LatAm Tech Weekly
#199: 10 Prompting Hacks for GPT-5, Q2 State of VC, credit by fintechs in Brazil, deals of the week... and much more!
Weekly writing about what is happening in LatAm tech. By day, I lead the business development team at Itau Unibanco. By night, I am reading and learning about technology in general (now, with a focus on AI). During the weekends, I’m writing the LatAm Tech Weekly.
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Happy Sunday!
I got a lot of great feedback on last week’s newsletter. So, to keep my readers (and myself—I always learn as much writing this as you do reading it) happy, I’m sticking with the same formula.
We’ll kick things off with another Top 10 on AI—this time focused on prompting hacks for GPT-5. These are tips I’ve tested, retested, and can confirm really work. From there, I’ll take a closer look at Carta’s latest State of VC Report, and wrap things up with Brazil-specific insights on the credit fintech ecosystem.
As I’ve said before, finding solid, detailed data on LatAm and Brazil isn’t always easy. That’s why, whenever I come across reports worth your time, I make a point to bring them here.
So, without further ado—let’s dive in.
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Opinions expressed here are solely my own and does not represent those of people, institutions, organizations that I may or may not be associated with in any capacity, unless explicitly stated.
I’ve mentioned here before that my go-to daily podcast on AI is The AI Daily Brief—and yes, I actually listen to it every single day. Just a week into GPT-5’s release, they put out a “How to” guide on prompting. If you’re a heavy user like me—or simply curious about the topic—it’s definitely worth a listen. Open AI also released a prompting guide that I found useful.
As usual, I caught the episode while running on the treadmill, and the content really resonated with me. Over the past week, I’ve had countless interactions with GPT-5, so I thought: why not turn both the podcast and my own hands-on experience into something practical for you? That’s how this week’s Top 10 Prompting Tips came together.
All of these tips are tried and tested, and I’m confident they’ll work for you too. I’d love to hear your feedback once you put them into practice.
While there’s been some backlash and criticism around the newly released model, my view is that GPT-5 is actually very strong—if you know how to use it. The truth is, we’ve gotten a bit “lazy” with prompting. Models like o3 and others performed reasonably well even with sloppy instructions. But GPT-5 is different. It is more steerable than any other frontier model. Its architecture relies more heavily on structured context and clear intent, which means the quality of the output is directly tied to the clarity of your input. In practice, the more precise and layered your prompt, the more GPT-5 can leverage its reasoning depth and memory mechanisms to deliver better answers.
Once I refined the way I prompted, the responses improved dramatically. So with that in mind, here are my top 10 tips:
Tip #1: Invoke deep reasoning—then break it down
Ask the model to use “ultra deep thinking” (i.e., a structured, step-by-step plan—no secret mode) before answering. For complex tasks, divide the work into numbered sub-tasks and solve them sequentially. If the result isn’t strong, request a second pass: have it reflect, critique, and revise.Example prompt:
“Use deep reasoning. First outline assumptions and sub-tasks (1–N). Solve each step, then synthesize a final answer. Finally, run a brief ‘reflect & revise’ pass to improve clarity, accuracy, and completeness.”Tip #2: Describe the planning phases
Don’t just throw the model into the deep end—give it a clear roadmap. Think of it like handing over a mental to-do list before asking for the final output. When you spell out the planning phases, the model can organize its reasoning, avoid skipping steps, and deliver a much more coherent answer.How to do it:
Tell the model to first outline the plan before diving into execution.
Use prompts like: “Start by drafting a step-by-step outline of how you’ll approach this. Then, execute each step in order.”
If the task is complex, ask it to separate the planning from the execution, and even to revisit the plan mid-way if needed.
Encourage it to mark each phase clearly (e.g., “Phase 1: Research,” “Phase 2: Analysis,” “Phase 3: Synthesis”).
This forces GPT-5 to show its reasoning structure, which makes the output both more reliable and easier for you to follow.
Tip #3: Be explicit
GPT-5 is highly steerable—but only if you tell it exactly where to go. Vague instructions lead to vague outputs. If you want precision, you need to spell things out: the tone, the format, the audience, and even what not to do. The clearer your directions, the more consistent and reliable the results.How to do it:
Set the tone and style upfront. Example: “Write in a professional yet conversational tone, like a newsletter editor addressing industry peers.”
Define the format. Tell it how you want the answer structured: bullets, numbered steps, short paragraphs, tables, etc.
Clarify expectations. Be explicit about length (“keep it under 300 words”), depth (“include both pros and cons”), or voice (“use first person, casual but polished”).
Stay consistent. Reuse formatting cues across prompts so the model learns your preferred structure.
When in doubt, over-communicate. GPT-5 won’t complain about too much detail—it will just use it to hit closer to the bullseye.
Tip #4: Structure your prompts consciously
The way you ask often shapes the way GPT-5 answers. A loosely written prompt usually produces loosely structured results. By being intentional with your prompt design—ordering information logically, giving context first, and guiding the flow—you help the model stay focused and deliver higher-quality output.How to do it:
Start with context. Tell the model who it’s speaking to and why (e.g., “You are writing for VC professionals in LatAm”).
Layer instructions logically. Move from broad (goal) → specific (tone, format, constraints).
Chunk the request. If there are multiple tasks, list them in sequence (1, 2, 3) so the model processes them step by step.
Use separators. Break prompts with line breaks, bullets, or even headers to visually guide the model’s reasoning.
End with the output format. Clearly state what the final deliverable should look like—summary, bullet list, table, or narrative.
