Sebastian Hernandez pitching on Demo Day during the ProColombia Miami Immersion Program

Sebastian Hernandez

Founder and CEO of Superfüds

ProColombia Miami Immersion Program May 2024

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Ana María Zúñiga

Ana María Zúñiga

Founder and CEO of Moda Lab

ProColombia Miami Immersion Program May 2024

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Aníbal Madrid during Demo Day at Microsoft AI Latino Immersion Program

Aníbal Madrid

Founder and CEO of SoyMomo

Microsoft AI Latino Immersion Program April, 2024

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Caetano Altafin

TRV Gutierrez

Co-Founder and CFO of Nideport

Miami Immersion Program April, 2024

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Caetano Altafin

Caetano Altafin

Co-Founder and CEO of Woof

Ingenio & Softex Miami Immersion Program 2024 March, 2024

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Erika Quezada at a PAG Law networking event

Erika Quezada

Founder and CEO of Finvero

Microsoft AI Latino Immersion Program November, 2023

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Victoria Costa Paz

Victoria Costa Paz

Co-Founder and CEO of Eywa

Miami Immersion Program November, 2023

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Nico Rojas

Nico Rojas

CEO and Founder of Dapta

Miami Immersion Program August, 2023

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Want to join these successful founders? Apply now for the next edition of the Miami Immersion Program. We can’t wait to hear your story and help you achieve your dreams!

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The post Founder Testimonials from Global Tech Entrepreneurs appeared first on Mana Tech.

Every new technology sparks a wave of innovation, and Promtior aims to capture this value. Read on to learn what the team is doing and how their story began

Q: What was the initial idea that led to the creation of Promtior? What did that process look like?

A: Since I was a kid, I knew I was destined for a career in technology. After 15 years working for tech companies, mostly startups, I was tired of the routine. In 2021, even before the launch of ChatGPT, I began exploring Generative AI technologies, which reignited my passion and connected me back to my childhood dreams. At that time, I was leading a team of 90 tech professionals within a company of 400 workers, generating $100 million in revenue. We started to experience those growing pains, and like any other CTO, I was seeking new technologies to create an advantage. I searched for consultants to help us implement Generative AI at an organizational level but couldn’t find any. This realization presented a business opportunity, so I reached out to Joaco, and we decided to start a business together. When ChatGPT was released in November 2022, it confirmed our decision to focus entirely on Promtior. 

Q: Can you describe some of the biggest challenges you faced as the founder of Promtior?

A: The AI field currently feels like quicksand; the platforms are immature. Even major companies like Apple are taking risks by integrating AI into their devices. The biggest challenge is making wise decisions amidst such disruption. New technologies often seem like gold, but many turn out to be plastic. It’s crucial to stay focused on our strategy and keep the team committed to continuous improvement, learning, and development. 

Q: What sets Promtior apart from others in the market? What unique value proposition do you offer?

A: Like many other Generative AI companies, we don’t have a moat. However, our senior team of founders have extensive experience in building complex systems in large teams within challenging markets. This gives us an advantage when working with clients, as we understand their pains and fears regarding new technology implementation. This has become a big commercial differentiator, and we’ve already grown to 25 clients, adding two more each month. After a year of uncertainty, our deep knowledge of Generative AI and organizational adoption has set us apart. We aim to commercialize this service through a book we plan to publish annually, staying ahead of the curve and providing valuable insights to our clients. 

Q: What role do you see Promtior playing in the broader tech ecosystem over the next five years? 

A: I believe we are still not at the ideal time globally to build tech products. Promtior is focused on Generative AI, so instead of creating products, we aim to continually reinvent our service. Whether we have a team of 1,000 or 50 in five years, the goal is to be the best option for businesses needing to reinvent themselves, providing clear and precise guidance. 

Q: What has been a personal mantra? 

A: I’m a big fan of Robert Greene’s “The Laws of Human Nature,” especially the chapter on attitude. My mantra is that the only thing that is truly mine and unchangeable by others is my attitude. This philosophy is central to Promtior’s values, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude.  

Joaquin Avalos, Co-Founder and CBO at Promtior & Emiliano Chinelli Co-Founder and CEO at Promtior

Q: Tell us about your journey with Mana Tech. What was your experience in the accelerator program? How do you feel about being part of Miami’s growing tech community?

