GAN and Tecnológico de Monterrey Partner to Boost Latin American Startups

The Latin American startup ecosystem is experiencing an exciting transformation, thanks to key partnerships designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. One such collaboration is the recent integration of Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Entrepreneurship Centre into the Global Accelerator Network (GAN). This strategic partnership is expected to elevate the region’s budding startups and help them access global markets. Despite the political tensions that have recently emerged between the United States and Latin America, cross-border business ventures continue to thrive, as evidenced by this partnership.

This blog dives deep into the growing synergy between the GAN network and Tecnológico de Monterrey, and how it could reshape the future of entrepreneurship in Latin America.

What is the Global Accelerator Network (GAN)?

The Global Accelerator Network (GAN), founded in Denver, Colorado in 2010, has become a key player in the global startup ecosystem. Originally tied to Techstars, one of the world’s leading accelerator programs, GAN has grown into a powerful organisation that connects startups, accelerators, and venture studios worldwide. With an estimated portfolio value of USD $10.7 billion, GAN offers startups access to a wide array of resources, tools, and expert insights to help them scale.

GAN’s community comprises over 100 accelerator programs across the globe, each committed to nurturing early-stage ventures. Through its network, startups gain access to investors, mentors, and essential services that can significantly increase their chances of success. This global network aims to create synergies and provide startups with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive, rapidly changing market.

Tecnológico de Monterrey Joins GAN: A Milestone for Latin America

In a significant move for Latin America’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Technology and Scientific-Based Entrepreneurship Centre of Excellence (EBCT) from Tecnológico de Monterrey recently joined GAN’s network. As one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America, Tecnológico de Monterrey has consistently been at the forefront of fostering innovation, and its partnership with GAN is a step toward amplifying its global presence.

This collaboration aims to connect students, faculty, and startups with a global network of investors and industry experts. Founded in 2001, the EBCT Centre has graduated over 4,500 startups, created over 34,000 jobs, and helped entrepreneurs build businesses in digital products, biotechnology, AI, agricultural technology, climate tech, and food tech. The centre’s alumni companies have raised millions of dollars in funding and gone on to prestigious international accelerator programs like Techstars and Y Combinator.

By joining GAN, the EBCT Centre will gain even greater resources, allowing it to better support its startups and continue to drive innovation in the region.

Why Does This Partnership Matter for Latin American Startups?

This partnership is critical for Latin American startups for several reasons:

1. Access to Global Networks:
   By joining GAN, Tecnológico de Monterrey can now tap into an extensive global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. This opens up cross-border opportunities that were previously less accessible for many Latin American startups. Global collaboration can help companies grow faster, connect with investors, and gain international traction.

2. Boost to Innovation and Talent:
   With access to GAN’s resources and expertise, startups in Latin America will have the tools to develop innovative products and services. This can help the region foster home-grown talent and reduce brain drain, as entrepreneurs can now scale their businesses without leaving their home countries.

3. Strengthening the Regional Ecosystem:
   This collaboration strengthens the Latin American startup ecosystem, particularly in Mexico, which is one of the region’s largest and most dynamic markets. It also reinforces the idea that regional and international cooperation is key to fostering long-term success.

4. Investment Opportunities:
   GAN’s global network of investors provides startups with access to funding opportunities that were once difficult to secure in the region. The ability to scale businesses through increased capital investment is a crucial factor in a startup’s success.

How the Partnership Aligns with Latin American VC Trends

The venture capital (VC) landscape in Latin America has experienced significant growth in recent years. Despite challenges such as the political and economic uncertainty in the region, VC funding in Latin America is making a comeback, particularly following the post-pandemic funding boom. In 2024, over 400 fund managers invested in Latin American companies, including major global players like SoftBank and FJ Labs.

Cross-border investments between the US and Latin America have been particularly active, with international investors increasingly eyeing the growing innovation scene in the region. This partnership between GAN and Tecnológico de Monterrey exemplifies how Latin American entrepreneurs are building connections with global players, which can drive the region’s recovery from the funding decline it experienced after 2022.

Additionally, VC firms like Impacta VC, based in Chile, are facilitating regional companies’ expansion into the US market, with programs like the Impacta Miami Softlanding Program helping businesses establish themselves in the burgeoning tech hub of Miami.

A Broader Vision for the Future of Latin American Startups

The partnership between GAN and Tecnológico de Monterrey exemplifies a growing trend of global collaboration in the startup ecosystem. As the region continues to recover from economic setbacks, it is essential for Latin American startups to connect with global markets and tap into a broader pool of resources.

Here’s how this partnership fits into the broader vision for Latin American startups:

• Collaborating across borders: Latin American startups can now access a global network of expertise, guidance, and capital that can accelerate their growth.

• Innovating in key sectors: The partnership will foster innovation in high-growth industries such as AI, biotechnology, and agri-tech, which are crucial for the region’s long-term economic development.

• Diversifying funding sources: By connecting with international investors and accelerators, Latin American startups will no longer be solely dependent on local markets for funding.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Latin American Entrepreneurship

In conclusion, the integration of Tecnológico de Monterrey into GAN’s global network is a monumental step for the region’s startup ecosystem. It marks the beginning of a new chapter where Latin American entrepreneurs have the opportunity to connect, scale, and innovate on a global stage. Despite political tensions, the business community remains committed to cross-border collaboration and investment, ensuring that startups from the region have the resources they need to succeed.

As the global startup landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will play an integral role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Latin America.

Relevant Links for Further Reading:

• Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Entrepreneurship Centre

• Global Accelerator Network

• Venture Capital in Latin America

Photo credit: Latinamerican VC, Startup and Tech News