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The Startup Community just got even better! Join in congratulating the 35 outstanding Cohort 3 graduates of the AngelPath Academy for completing the two-month inclusive investing development program.? These impressive leaders from across the US are the next generation of venture investors (angels and/or fund managers) whose unique lens will help shape an innovation ecosystem that includes all, to benefit all.? Cohort 3 matched great intention with generous dedication to the intensive early stage angel investing curriculum.? Gaining fundamental knowledge and skills through a pedagogy that included an in-person bootcamp, weekly knowledge sessions, expert speakers and mentor-supported investment projects, these AngelPath Academy alums are well prepared for their next chapter as investors. Collectively, they are poised to uplift the Latino startup ecosystem by leading as advisors, capital providers, entrepreneurs and changemakers. As we turn the corner to design and plan for 2025 cohorts, we would like to thank our AngelPath Academy program partners, mentors, speakers, and staff who generously collaborated to make Cohort 3 such a success. David Olivencia Angeles Investors Sergio Rodenzuela Max Fischer Wefunder Nancy Sims Toigo Foundation Jill Blackford Nasdaq Foundation Ashley Ryder Gabriela Redhead Eli Velasquez Cecilia Sanchez Rafael Barroso Eric Goytia Nummedal Carlos Méndez, CPA Luisa Brasil, MSc. Alejandro Mainetto Andres Nu?ez ?? Ricardo Flores Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Hispanics in Philanthropy

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our fifth stop on the Latinx Startup Hub Tour in Miami! ??? It was an inspiring day filled with meaningful connections, dynamic pitches, and a celebration of the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in South Florida ??? We started the day at Babson College Miami, where we met with 20 outstanding founders. Together, we explored strategies for growth and collaboration, and shared insights over lunch about what drives Miami founders to succeed. The energy continued at Mana Tech, where we gathered for an evening of networking and our highly anticipated pitch competition! Five phenomenal founders took the stage, representing a variety of industries, and delivered incredible pitches that highlighted the innovation and talent thriving in Miami. We’re so proud of all of you! ????Early Intervention Systems (Techstars ‘23) Nathalya Ramírez Hamperapp Jorge A. Rodriguez GoSprout.app Carlos Vazquez Kambia Cristian Zavaleta Wasabil Benjamín Pérez Pereira Inicio was also proud to present our Community Awards in Miami to celebrate outstanding contributions to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Mana Tech and Babson College Miami were honored for their exceptional work in funding and supporting founders, while Emiliano Abramzon received the Founder of the Year award for his remarkable efforts and inspiration he has provided to the Miami’s startup community. Thank you all for your dedication and impact! ?? Finally, we’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who made this event possible, especially Sergio Mankita, MBA and Carla Curiel, your passion and support continue to fuel the success of this tour!? Stay connected to events like this—download the *Startup Centro* app in the Apple Store today: https://lnkd.in/gayY8P-X ?? Hispanics in Philanthropy Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Carla Curiel Sergio Mankita, MBA Charly Esnal Etienne Gillard

Inicio is heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for our 6th and last stop on our 2024 Latinx/e Startup Hub Tour! ???? Join us on Tuesday, November 19h, as we partner with Parallel18 to connect Latinx/e funders, founders, and field builders in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Puerto Rico.????? This is an incredible opportunity to network, share insights, and fuel the innovation that drives our communities forward. Whether you're a founder looking to scale, an investor championing diverse startups, or simply passionate about Latinx entrepreneurship, we can't wait to see you there! Register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/ef6MFaeQ #FundLatinxFounders #HubTour24 Hispanics in Philanthropy Jorge M. Calderon Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Elvia Perez Monica Hoyos Martens Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Natasha Martínez Rivera Parallel18