A: Initially, Promtior focused on selling technology to the US. However, as we experienced significant growth in the Latin American market, we lost focus on the US. Thanks to Mana Tech and their program with Microsoft, they helped us shift back to prioritize entering the US market. Also, the Microsoft AI Latino Immersion Program and the Miami tech ecosystem accelerated our progress, helping us gain our first US leads.

Miami serves as a crucial gateway for Latin American companies to enter the US market. Sharing the similar time zones and cultural features makes it easier to operate. The growing Hispanic presence in Miami reinforces our strategy and provides a supportive community.   

Want to have your startup story told? Join our next Miami Immersion Program and let us spotlight your entrepreneurial journey!

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The post Startup Spotlight: Promtior appeared first on Mana Tech.

This experience was pivotal for Marjorie, solidifying her commitment to entrepreneurship. She pursued a master’s degree in entrepreneurship for youth and children and received a scholarship to study at Columbia University in 2018. Midway through her studies, she conceived the idea for Little Rebels. Continue reading to discover her story creating and growing Little Rebels. 

Q: What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of Little Rebels? What did that process look like?

A: During ‘Tedybujo’, I realized the ‘one-drawing, one-plush’ model wasn’t scalable. I wanted to make a bigger impact… One day, while studying with my daughter, I noticed her books featured only men, no women. I searched online for ways to teach her about women in history but found limited resources. Knowing we learn best through play, I had an ‘aha’ moment: why not turn my plush dolls into famous women from history? This sparked the idea for Little Rebels.

The dolls were designed to look like relatable, cute Disney princesses, such as Elsa from ‘Frozen.’ The first sample I made was Frida Kahlo. Right before traveling to New York for my master’s at Columbia, a local Uruguayan newspaper featured me. I shared a picture of the Frida doll and, upon landing, found my phone exploded with messages, including one from the U.S. State Department asking if I had enough inventory for them to Tweet about it.

I was initially confused because ‘Tedybujo’ did not have inventory, it was one drawing, one plush. However, the article that originally was about a failed attempt as an entrepreneur, turned out to be a story about how I was launching a new toy line inspired by women in history, media inquiries and order requests flooded in. I proposed shifting my Columbia dissertation focus to Little Rebels, and within three months, developed a business plan and partnered with the Malala Foundation. Despite my mentor dismissing the plan as unviable, I secretly advanced Little Rebels while presenting a decoy plan for ‘Tedybujo’.

In January 2019, I presented both plans but even then I didn’t receive my diploma, leading to a deep depression that drove me to set the project aside. Then, in August 2019, I saw an ad from Women in Toys calling for ideas to pitch to big toy companies. I applied, was selected, and traveled to Dallas to meet with companies like Walmart and Hasbro. The feedback was amazing, but they wanted more educational content. So, we developed an app for the dolls in three months and won an award for best toy. This recognition led to our kickstarter campaign in March 2020, during the pandemic. Despite challenges, I successfully launched Little Rebels around September 2020.

Q: Could you describe some of the biggest challenges you faced as the founder of Little Rebels?

A: Starting Little Rebels has been a constant challenge, especially as a woman from Latin America entering the North American toy market, where I’m up against giants like Mattel. Plus, being a single mom and having to manage a business without a team, means I’ve had to wear all the hats.

However, the biggest challenge I would say, is funding. Everything I did since the beginning was 100 percent bootstrap. Every time I pitch, the fact that I’m a solo founder becomes a huge con for everybody. This bothered me because Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are solo founders and nobody ever questioned them. Why? Because they’re men. It bothers people to see that I am a woman launching a business by myself and I am crushing it. 

Q: What sets Little Rebels apart from others in the toy market? What unique value proposition do you offer?

A: We educate and empower the next generation of leaders—both girls and boys—by promoting equity. Unlike competitors like Barbie, who only dress as historical figures, our dolls resemble children, making them more relatable. They don’t have a specific body shape, ensuring that all children can connect with them. 

Our dolls come with a comprehensive educational suite—videos, an app, eBooks, augmented reality, and trivia—allowing children the tools to learn and feel inspired. You can even scan the dolls’ faces to access an interactive menu, a feature no other toy offers. 

Marjorie Spitlanik surrounded by Little Rebels
Q: What has been the most rewarding moment for you since starting Little Rebels?

A: Winning the Tagie Award, the Emmys of the toy industry, was a big one. We also received a nomination alongside Baby Yoda for the industry’s ‘Oscars,’ a true wow moment. Being recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the toy industry was also a significant honor.

