Ecuador Tech Week, the country’s largest innovation and technology gathering, returns for its fourth edition from July 11th to 19th, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders across multiple cities.

Over the past few years, Ecuador’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, with early stage ventures emerging across fintech, logistics, edtech, and climate solutions. Local and regional venture capital activity is also increasing, and international investors are beginning to take notice. Ecuador is positioning itself as a promising hub for innovation, driven by talent, resilience, and a new generation of globally minded founders.

Event photo at Ecuador Tech Week 2025 2nd edition.

The previous edition of Ecuador Tech Week hosted 88 events across seven cities like Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca, brought together more than 8,000 attendees, and generated over 20 million digital impressions. These results highlight the initiative’s ability to bring people together, foster connections, and create opportunities for the ecosystem. Founded by Guillermo Vizcaino and Andreina Gonzalez and backed by Startup Grind, the initiative continues to gain recognition within Latin America and beyond.

This year, the team expands with the addition of Meital Cohn, Demetrio Carrasco, and Ilona Polit from Mana Tech. Mana Tech’s involvement brings an international perspective and access to Miami’s dynamic tech ecosystem, creating a bridge between Ecuadorian startups and global networks. This collaboration strengthens Ecuador Tech Week’s role as a platform that connects local talent to international investors, partners, and mentors.

With a strong team, global partnerships, and an expanding network, this edition promises to build on previous successes and further position Ecuador as an emerging innovation hub.

Want to be a part of this initiative? Contact us at etw@startupgrind.com

The post Ecuador Tech Week Expands Its Global Footprint with Mana Tech Collaboration appeared first on Mana Tech.

Mana Common founder and chairman,  Moishe Mana, has added another major property to his growing Downtown Miami holdings, purchasing the 31-story One Downtown office tower for $110 million. The property, located at 1 Southeast Third Avenue, was sold by Los Angeles-based PCCP and Boca Raton-based CP Group. 

The deal works out to roughly $244 per square foot for the 450,000-square-foot building, further cementing Mana’s role as one of the most influential real estate owners in the city’s urban core.  

Originally known as the SunTrust International Center, the tower has undergone significant renovations in recent years and includes a variety of amenities such as a rooftop terrace, ground-floor retail, and a large parking garage. The building also houses several tenants, including technology companies and professional service firms that continue to expand their presence in Downtown Miami. 

The acquisition fits into Mana’s long-term vision for transforming Downtown Miami’s Flagler Street corridor into a hub for innovation, business, and international connectivity. Mana has spent more than a decade assembling properties in the area, building a portfolio that now includes around 80 buildings downtown, along with significant land holdings in Wynwood, including the large event and creative complex Mana Wynwood. 

Speaking about the purchase and his broader strategy for the district, Mana said, “We believe in the Flagler District, and we will continue to increase our investment in South Florida.”

The purchase comes as Miami continues work on the long-planned Flagler Street streetscape project, a public improvement initiative intended to make the historic corridor more pedestrian-friendly and attractive to businesses. Mana has been a major advocate and supporter of the project, which aligns with his vision of creating a connected downtown ecosystem for entrepreneurs and companies from across the Americas.

Source: The Real Deal: “Moishe Mana gobbles up another downtown Miami office tower for $110M.” March 4, 2026

The post Moishe Mana Strengthens Downtown Miami Footprint with $110M Tower Purchase appeared first on Mana Tech.

Last week, Mana Tech welcomed senior corporate venture, strategy, and innovation leaders from around the world for the CVC Open Innovation Summit USA – a two-day event built around panel discussions, interactive workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities. 

Throughout panels and working sessions, participants explored how corporate venture capital is evolving from experimentation into a strategic driver of long-term growth. Conversations explored the growing role of boards and executive leadership in shaping innovation, the emergence of automation and physical AI, and how global innovation hubs are influencing corporate expansion and collaboration. 

CVC Open Innovation Summit USA

The summit also featured insights and participation from leaders across the tech world, including Melissa Medina of eMerge Americas, Claudia Duran of Endeavor, Ivan Rapin-Smith of Watsco Ventures, Jean P. Froehly of the Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C., and Charly Esnal, the CEO of Mana Tech.

Designed as a VP-level, non-commercial gathering, the event created space for investors, board members, and public leaders to engage openly and focus on the real challenges facing enterprise transformation. 

Working closely with the CVC community and our partner Phillip Willigmann to bring this summit to life reinforced the importance of creating spaces for collaboration, sharing expertise, and long-term partnerships shaping the future of innovation. 

