Taking your venture to the next level
In 2022, startups founded by Latinas obtained less than 1% of venture capital available in Latin America. Lack of networks, knowledge, access to capital, and high-value markets further broaden these gaps. In the effort to turn the tide, VC4A proposes to launch the Venture Showcase – Women Founder Edition.
We are looking for up to 10 innovative, high-growth, female-led startups to present to the global network of impact investors focused on Latin America.
This is the opportunity you are looking for!
As part of the program, startups gain visibility among a select network of investors and interviews. The leading funds and angel groups are engaged every step of the way, from referring the companies into the program, screening and evaluating the applications, engaging with the founders through technical support sessions and one-on-one mentorship, and taking further steps in their investment process through participation in the DealRoom.
From 2017 to 2022, VC4A selected +100 startups as part of 8 Venture Showcases in Africa and Latin America, resulting in a series of Series A deals totaling $800M. Our efforts have also been recognised globally, VC4A has received the IFC ScaleX award for supporting women-led startups and the World Bank’s ‘President’s Award for Excellence’.
Building on this track record, VC4A is opening a new call focused on the Latin American region and welcomes fast-growing startups with clear impact potential that are in the process of scaling their operations in the region.
This is an exclusive opportunity to present your startup to major investors with great interest in investing in the best talent in the region. The program differentiates itself with its ‘investor-driven approach’ and works with leaders across the VC industry to identify the most investor-ready Seed and Series A deals.
Questions? Contact alejandra@vc4a.com.
| Program dates | Nov 1, 2023 - Dec 17, 2024 |
| Organizer | VC4A Venture Showcase Latam |
| Website | Visit website |
| Targets | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Sectors | Sector agnostic |
The VC4A Venture Showcase creates the platform for early-stage startups to rapidly progress into high-impact, expanding and scalable companies. We offer participants a unique networking opportunity and introduction to the main funds and investors in the region.
Your company must:
Notes:
Innovativeness and Scalability (20%) – Company addresses a real problem in the market in a clearly innovative way. The product or service is different to others in the industry. The business model is new, disruptive and designed for scale.
Social, economic and/or environmental impact (20%) – Company addresses a social, economic and/or environmental issue and is able to show the impact your product or service is making in the lives of people in Latin America.
Strategy for Growth (20%) – There is potential to expand into new markets or expand at home. There is a clear strategy on how to grow impact and demonstrable progress in terms of customer acquisition plans, new contracts, and key partnerships.
Management team (20%) – The team has the qualifications and experience needed to make the business successful.
Market Traction & Financials (20%) – Market traction and the potential market size will be evaluated. The company’s business model, revenue streams, unit economics and previous funding rounds will come into consideration.
If you are selected for the Venture Showcase, we expect that:
Since 2017 we have been instrumental in the success of hundreds of startups that participated in the Venture Showcase, resulting in over $800M being raised by portfolio companies. Below is a look at some of the most recent alumni funding raises:
No, the program is free, since no investment is promised, but rather the introductions, training and connections with the interested investors.
Yes, as long as there is at least one woman at the management level. Management level means any position at the C-level (CEO, CTO, COO, etc.) or high-level positions such as: President, Director, etc.
Yes, as long as your product uses or works with some type of innovative technology.
Yes, as long as you have operations in any country in Latin America and the Caribbean and at least one person on your team, is based in one of the countries in the region.
Yes, it is a requirement to already have a product or service launched on the market and generating sales. There is no minimum sales required, as each industry is different. You must have income from sales, but not necessarily profits.
Of course, anyone on the team can give the pitch, however we prefer that they be women.
Yes, 100% virtual, there will probably be a physical event in March but travel expenses will be covered for one participant per team.
In a major milestone for the company, VC4A has selected 10 rising women-led startups for the VC4A Venture Showcase LatAm – Women founder edition.… read more
VC4A is proud to announce the launch of the second edition of the VC4A Venture Showcase LatAm, this being our inaugural Women Founder Edition… read more
Boyewa Abiodun-Adepoju 
Alejandra Paniagua