However, the most rewarding moments are personal. Parents have told me their children can’t sleep without my dolls or take them everywhere. One mother showed me a video of her daughter eagerly awaiting new doll releases to learn more. Another moment was when a friend’s daughter asked for another Marie Curie doll to give her friend so she could learn her story. These moments show that children are genuinely interested in the women represented by Little Rebels and are excited to share their stories. 

Q: What role do you see Little Rebels playing in the broader tech ecosystem in the next five years? 

A: The main goal with Little Rebels is to have at least one doll from every country and from each professional background. The idea is to demonstrate that it doesn’t matter where you come from, how old you are and what your background is, you can do whatever you set your mind to.

That said, in five years, I envision Little Rebels in every country, capturing the diversity of women worldwide. Additionally, we’re launching a TV show. Hopefully, by then, you’ll be decorating your entire room with Little Rebels, celebrating your love for their adventures.

Lastly, we plan to launch the Little Rebels Foundation to develop educational programs specifically for girls in various countries who lack access to education.

Q: Tell us about your journey with Mana Tech. What was your experience in the accelerator program? 

A: Mana Tech was an unexpected surprise. Initially, I wasn’t sure if it was for me since I’m already in the U.S. and have been part of many accelerators. Since I’m always eager to learn, I decided to join. The experience exceeded my expectations—the learning, sharing, networking, and support were exceptional, not just during the week in Miami but throughout the entire program.

Through Mana Tech, I secured a deal to distribute Little Rebels worldwide and will be traveling to Brazil to speak about my journey. Additionally, another founder, Caetano Altafin from Woof, chose to invest, providing both financial backing and invaluable knowledge. His support for my story and Little Rebels’ mission means the world to me. I’m extremely grateful for the mentors and the incredible opportunities I have experienced thanks to Mana Tech.

Q: As a Latina founder, what do you think about Miami becoming the next tech hub? How do you feel about being part of this ever growing tech community?

A: I never viewed Miami as a tech hub, but more for tourism. However, when I was there, I was surprised by its collaborative entrepreneur scene, not limited to tech. The atmosphere is very Latin, unlike my earlier U.S. experiences where people often charged for introductions. In Miami, founders freely share advice and connections, creating a supporting community.

Want to have your startup story told? Join our next Miami Immersion Program and let us spotlight your entrepreneurial journey!

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The post Startup Spotlight: Little Rebels appeared first on Mana Tech.

During the in-person week, we welcomed mentors including Eugenia Di Marco, Camila Peñailillo, Aaron Chavez and special guest María Camila Castellanos, Executive Director at ProColombia USA. They shared insights with the founders, emphasizing the significance of such programs in guiding Latin American entrepreneurs in their journey to establish a foothold in the US market.

Highlights encompassed a luncheon sponsored by PAG Law, a wellness session with Uplift Experience, and a padle tennis tournament uniting founders, mentors, investors and partners.

Special congratulations to Keybe for winning 1st place in Demo Day, and HoyTrabajas for securing the People’s Choice Award.

Mana Tech was profoundly impressed by Colombia’s wealth of talent and learned a lot from these incredible entrepreneurs about their endeavors to elevate their country and scale up their businesses into the US market.

Below is a roster of all the startups that participated in this amazing cohort:
Aleriom
Coally
Comforce
ControlT
Docokids
Dogma Biotech
Estori
FINKY
Homty
HoyTrabajas
KEEP UP
Keybe
Kumu
Linnda
LQN Hipotecas
PeakU AI
Virtual Impact Digital
WeKall
Superfüds

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The post Colombian Tech Innovators Take Over Miami appeared first on Mana Tech.

The Simplex team participated in the inaugural edition of the Microsoft AI Latino Immersion Program and recently returned for the second edition to share valuable insights with entrepreneurs about their journey and progress since their initial visit to Miami.

Discover the tech-inspired story of this remarkable innovator and learn how he built his startup from the ground up, powered by values.

Q: Can you tell me about your background? Where are you from? What was your academic journey like?

