MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eMerge Americas, the premier technology event in the Americas, will host companies from the top incubators and accelerators from the Americas in the “winner-take-all” eMerge Demo Day Challenge. The challenge will host top companies such as Argentina’s NXTP Labs, Brazil’s 21212, Chile’s Startup Chile, Colombia’s iNNpulsa and HubBog, Mexico’s Angel Ventures, and the multi-regional 500 Startups and Wayra. Joining these companies in the competition will be startups from South Florida to create a regional showdown that will bring the best and brightest innovators together next May 2-6, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
“As Latin America’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve, these incubators and accelerators have been at the forefront of helping high potential entrepreneurs nurture and develop their early stage startups into globally competitive business enterprises,” said Diane Sanchez, CEO of the Technology Foundation of the Americas. “Events like the eMerge Demo Day Challenge provide companies with the opportunity to showcase their innovations and business models to potential investors, a critical component in fueling their growth.”
Through their participation in the Innovate Summit at eMerge Americas, the selected startups and emerging growth companies will have access to a platform that will bring thousands of innovative entrepreneurs, investors and industry luminaries together for a five-day event that will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, a hackathon, technology workshops and networking opportunities.
As Latin America’s technology ecosystem continues evolving into one of the fastest growing markets in the world, companies from the region, such as Argentina’s MercadoLibre, Brazil’s GoBooks and Miami’s YellowPepper and Open English are demonstrating the tremendous opportunities available for venture capital investors.
“Miami is an international hub that provides companies coming into or out of Latin America with great talent diversity, infrastructure and access to global investors,” said Andres Moreno, CEO of Open English. “I have witnessed the evolution of the city’s ecosystem firsthand and believe that the partnerships with these accelerators will greatly enhance the program of eMerge Americas.”
The inaugural eMerge Americas conference, and the eMerge Innovate Summit, will take place from May 2-6, 2014 in Miami Beach, with various networking and social events occurring across the Greater Miami area.
About NXTP Labs
NXTP Labs is an investment fund accelerator program that invests in capital technology projects, resources and infrastructure to transform entrepreneurial endeavors into successful businesses. The enterprises focus on social networks, technology, mobile, internet, software and media & entertainment. Inspired by international models, NXTP Labs integrates Global Network Accelerators as the sole representative in Latin America. Founded in 2011, it has invested in over 100 companies from 13 different countries. During 2013, NXTP Labs received an investment of $5 million from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) belonging to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
About 21212
21212 Digital Accelerator is a mentorship-driven, seed stage accelerator program located in Rio de Janeiro (21) and New York (212). Founded in 2011 by an elite team of American and Brazilian entrepreneurs and executives, 21212 has become the main platform to launch and scale successful companies in the exploding digital market in Brazil. The acceleration program provides startups with seed capital, mentorship, office space and direct support to establish a strong foundation and move their business forward rapidly.
About Start-Up Chile
Start-Up Chile is a program created by the Chilean Government that seeks to attract early-phase, high-potential entrepreneurs to bootstrap their startups using Chile as a platform to go global. During the six months the participants must establish themselves in Chile, for which they receive a 1-year work visa and USD$40k. The objective, besides developing their startups, is to create and foster networks with the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. The end goal is to position Chile as the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of Latin America.
About iNNpulsa
iNNpulsa Colombia was created by the National Government as part of their mission to accelerate business growth driven by extraordinary innovation. Its main objective is to stimulate further development and to strengthen companies with the capacity to grow in a rapid, cost-effective and sustainable way. iNNpulsa promotes high-impact entrepreneurship and innovation as a tool for development and competitiveness in terms of growth, prosperity and quality employment.
About HubBOG
HubBOG is a campus / accelerator for startups based in Colombia. HubBOG has supported more than 110 startups in 3 years and has accelerated 20 startups in 2013 as part of their fourteen-week program. HubBOG organizes meetings and networking events where communities exchange, connect and form competitive teams. HubBOG encourages companies around the world to come, share and establish their offices in one of the HubBOG facilities. The company offers more than 60 workshops at schools, with special emphasis in technical skills, management and digital marketing.
About Angel Ventures Mexico
Angel Ventures Mexico is an investors club that seeks to help new projects and small and medium enterprises obtain financial resources. The company works with selected businesses and investors, offering customized services for both parties. Target companies typically require equity investments between MX$2 million ($0.16 million) and MX$20 million ($1.6 million). Main industries of focus are those related to new technologies, energy, and real estate development. The company only considers businesses operating in Mexico, particularly in Estado de Mexico, Distrito Federal, Puebla, Morelos, Querétaro and Hidalgo, and preferably in major cities with a nearby airport.
About 500 Startups Mexico City
500 Startups is a seed capital fund and startup accelerator program for companies all around the world. Currently 500 has people operating in the United States, China, India, Brazil, Malaysia and Mexico, this last hub focused on the Hispanic market, providing entrepreneurs investment up to 250K, a working space and access to the network of 200+ mentors and 1000+ founders in around 40 countries.
About Wayra
Wayra is a Telefónica initiative whose main objective is to promote innovation and the detection of new talents in Latin America and Europe in the field of the Internet and New Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). By means of its global project acceleration model, it supports entrepreneurs in their development, providing them with the technological tools, qualified mentors, a cutting-edge work space and the funding necessary to accelerate their growth. Two years after its launch Wayra has presence in twelve countries (Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Venezuela).
About eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas is an annual event showcasing the hottest start-ups, cutting-edge innovations, and latest trends in technology. Thought leaders from key industries in the midst of transformation will converge in Miami to connect and learn about the latest technology developments driving growth and innovation in Latin America. With dozens of events over 5 days, eMerge Americas will be a pivotal moment for the global tech scene and deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience for attendees. For more information about eMerge Americas, please visit www.emergeamericas.org