Mana Tech extends its gratitude to the partners and sponsors who helped make the summit possible, including Bank of America, Greenberg Traurig, KPMG, BorgWarner, Mann+Hummel, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Oshkosh, U-Path, and Watsco Ventures.

The post Mana Tech Hosts CVC Open Innovation Summit USA on the Future of AI and Corporate Innovation appeared first on Mana Tech.

What began as academic research moved into the city this month, as MBA students from MIT’s Sloan School of Management traveled to Miami to partner with Mana Tech through the MIT Sloan MENA Lab, under the academic guidance of Professor Jacob Cohen, Senior Associate Dean at MIT Sloan, and led by students Paul Guiloff and Michael Ben Aharon.

While innovation hubs are often studied in the classroom through case studies or models, this analysis examined Miami through real-world conditions like geography, culture, access to capital, and the needs of companies entering U.S. markets.

The MIT Sloan Fellows conducted their research by studying leading global innovation hubs like MIT Media Lab, CIC (Cambridge/Boston), Station F (Paris), Plug and Play Tech Center, High Tech Campus Eindhoven, CUBO Itaú (São Paulo), Epicenter (Stockholm), and more. This research focused on why organizations have chosen these hubs, what offerings have the highest value, and what motivates early commitment to a new innovation hub. 

MIT Sloan Fellows tour the Nikola Tesla Building during the planning phase of the Mana Tech Innovation Center.

The students’ goal was to identify which elements of successful existing models were most relevant to Miami’s evolving innovation ecosystem, and how those insights could be applied to attract scale-up companies, venture capital firms, and corporate innovation teams into Downtown Miami. Rather than replicating existing hubs, the work focused on adapting the best global practices to align with Miami’s position as a gateway for international and local companies. 

Furthermore, the visit highlighted the longstanding relationship between Mana Tech and MIT Sloan, as a previous collaboration helped shape the organization’s early development, including the connection with Conrado Morais that led him to join Mana Tech as Chief Operating Officer. 

“Full-circle moments like this don’t happen by chance,” Morais said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see Mana Tech once again partnering with MIT Sloan School of Management and welcoming their students to Miami.”

This ongoing partnership reflects Mana Tech’s commitment to building its platform alongside world-class academic institutions and global leaders. The work conducted by the MIT Sloan Fellows ensures that the Nikola Tesla Innovation Hub is informed by both research and real-world application.

The post MIT Lands in Miami: Inside the Collaboration Shaping the Mana Tech Innovation Center appeared first on Mana Tech.

I have not always agreed with President Trump, but his recent actions regarding Venezuela represent a bold and necessary wake-up call for the Western Hemisphere. What matters now are the next steps — whether this moment leads to stability, economic rebuilding, and hemispheric cooperation, or simply another cycle of conflict and fragmentation.

In 2019, I met with Panama’s President Nito Cortizo, who had inherited a major infrastructure agreement signed with China. The project would have effectively created a Chinese economic enclave at the Panama Canal — a strategic gateway that shapes the future of the entire hemisphere. I warned that such a move would inevitably awaken a “sleeping tiger”: the United States would never allow control of the canal or its surrounding ecosystems to shift into the hands of a rival power. The canal is not just Panamanian infrastructure — it is a strategic asset for all of the Americas.

The agreement was ultimately canceled, and the Chinese investment was sold at a steep discount to Western buyers. That episode was part of a broader realization: China now controls a significant share of the world’s mineral reserves and processed critical minerals — a growing economic and security risk for the hemisphere and the world.

Latin America is America. Venezuela is America. The Americas must think and act as one unified region. Allowing foreign powers to control our oil, copper, energy, and mineral resources undermines sovereignty, weakens local industry, and divides the hemisphere.

Since 2014, the Mana Organization has championed a One America vision — including the long-term case for dollarization and deeper economic alignment across Latin America. Partnerships based on dependency, extractive agreements, or alternative reserve currencies only increase instability. Dollarization, when accompanied by institutional rebuilding, opens the door for Western banks to invest, lowers borrowing costs, formalizes economies, and fuels sustainable growth instead of volatility.

Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, along with vast gold and copper resources. The future of these resources must strengthen the Americas, empower its people, and fuel productive industry — not leave the region dependent on external powers.

Trump’s actions signal that America is finally waking up. If Latin and North America move toward economic integration — representing more than 1.1 billion people and enormous productive capacity — we will build not only one of the world’s strongest economies, but also a more secure and resilient hemisphere for future generations. Our manufacturing capacity should expand in Latin America — not in distant nations that do not share our democratic values or regional destiny.