A: I was born and raised in Chile, where I pursued an academic career in industrial civil engineering. Following in my family’s footsteps, engineering felt like a natural fit… Throughout my academic journey, I maintained a great interest in technology, often exploring electronics and software development. During my college years, I started selling websites to businesses, gradually transitioning to software development to meet clients’ needs… Learning the ins and outs of the technology firsthand, I sold software initially, later discovering the benefits of offering it as a service. This decision to rent rather than sell created longer-term client relationships and a deeper understanding of their needs. After graduating, instead of immediately diving into entrepreneurship, I opted to gain corporate experience, working in business intelligence roles at major retail companies in Chile. It was during this time that the idea for Simplex emerged. Seven years ago, I partnered with someone who shared my vision, and we launched the company.

Q: What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of your startup? What did that process look like?

A: The initial spark for Simplex came from two key principles: Firstly, the desire to build a business based on intangibles, avoiding the complexities of raw materials and logistics. Secondly, the pursuit of passive income, driven by a recognition of the high barriers to entry in specialized industries like software development.

Identifying a significant knowledge gap in the industry, I set out to simplify the software development process. This led to the creation of Codelex (by Simplex), a low-code technology solution that streamlines development by offering a more intuitive interface. With Codelex, we aimed to democratize software development, enabling faster production with fewer skilled resources. By leveraging Codelex, we’ve been able to rapidly produce software solutions. This approach has proven competitive in terms of time to market, allowing us to allocate resources efficiently and drive innovation within Simplex.

Q: Could you describe some of the biggest challenges you faced as a founder of Simplex?

A: The journey of building the company was filled with challenges beyond just developing a business model. Working with people meant shaping an organizational culture, a constant challenge, as startups must innovate continuously. Innovation demands flexibility, as what worked a year ago might be obsolete today… Also, leading a diverse team is complex. Individuals have different interpretations, paces, and knowledge levels. So, keeping everyone aligned is key, and declaring values guides decision-making amid constant change.

Q: Why did you decide to expand your business into the US? Why not stay in Chile? 

A: The decision to expand to the US was driven by the limitations of the Chilean market, which is demanding but offers less depth compared to larger markets like the US. In Chile, businesses often need to diversify or rely heavily on a few large companies. On the other hand, the US market provides opportunities for specialization and deeper industry engagement… While other Latin American markets have potential, they may lack necessary formalities or present cultural challenges. Targeting a first-world market like the US or Europe offers attractive opportunities for growth and expansion.

Q: What sets Simplex apart from others in the space? What unique value proposition do you offer?

A: Our unique value proposition lies in our focus on rapid time-to-market. Unlike traditional software companies that prolong the process to maximize rental revenue, we prioritize swiftly solving customer problems. By minimizing deployment time and effort, we quickly deliver value, ensuring a seamless transition for the customer. We absorb cybersecurity costs, offering hassle-free infrastructure tailored to their needs without additional user-based fees. This approach makes us the fastest in our category, prioritizing customer success and efficiency.

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment for you since starting Simplex?

A: One of the most rewarding moments as an entrepreneur was reaching our first million in sales, signifying our ability to deliver value and better service to our customers. Another significant moment has been realizing that our company’s value extends beyond serving customers to making a positive impact in our ecosystem through social initiatives. Being part of projects that benefit people without a direct economic interest has been immensely gratifying. Another grand milestone for us would be partnering with major global companies such as Ikea, allowing us to set the pace in our industry and validate our path and commitment to generative solutions.

Q: What role do you see Simplex playing in the broader tech ecosystem in the next five years? 

A: In the next five years, we aim to implement cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and generative solutions in specific segments such as retail and banking. We anticipate making significant impacts in Latin America and expanding into first-world markets, particularly in the US. Our focus is on collaborating with market leaders to innovate and address key challenges, with a priority on providing solutions for larger enterprises.

Mario and Cristián Ojeda with their company mantra

Q: Can you share a personal mantra or philosophy that guides your approach to leadership and decision-making within your company?

A: Absolutely! This year we solidified our belief that knowledge (conocimiento) and talent (talento) are essential factors that add to your work. However, it’s attitude (actitud) that multiplies and value is the exponential in growth. Embracing a value-driven management approach is challenging. It’s about managing based on principles rather than solely technical abilities, which can be more complex and perhaps more costly, but it’s ultimately more meaningful. Our teams consist of individuals who not only share but also live by these values.

Q: Tell us about your journey with Mana Tech and Microsoft. What was your experience being part of the accelerator program? 