Amid the recent political outcome, as the Latino startup community takes a moment to breathe, reflect, and regroup, we want to share what gives us strength—no big secret, it’s you. Each day, the team at Inicio is inspired by everyone we meet on our journey of investment and ecosystem building. We’re grateful for your spark, ingenuity, perseverance, kindness, authenticity, and sheer awesomeness. Together, we’ll find our path forward, with our shared joy as a superpower to keep advancing the Latino startup ecosystem and the positive impact we bring to society. Thank you to our network of friends, partners, founders, AngelPath & Fellows alumni—you are the true engine for good. Siempre Juntos

Inicio is heading to Miami for the 5th stop on our Latinx/e Startup Hub Tour! ?? Join us on Wednesday, November 13th, as we partner with Mana Tech and Babson College Miami to connect Latinx/e funders, founders, and field builders in the heart of Miami's thriving startup ecosystem. This is an incredible opportunity to network, share insights, and fuel the innovation that drives our communities forward. Whether you're a founder looking to scale, an investor championing diverse startups, or simply passionate about Latinx entrepreneurship, we can't wait to see you there! Register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/eTWzS68N #FundLatinxFounders #HubTour24 Hispanics in Philanthropy Mana Tech Babson College Sergio Mankita, MBA Carla Curiel Charly Esnal Etienne Gillard Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Monica Hoyos Martens

Today’s election results could be a pivotal opportunity to build on momentum and scale Latino participation, success & influence in the startup economy. Advancing economic opportunities for Latinos in the startup ecosystem requires a unified effort across public and private sectors. While private investment & philanthropy are essential, government support plays a critical role in addressing long standing economic inequities. Programs like SBIC/SBIR, and SSBCI provide vital pathways for investment, collaboration & the elevation of Latino & other underrepresented entrepreneurs—creating a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone. The next administration will shape resource allocation for innovation and will set the tone for how the nation approaches racial justice & economic opportunity for historically under-resourced communities. This election cycle brings a notable increase in Latino influence, with ~4.3M more eligible Latino voters nationwide since 2016. In the 18 Latino Startup Hubs identified by Inicio—regions with Latino populations above 20% & established innovation ecosystems—about 770K new Latino voters have been added. Latino households in these Hubs earn an ave. of $51,706, compared to a regional ave. of $76,278, and face an above-ave. cost of living index of 122 (100 is ave.). These economic challenges are likely top of mind as Latino voters consider the nation’s future direction. Historically, Latino Startup Hub regions have leaned Democratic, with ~60% of presidential votes going to Democrats in the '16 & '20 elections, compared to ~36% for Republicans. In this cycle, candidates across gov. levels offer distinct visions on resource allocation & inclusivity, both broadly and within the startup economy. A largely Democratic win would likely strengthen & expand federal programs like the CHIPS Act while introducing new initiatives, such as loans for Black & Latino entrepreneurs—supporting diverse founders & their communities. This approach could open doors across the #LatinoStartupHubs, generating economic opportunities & advancing Latino-led innovation. Conversely, a majority Republican administration may signal reduced support in regions that haven’t traditionally aligned politically, as seen when 75% of DOT funds were allocated to Republican-leaning states in 2018-19. The Rep. platform has increasingly opposed diversity initiatives, often casting Latinos in a negative light, suggesting that support for Latino innovation could face substantial challenges. No matter the outcome, I remain optimistic about the future of Latino Startup Hubs & our broader innovation ecosystem. I am hopeful that collaboration with public & private partners will endure, though the rationale & approach may differ. Latino talent, driven by unique perspectives & solutions, is crucial to America’s leadership in global innovation. As Latinos, let's move forward with confidence, optimism & pride in where we come from, who we are & our potential. #Vote

??Calling all Bay Area entrepreneurs! Kapor Center has partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) Foundation and Golden State Warriors to host the 2025 NBA All-Star Pitch Competition in the Bay Area ?? If you, or someone you know, are an early-stage startup led by diverse or underrepresented entrepreneurs and from one of the nine (9) Bay Area counties, this competition is for you! Selected applicants will have the unique chance to pitch their business in front of NBA legends, venture capitalists, and some of the top minds in tech, for the opportunity to win over $150,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. Get your applications in by Nov. 9th: bit.ly/3YwUdFx