If the path forward in Venezuela is built on collaboration rather than occupation, empowerment rather than extraction, this moment could mark one of the most important turning points in the history of the Americas. Dollarization, industrial rebuilding, and investment focused on opportunity — not exploitation — will send a powerful message to regional leaders: growth comes from partnership, stability, and dignity.

I am encouraged to see the world taking stronger action against tyranny and corruption — and doing so in a way that protects innocent people instead of punishing entire populations. Sometimes breaking with old rules is necessary — so long as we replace them with better rules, stronger institutions, and a more united hemisphere.

— Moishe Mana

The post A Letter from Moishe Mana, Our Founder and Chairman, About Recent Activities in Venezuela appeared first on Mana Tech.

November 5 – 6, 2025

The 2025 edition of America Business Forum arrived in Miami for the first time, and what a debut it was! Over two days, the iconic Kaseya Center transformed into a melting pot of global influence, ambition, and vision. The Forum brought together 40,000+ attendees from around the world, from business titans to cultural icons, all on a single global stage to shape what’s next. 

A-List Lineup: Where Icons Meet Ideas

The speaker lineup was nothing short of historic. On stage and in one-on-one conversations passed luminaries such as:

• Donald J. Trump – President of the United States
• Lionel Messi – Soccer world champion
• Rafael Nadal – Multi-award-winning tennis player
• Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon
• Serena Williams – Multi-award-winning tennis player
• Jamie Dimon – Chairman & CEO of JPMorgan Chase
• Ken Griffin – Founder & CEO of Citadel
• Eric Schmidt – Former Chairman & CEO of Google
• Adam Neumann – Entrepreneur and co-founder of WeWork.

This extraordinary mix of leaders generated conversations that transcended sectors, geographies, and backgrounds. As the official messaging said: “The future is not something we wait for: it is something we are building together.” 

The Miami Momentum and Why This City Matters

This year’s America Business Forum didn’t just happen in Miami; it celebrated Miami. With its multicultural energy, global talent flow, and growing reputation as a hub for innovation, finance, and lifestyle, Miami is becoming a natural epicenter for world-class gatherings.

Many speakers remarked on this transformation. Jeff Bezos spoke about the city’s dynamism, its Latin-inspired culture, and its renewed energy. He called Miami “an incredible city today” and noted how he felt at home. 

For attendees, it wasn’t only about speeches; it was about being part of a moment: where ambition meets opportunity, and where Miami’s mix of culture, tech, business, and creativity becomes visible to the world.

Mana Tech at the Heart of Connection

As part of the experience, Mana Tech was present at the Forum with a dedicated booth on the east plaza of the Kaseya Center. 

Throughout both days, the Mana Tech booth became a hub of conversation, networking, and connection. It allowed our team to engage with leaders and visionaries visiting from across the Americas, share Mana Tech’s mission, and explore opportunities for collaboration. For many, it was the first time seeing in real life what “Miami as a global tech & business hub” feels like, energized, open, and full of potential.

A Landmark Moment And What Comes Next

The 2025 America Business Forum marked a turning point for Miami’s global narrative. It showed how a city once viewed as a regional gem is now claiming a spot among the world’s premier arenas for business, culture, and innovation.

For Mana Tech, participating in this moment was a statement of intent: that we believe in Miami’s potential, we are committed to building bridges across Latin America and the U.S., and we are ready to help shape the next wave of startups, scale-ups, and global ventures that will define the future.

The post Inside the America Business Forum at Kaseya Center with Mana Tech appeared first on Mana Tech.

This week, we celebrate Mana Common Founder and Chairman Moishe Mana and the momentum his vision has driven across Miami over the past year.

Mana Hubs has continued its rapid growth, with tech-focused companies thriving in a workspace designed to support innovation and collaboration in the Flagler District. Mana Fashion Services expanded its ecosystem with the launch of the Fabric Showroom inside the historic Biscayne Building, offering designers and emerging brands access to essential materials and resources.

Across the Mana portfolio, cultural investment remains strong. Mana Wynwood hosted major art, fashion, music, and business events that drew global audiences, reinforcing the campus as one of Miami’s most important creative and economic destinations.

In Downtown Miami, Mana Public Arts introduced new large-scale murals across our properties, including the world’s largest outdoor Mona Lisa mural and “Urban Metamorphosis” at our headquarters. The artwork reflects the continued renaissance of the Flagler District, where restoration, cultural programming, and community-focused development remain a priority.

