Insights into Brazil's Silicon Valley

December 10 at 3:15 pm SGT

Those who think technology booms and innovation are limited to Silicon Valley need look no further than São Paulo, Brazil, where a new class of entrepreneurs is emerging. Driven by the 'crisis creates opportunity' formula, these innovators are addressing the most pressing challenges in one of the most tech-hungry regions of the world. With 136 million mobile phone owners and expanding internet usage--both ranked fifth worldwide--Brazil is driving demand for PCs and internet connectivity faster than China and India. Brazil has the world's third-largest stock exchange and there's no question why multinational companies including Google, Facebook (fourth-largest market globally, second for WhatsApp), and Uber have increased their investments in Brazil's high-tech business sector. Drawn to similar opportunities, tech companies across Latin America have become global leaders while disrupting traditional technologies--Nubank in digital banking, iFood in food delivery, and 99 in transportation are just three examples. Gain insights from dynamic entrepreneurs and investors who share their acumen on a sector in transformation and look ahead to further innovation across the region.

 

Part One

Global Tech Innovators (35 mins)
 

Introductory Remarks

Luciano Huck
Brazilian TV Personality; Founder of ‘Joá Investments’
 

Speakers

Joao Barbosa
Co-Founder, Gympass

Peter Fernandez 
Former CEO, 99

Mate Pencz
Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Loft

Moderator

Gustavo Brigatto
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Startups.com.br

Part Two

Leading VC firms look into Brazil (25 mins)
 

Introductory Remarks

Luis Alberto Moreno
Former President, Inter-American Development Bank
 

Speakers

Patrick de Piciotto 
Founding Partner, Canary and Atlantico

Scott Sobel
Founding Partner, Valor Capital Group

Paulo Passoni 
Managing Partner, SoftBank 
 

Moderator

Julie Ruvolo
Managing Director, Venture Capital, EMPEA