And now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for… Start-up Chile takes the stage! This group is by far the most talked-about by the people we met in Santiago. Subsidized by the federal government, Start-up Chile has raised over $180 million since its inception only five years ago. The non-profit provides not only funding, but also networking and incubating services to entrepreneurs. By the numbers, these guys have done impressive work: 1100 companies supported by 3000 entrepreneurs started there, with 32% of the corporations remaining in Chile and a full 10.4% of the founders becoming permanent citizens. They certainly contribute to Chile’s #16 ranking worldwide for entrepreneurial activities, first among Latin American countries. Attracting talent and attention from all over the world, Start-up Chile is the largest and most diverse organization of its kind in the country.
Amidst their support of budding entrepreneurs, Start-up Chile has an underlying vision for their social impact. Chile traditionally relies on its commodity goods like copper and agriculture to sustain the economy. While growing and modernizing so quickly, the country sees new markets and forces coming into play. Creating this dynamic entrepreneurial environment allows people to take advantage of new opportunities. Start-up Chile pushes the boundaries of viable products and services in the country.
My favorite takeaway from this visit was learning the specific activities of an incubator. Providing space to work gives startup companies a great advantage. Combining access to talent and training programs brings all the necessary competencies together. They even cater to international talent by providing a one year working visa and immigration soft landing. This endeavor requires serious talent and dedication, and the Chileans are pulling it off in style.
Amidst their support of budding entrepreneurs, Start-up Chile has an underlying vision for their social impact. Chile traditionally relies on its commodity goods like copper and agriculture to sustain the economy. While growing and modernizing so quickly, the country sees new markets and forces coming into play. Creating this dynamic entrepreneurial environment allows people to take advantage of new opportunities. Start-up Chile pushes the boundaries of viable products and services in the country.
My favorite takeaway from this visit was learning the specific activities of an incubator. Providing space to work gives startup companies a great advantage. Combining access to talent and training programs brings all the necessary competencies together. They even cater to international talent by providing a one year working visa and immigration soft landing. This endeavor requires serious talent and dedication, and the Chileans are pulling it off in style.