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our fourth stop on the Latinx Startup Hub Tour during San Antonio Startup Week! It was an incredible day filled with valuable content and pitches that showcased the exciting growth in the region. ?? ?? We kicked off the day with an insightful session from our friends at LBAN/Latino Business Action Network, who dove deep into the State of Latino entrepreneurship. The day continued with great opportunities to network with fellow funders, founders, and field builders. Plus, we even had the chance to taste test some amazing tequila from Humano Tequila! Next, we heard from five incredible founders, representing a wide range of industries from biotech to CPG. Congratulations to these talented founders for delivering outstanding pitches and showcasing the strength and innovation within the San Antonio startup ecosystem. We are so proud of each of you! Balam Sunthetics NULLIAV? Code Flight HousingBase.io A huge thank you to our amazing judges for your time, expertise, and support in making this event such a success. Cat Dizon Ben Jones Meg Vrabel Pearson Suniga We’d also like to celebrate our Inicio Community Award winners and extend our heartfelt thanks to funder, Alamo Angels and founder, Cat Dizon for their unwavering commitment to building this vibrant startup ecosystem. A special shout-out to Geekdom for being a vital field builder and a champion of entrepreneurs in San Antonio. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our partners, Luis Martinez at Capital Factory and Mari Zavala at Geekdom. Thank you for making it all happen! We aren't done yet! Next stop Miami! Join us on November 13th, in partnership with Babson College and Mana Tech. Register to attend here: https://lu.ma/udemsg6q #FundLatinxFounders #HubTour24 Hispanics in Philanthropy Jorge M. Calderon Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Elvia Perez Ana Marie Argilagos Inarú Yarí Meléndez Vázquez Sergio Mankita, MBA Carla Curiel Monica Hoyos Martens Luis Martinez Capital Factory Geekdom Launch SA

Startup Casa is back to kick off 2025! Latino startup ingenuity is a year-round thing, not just an HHM moment. Join us on March 7th in Austin, alongside SXSW, to celebrate and showcase our community's founders, funders, and field builders. This is a can't-miss event—an opportunity to be loud and proud of our talented Latino startup ecosystem. Sign-up now for your spot at the fiesta of all fiestas. https://lu.ma/3secv5lz #fundlatinofounders #LPsforLatinoGPs #fiestaforstartupleaders Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Elvia Perez Jorge M. Calderon Jennifer Garcia Beto Pallares Cuco Vega Roman Leal, CFA Lili Gangas Dr. Mariela Salas Danny Navarro James Gutierrez Edrizio De La Cruz Tiq Chapa George Ploss, MBA ?? Emily T. Davila José Luis Silva Vázquez Jolynn Vallejo Frank Medrano Joe Scantlebury Santiago Carrillo Alejandro Manzanares Cai?as

The Startup Centro beta is live! This free mobile app is designed to empower current and aspiring Latinx/e founders and funders by providing key information about relevant events, valuable knowledge resources and opportunities during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year.? Whether you're seeking funding, developing your investment strategy, building your community or conducting research, Startup Centro offers insights and tools to help you on your path to success. Inside the app, you'll find: - Events: specifically for founders, including pitch competitions and accelerator programs - Networking opportunities: to connect with experienced founders, venture capitalists, and the broader Latinx startup community - Resources and tools: to help you secure funding, develop your business model, and accelerate growth - Announcements: on key opportunities for Latinx founders, from startup grants to mentorship programs This is a community tool for you. We encourage your feedback and suggestions of any content that you’d like us to add. Special thanks to Hector Ocasio of App Beacon, Elvia Perez from Inicio, and the many Venture Latinx Coalition partners who helped inspire and develop this important initiative! Download now: Apple Store: https://lnkd.in/gayY8P-X Google Play Store: https://lnkd.in/gYeiQRS6