As these initiatives move forward, Mana’s mission stays centered on building opportunity, supporting creatives and entrepreneurs, and shaping vibrant neighborhoods that bring people together.

Discover more about how our divisions are redefining the city’s future—join our community here.

The post Happy Birthday, Moishe Mana: A Visionary Building Miami’s Next Chapter appeared first on Mana Tech.

FinTech NerdCon arrived in Miami for the first time, taking over the White Room at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center for a two-day gathering of operators, builders, and innovators across the fintech ecosystem. The debut edition at Mana Wynwood brought together 1,000+ curated fintech operators, 100+ speakers, 20+ roundtables, and 25+ live podcasts, all housed within the White Room.

Across November 19 and 20, attendees explored a dynamic program featuring panels, fireside chats, technical sessions, roundtables, live podcasts, and hands-on workshops. The event also featured dedicated networking booths, food and beverage stations, and daily happy hours that kept conversations flowing well beyond the scheduled programming.

As a partner of the conference, Mana Tech played a central role throughout the two-day program. CEO Charly Esnal participated in a day one roundtable on Miami’s Moment: The Making of a Global Tech Hub, then returned on day two for Miami’s Fintech Edge on the Side Quest Stage, where he spoke alongside Ray Chalub, COO of Inter, and German Pugliese-Bassi. The session, moderated by Albert Periu, CEO USA at Zilch and Operating Partner at Glade Brook Capital, explored Miami’s rising position as a strategic bridge between the United States and Latin America and a fast-growing hub for global fintech expansion.

Esnal reflected on the event, noting that bringing FinTech NerdCon to Mana Wynwood signals Miami’s continued rise as a tech powerhouse:

FinTech NerdCon’s first year at Mana Wynwood marks an important milestone for Miami’s growing tech landscape and sets the foundation for deeper collaboration across fintech, innovation, and the builders shaping what comes next.For more updates on upcoming events at Mana Wynwood, visit manawynwood.com/events. For all things Mana Tech, visit manatech.com.

The post Inside FinTech NerdCon at Mana Wynwood with Mana Tech appeared first on Mana Tech.

The South Florida Business Journal spotlighted Moishe Mana for his long-term strategy to uplift downtown Miami through renovation, cultural investment, and tech innovation. With more than 80 properties acquired along the Flagler Street corridor, Mana remains focused on restoring historic buildings and enhancing the district’s streetscape rather than pursuing new towers.

This mission is reflected across Mana Tech, where 142 members now work within Mana Common’s incubator, Mana Hubs, hosting hundreds of events, supporting founders, and preparing for expansion into the forthcoming Nikola Tesla Innovation Hub. Startups in the ecosystem have collectively raised over 90 million dollars, strengthening Miami’s position as a global connector between North and Latin America.

Throughout downtown, additional projects are underway, including new culinary concepts, fashion and legal hubs, and public art inspired by Renaissance heritage. Together, these efforts reinforce Mana’s commitment to building a connected, culturally rich, and entrepreneur-powered district.

Source: Brian Bandell. (2025). “Moishe Mana aims to uplift downtown Miami and the tech scene without new towers.” South Florida Business Journal. (21 October).

The post SFBJ Spotlights Moishe Mana’s Mission to Uplift Downtown Miami and Its Tech Future appeared first on Mana Tech.

Mana Tech continues to strengthen its global presence through strategic collaborations that connect thriving tech ecosystems around the world. This week, our COO, Conrado Morais, traveled to Silicon Valley as part of a Brazilian delegation, joining influential leaders in technology and innovation to discuss the future of global entrepreneurship at some of the biggest tech companies in the world, like Google, Meta, Apple, and LinkedIn.

Representing Mana Tech, Conrado shared our mission of positioning Miami as a gateway for international founders and a central hub where innovation from Latin America, the U.S., and beyond converges. The visit provided valuable opportunities to exchange insights on venture growth, investment trends, and cross-border collaboration with some of Silicon Valley’s most forward-thinking professionals.

This initiative reinforces Mana Tech’s commitment to fostering a globally connected innovation network, bridging ecosystems between Miami, Silicon Valley, and Latin America. As we continue to expand our reach, Mana Tech remains dedicated to empowering founders and building meaningful partnerships that drive inclusive economic growth.

Want to be part of our global mission? Become a member today!

The post Mana Tech Travels: Connecting Miami to Silicon Valley appeared first on Mana Tech.