A: Last year, Microsoft invited us to participate in Mana Tech’s accelerator program. It offered us a transformative experience beyond just the program. We benefited from invaluable support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, validating our ideas and strategies. It’s a space where like-minded founders interchange ideas and experiences and are able to nurture innovation. It also taught us the importance of emphasizing specialization in a competitive market such as the US, and highlighted the value of community for growth and collaboration… The Microsoft and Mana Tech community provided a supportive ecosystem, facilitating connections, knowledge-sharing, and business opportunities. It enriched our understanding of the global tech community and its diverse perspectives and initiatives. 

Apply to our next Miami Immersion Program and join the ever-growing community of international tech entrepreneurs.

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The post Startup Spotlight: We Are Simplex! appeared first on Mana Tech.

Wei-maa Hung bears a Chinese name because his military grandfather emigrated from Taiwan to Cali in the 1940s, following the conflict with China. The family quickly faced hardships, leading Wei’s father to enlist in the Colombian army to pursue higher education due to financial constraints.

Years later, Wei, now a husband and father, reflects, “If you ask me at which point in my life I’d revisit, without a doubt, it’s university. Not just for the knowledge, but for the experiences. Plus, I met my wife on the first day of classes.”

There is a fire, an incandescent flame in the eyes of this grandson of immigrants whose faith compels him to transmit values to young people that do not necessarily collect high amounts of clicks.

He explains, “The strategist behind Educación Estrella is God. We have a purpose with a Fintech, and not vice versa. Through education we offer hope, bringing us closer to embracing the hearts of young people.”

This narrative sets Educación Estrella apart as we explore its distinctive journey.

While working in the financial department at Universidad de Los Andes, Wei-maa Hung encountered numerous students facing economic crises, desperately seeking ways to continue their education. Inspired by these interactions, Hung, alongside his university friend and co-founder, Sergio Serna, envisioned a solution beyond individual university capabilities—a comprehensive network linking various institutions for collective support.

“When it comes to obtaining financial resources, dealing with thousands isn’t the same as dealing with tens of thousands,” explains Hung. “That is why Estrella is an ecosystem, and behind our company, there is a trust of experts. They make our project reliable for the investors.”

Their platform addresses key educational challenges: expanding access to university education for those who perceive it as out of reach and minimizing dropout rates through a pragmatic approach. Initially focusing on high school graduates who disregard higher education as a viable option, the platform also incorporates a sophisticated algorithm for assessing the financial risk of student loans, streamlining the process more effectively than traditional university loan management systems. Furthermore, to combat dropout rates, the developers are enhancing the platform’s educational technology to provide early alerts on students’ educational progress, ensuring timely intervention and support.

Estrella and its team are driven by the firm conviction that education represents hope. “That’s what we aim to provide to the new generations growing up in a world where everything seems easy, fast, and effortless. However, the college experience is the most transformative time in life.”

Inspired by his Christian faith, Wei envisions a future for his daughters where universities serve as a social network, nurturing community within their halls. “A student is a triangle whose vertices are social, cultural and economic capital. With Estrella, we solve your financing problems, covering 15 percent of monthly college expenses; then, it’s up to each student to pursue academic success. It’s the social capital that builds community ties and makes us have faith in the future we can build together.”

Wei’s decision to join the Miami Immersion Program in November 2023 was notably influenced by Moishe Mana‘s impactful contributions. “Moishe Mana is instilling in new generations a refreshed view of the world and life. His long-term vision nurtures a flourishing tech hub, uniting the Americas towards a shared future.”

For Wei, every student is a ‘Star’—hence the company’s name, Spanish for star. He envisions the Latin American skies filled with guiding lights, symbolizing the hope that, beyond talent, faith is essential in navigating challenges.

Stay connected with us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates on our #ManaTechies.

The post Once Upon a Founder: Educación Estrella appeared first on Mana Tech.

On July 6, 1981, María José Martabit Sagredo was born in Argentina, the only daughter of a Chilean couple. Her earliest memories depict her advocating for the vulnerable in class, offering support to those in need, and enduring injustices inflicted upon others. Hence, she’s never had any doubts about her vocation and profession: she always knew she would become a lawyer.

And as expected, she did.

She spent 15 years litigating in Chile’s most prominent courts, and along the way, she realized that advancing further in her legal career, such as becoming a judge, would not fulfill her ambitions. “Given the technological revolution of this century, I realized that the impact I could achieve with a digital tool transcending borders was far greater than what I would achieve by myself signing a sentence, which only changes the lives of a few people, even when it establishes jurisprudence,” she reflects from her living room in Santiago.

