel