IDB Lab launches Gateway Program to Scale Latin American and Caribbean Startups in the US

The program will act as a bridge between the two hemispheres, enabling U.S. companies to find opportunities in the South.

IDB Lab, the innovation lab of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, and TechnoArt, the global platform for the growth of technology startups, are launching Miami LAC Gateway, the alliance's first program specifically designed for Latin American and Caribbean companies that want to venture into the U.S. market. U.S.-based companies looking for expansion opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean will also benefit from the support of IDB Lab and TechnoArt.

By establishing a strategic base of operations in the city of Miami, startups will be able to grow their businesses by leveraging IDB Lab and TechnoArt's networks of contacts. The program will facilitate entrepreneurs' connections with local investors and startups, accelerators, service providers and experts in the companies' business areas, which will foster growth opportunities and help entrepreneurs acquire new clients, identify strategic partners and access capital to enable their business growth. IDB Lab and TechnoArt are simultaneously launching the Gateway platform, which allows companies to access a global marketplace where they can sell their products online.

Companies wishing to participate in the program must demonstrate their ability to scale, have a technological base and an innovative business model, and startups whose teams are inclusive in terms of gender and diversity will receive special consideration.

"This program supports Latin American and Caribbean startups in their foray into the U.S. market, as well as U.S.-based companies exploring new avenues of entry into our region. Gateway will create impact by bridging the Americas that will open up investment opportunities and new ways to support the growth of innovative ecosystems," said Irene Arias Hofman, CEO of IDB Lab.

Tristan Jehan, GP at TechnoArt, added that "we look forward to meeting the startups and supporting them with our connections in the region. We believe this program will open up new growth opportunities for both Latin America and Caribbean-based companies and the Miami regional ecosystem. We are delighted to facilitate this exciting initiative."

Miami's economic and technological momentum and its many commonalities with Latin America and the Caribbean provide an ideal backdrop for connecting U.S. capital and expertise with emerging talent and innovation from Latin America and the Caribbean. The program also opens opportunities for the city of Miami, which will also benefit from building bridges with the South, making it easier to attract more investors and capital and expand its technology companies. According to a report published by IDB Lab, Miami startups that have decided to go international create more value than those focused solely on the domestic market.

"We welcome the Miami LAC Gateway to Miami-Dade County, a growing tech and innovation hub in the USA," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Our vibrant tech ecosystem and our strong ties with Latin America make us the perfect location for programs like this that provide new companies and skilled entrepreneurs with a base to scale their business and build their professional home in our innovative tech hub County."

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez congratulated IDB Lab and TechnoArt for launching the program in the city: "This is an excellent opportunity for growth-stage companies to become part of Miami's expanding technology ecosystem. We welcome new companies looking to make their home in Miami and thank IDB Lab and TechnoArt for choosing Miami as the hub for this extraordinary program," he said.

The Gateway program is supported by renowned partners such as Mastercard, Heidrick & Struggles, Next.law by Shulman Rogers, Elis, Selina, Pérez Correa González, as well as regional investors such as Blumberg Capital, Liquidity Group, H2O, Ignia and Femsa.

More information about the program and about the rules to participate in Miami LAC Gateway here.

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