As the second decade of this century began, María José started to study biases and algorithms. She came to a fundamental discovery: the biased representation of stereotypes appears in the symbolic production of society, and its constructions are shared by adoption, naturalization, and reproduction – what she terms the “unconscious” process. Efforts such as courses, training sessions, and talks on this matter often fall short of being effective.

On the other hand, María José understood that working on digital interfaces of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) would yield tangible changes aligned with her goals. “You have to experiment with how to avoid bias, to realize that sometimes, unintentionally, we are discriminating,” she explains.

In other words, what truly drives change in the algorithm-ruled global community is ensuring, for example, that a search engine or corporate website does not show biased results or is able to spot discriminating texts and images in real time.

That change of outlook prompted the protagonist to launch Theodora, diving into an entirely unfamiliar world. Theodora is an open platform where any user can contribute by providing examples of biases. This input continuously enriches the algorithm, which learns to identify and mitigate such expressions. As a result, corporate firms seeking to eliminate all forms of discrimination in their communications can use Theodora and engage with a collaborative AI tool that evolves alongside society.

Today, at Theodora, a team of experts works to apply responsible Artificial Intelligence parameters in different fields. Ricardo Baeza-Yates, a co-founder of the company, leads this team while conducting research on responsible AI at the Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern University.

María José’s eyes light up when she thinks about her dreams. “If Theodora can contribute even a little to reducing conflicts in society, leading to fewer people feeling discriminated against, then we are on the right track,”.

Having participated in Mana Tech’s Microsoft AI Latino Immersion Program last year, María José understood the nature of the tech entrepreneurial world that knows no borders. Plus, it strengthened her team’s network in America and consolidated their position as a company with aspirations for Series A investment this year, aiming for more than $1 million.

We sometimes use grandiloquent phrases to describe tech founders. However, the dialogue with Theodora’s founder revealed a taste for the simple dreams of the heart. María José humbly admits that she will rest easy knowing that, thanks to her efforts, the world is slightly fairer.

Applications are now open for our Miami Immersion Program. Be a part of the next cohort!

Apply Here

The post Once Upon a Founder: Theodora appeared first on Mana Tech.

The publicity surrounding early breast cancer detection is extensive. Typically, such detection occurs in women over 40 years old through the diagnostic imaging method known as mammography. However, its effectiveness under certain conditions drops to 60%.

In essence, when a woman undergoes a routine mammogram anywhere in the world, she may leave the office thinking she is healthy, even though, in reality, a one-millimeter tumor could be present.

This is what really worries Marina Simian, Ph.D., Argentine biologist and founder of Oncoliq together with her partner Adriana De Siervi, Ph.D.

A tumor takes years to appear. The key is to detect it as early as possible, and that is why we developed Oncoliq, which is not so sophisticated considering available technologies… When a woman detects a tumor in her breast, it has been there for years, growing. But current imaging systems are 60% effective when the tissue is dense.” by=”Marina Simian” from=”CEO & Co-Founder, Oncoliq

— Marina Simian, CEO & Co-Founder, Oncoliq

In 2014, De Siervi began researching a different way to detect cancer at the Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IByME), affiliated with one of Latin America’s most prestigious scientific institutions: the National Council for Scientific Research and Techniques of Argentina, CONICET.

Experiments with mice allowed De Siervi to confirm that microRNA chains,
discovered at the beginning of this century, showed differences when comparing healthy rodents with those that had tumors.

The research progressed and a hypothesis emerged that a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test could observe alterations in microRNA, requiring only a blood sample, without the need for a biopsy or any imaging.

In February of 2021, the hypothesis had evolved into a robust doctoral thesis leading De Siervi to propose the creation of Oncoliq, a simple, low-cost solution to detect cancer.

Simian explains, “There are 50 types of cancer registered, but we usually do not give regular checkups for all organs. Currently, we analyze five types of
cancer, with a primary focus on breast cancer. However, our interest extends to detecting tumors in the pancreas, liver, and brain, which are not regularly monitored.”

Simian is focused and openly shares that within the laboratory, she often depersonalizes the work. “For us, the challenge is to understand and test our method. Afterward, my role within the company is to grow this business, travel, and generate alliances. Otherwise, Oncoliq will never reach its intended destination”.

Simian highlights their decision to use PCR as the detection system, due to its widespread availability in laboratories since the COVID-19 pandemic. This guarantees that any laboratory can offer the service.

Their strategy involves licensing the testing kit to a global health corporation capable of manufacturing and distributing it worldwide. Simian elaborates, “The practice has to be as simple as a boxed cake recipe so that our solution yields consistent results anywhere.”

Looking ahead two years, Simian sees Oncoliq focusing on specific aspects of the process: data management, crucial in the realm of health, and analyzing PCR results.

“The test returns a number that, by itself, does not indicate anything. The laboratory that uses Oncoliq must upload that number to the website, we enter it into our algorithm, and thus you obtain a yes or no response, plus the specificity of the tumor. We are going to charge each laboratory a very low monthly membership for that service.”

Approaching the United States market represents a significant milestone in Oncoliq’s journey. Simian is not just seeking top-level technological development but is also preparing for the seed funding round they plan to launch next year, aiming to raise $7 million to facilitate the company’s expansion.

“That’s why in August of this year, we were part of Mana Tech’s Immersion Program,” says Simian. ”For us, networking was the most valuable aspect of the program. We were able to connect with other events, bringing us closer to potential investors and strategic partners we may need in the near future.”

Today, Oncoliq exists as a dream in the shape of a prototype. If realized, it holds the promise of transforming routine checkups into a powerful tool for preventing a nightmare scenario.

Interested in being a part of the next Miami Immersion Program? Join the waitlist today!

The post Once Upon a Founder: Oncoliq appeared first on Mana Tech.

Germán López gazes into the computer’s camera, as he has countless times during the interview, with his charismatic smile punctuating each phrase. He comes to a realization that despite having a German passport, he has never truly felt like one.

It’s not uncommon for him to express his sense of foreignness about the land of beer and medieval castles. Despite emigrating from Guayaquil at the young age of 18, after graduating as an engineer and founding his first startup, Lopez lived a nomadic life during this stage of his life.

López, the globetrotter and natural entrepreneur, lived in Brazil, Spain, and Denmark, consistently involved in digital advertising businesses. He came of age and recognized the booming e-commerce scene in the Old Continent. He then specialized in affiliate marketing, involving the purchase of advertising space in various digital channels, including social networks, to resell to companies or brands.

Publifyer, became his post-pandemic platform, following three previous attempts. His latest venture, Contifico, was a tremendous success, providing him with the capital to seek this new venture that would impact society beyond just profits.

In Latin America, the influencer marketing industry saw significant growth during the COVID-19 crisis, leading López to create Publifyer. The platform empowers micro and nano influencers, professionalizing their role and transforming the lives of over 100 content creators associated with the platform.

B2C companies in Latin America allocate substantial budgets to influencer marketing, typically between 5% and 7% of their advertising budget. Publifyer serves as a bridge between brands and content creators, facilitating campaign uploads and fee payments based on content performance metrics.

Participating in Mana Tech’s Miami Immersion Program in August expanded his international perspective, preparing Publifyer for a significant presence throughout Latin America. López credits Jeff Snider, Mana Tech Mentor, and Etienne Gillard, Head of Ventures at Mana Tech, for their insights into the American market and investor mentality, as this is his first experience with financial investment capital.

As his family expands with the arrival of his child, López envisions settling in Miami, providing accessibility to Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he engaged in entrepreneurial ventures during his university days.

Maintaining humility despite his rapid journey is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of young Latin Americans, a mission he holds dear.

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We can’t wait for these founders to experience what is becoming the next entrepreneurial tech hub. Mana Tech takes pride in being the ultimate tool and guide for these innovators, helping them navigate not only Miami’s beautiful beaches and weather, but more importantly how to successfully scale in the ever-growing tech ecosystem.

A special thanks to our invaluable sponsors who have made our mission possible: Delta Air Lines, Latam Airlines, Marriott Hotels, and Microsoft for Startups.

Without further ado, here is a roaster of the companies that will be joining us for the third edition of Miami Immersion Week.

• APRAMI
• Argus Analytics
• Balay
• Doare
• Doctor7
• Ecobuildtec
• Educación Estrella
• Equilibria Agro
• EYWA
• Fraktal Software Technologies
• Impakt Sales
• Pricode
• Rocketbot
• Sabroso
• Sumo App
• Suplymos

Secure your seat for our highly demanded Demo Day, where you will witness breakthrough pitches for the coveted title of the third cohort’s champion.

RSVP

The post Meet The Third Cohort of Miami Immersion Week appeared first on Mana Tech.