Think of it as designing a blueprint: the better the structure, the easier it is for GPT-5 to “build” exactly what you had in mind.
Tip #5: Share the model’s understanding (briefly)
Catch misunderstandings early by asking GPT-5 to restate the task in its own words—at a high level. You don’t need (or want) a long, step-by-step trace; you want a quick summary of the goal, assumptions, and planned approach. This aligns intent, reduces rework, and improves accuracy.Example prompt:
“Before answering, briefly confirm understanding:Goal & audience (2–3 sentences)
Assumptions & constraints (bullets)
Plan of attack (3 steps)
Then execute. Finish with ‘Why this approach’ (2–3 sentences) and a requirements check (did we meet tone, format, length?). Keep the recap concise.”
Tip #6: Avoid conflicting instructions
It sounds obvious, but conflicting prompts are one of the fastest ways to derail GPT-5. If you tell it to “keep it under 200 words” and “write a detailed deep dive,” or to “use a formal tone” and “make it casual and fun,” the model will try to balance both—and you’ll end up with an inconsistent, watered-down answer.Tip #7: Iterate with ratings
If you are not getting the output you want, instead of saying “be more detailed” or “think harder,” give GPT-5 a scale it can use as a reference point.How to do it:
Define the scale upfront. Example: “On a scale of 1–10, where 1 = very brief and 10 = extremely detailed, aim for a 7.”
Use feedback loops. After the first draft, say: “This feels like a 5/10 on detail. Rewrite it aiming for an 8/10.”
Tip #8: Metaprompting
One of the most powerful techniques with GPT-5 is metaprompting—that is, asking the model to think about how it should think before giving you an answer.How to do it:
Set thinking rules. “Before answering, outline the reasoning steps you’ll take.”
Ask for reflection. “Once you’ve drafted the answer, pause and critique it. What could be improved?”
Use roles. “Act as both solver and reviewer—first generate, then analyze your own response.”
Tip #9: Parallel Processing
Sometimes the best way to get quality results is not by asking once—but by asking several times in parallel and then comparing. GPT-5 can generate multiple independent drafts, perspectives, or solutions. By putting these “in competition,” you give yourself a richer set of options and often uncover insights that a single run would have missed.How to do it:
Request multiple versions at once. “Generate 3 different takes on this, each with a distinct approach.”
Tip #10: API Tips
If you’re working with GPT-5 through an API (not just ChatGPT), prompting takes on another dimension. You’re not just shaping the text—you’re shaping the entire interaction design. By structuring roles, parameters, and system-level instructions, you can get far more consistent and scalable outputs.
How to do it:
Use system messages wisely. Set global rules (tone, persona, constraints) in the system role so they apply across every call.
Define output schema. If you need structured data (JSON, YAML, CSV), tell the model the exact format—ideally with a sample.
Moving on to our usual focus—the world of VC. Carta released its State of VC for Q2 of 2025. I think the report is worth the read - you will find below graphs that stood out for me:
Analysis of Brazil’s Credit Fintech Ecosystem (2024)
Brazil’s credit fintech ecosystem disbursed R$35.5 billion in loans in 2024, a 68% YoY increase. This surge underscores the sector’s resilience and ability to adapt, even against a backdrop of high interest rates, tighter liquidity, and global uncertainty.
Client Base & Credit Expansion
Individuals: More than 67.5 million users (+26% vs. 2023), spanning domestic and international operations.
Enterprises: Corporate lending jumped 67%, with micro and small businesses leading growth (+71.7%). Larger firms weren’t left out—about 800 companies with revenues above R$300 million also secured new financing with fintechs.
The sector is maturing, with 25% of fintechs employing more than 300 professionals, and 13% surpassing 1,000 employees. Funding strategies remain conservative: 46% rely primarily on own capital, while bank credit lines, capital markets, and Credit Receivables Investment Funds (FIDCs) serve as complementary sources.
General news:
Itaú Empresas and Visa have launched Brazil’s first Visa Infinite business card for SMEs. The product extends premium benefits typically reserved for high-income individuals—such as travel insurance, VIP lounge access, and priority airport security—to small and mid-sized companies. Other perks include 24/7 tech support for devices, energy bill discounts, and improved cash-flow management tools. Business card transactions in Brazil grew 45% in 2024, underscoring rising demand. 🇧🇷
Growthway is launching an acceleration program for early-stage B2B (SMEs) and B2C startups, running from September to December. Ten startups will be selected, with benefits including up to R$200K in funding, AWS credits, office space, and a Silicon Valley immersion. The program is execution-driven, helping founders validate products, build acquisition channels, monetize, and scale with data. Applications are open until August 15. 🇧🇷
Jumpstart, founded in 2024 by ITA alumni Fabiano Rocha and Mateus Nobre, has launched an immigration advisory service for startup founders aiming to move to Silicon Valley. Combining statistical models, AI, and legal review, it offers a 100% approval guarantee for visas (O-1A, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW), plus support for company setup, tax planning, staff relocation, and even pet immigration. The company raised a pre-seed round last year and plans to expand into B2B and additional visa types in 2026. 🇧🇷/🇺🇸
Huawei has opened its first pop-up store in Brazil at Shopping Cidade São Paulo, showcasing its full portfolio of foldable smartphones, wearables, earbuds, and tablets. The launch is part of its broader consumer expansion strategy and precedes the opening of a Huawei Experience Store. The activation included promotions, giveaways, and a giant Mate XT replica, reinforcing Brazil as one of its most promising markets. 🇧🇷
Deals:
Transfero, issuer of Latin America’s largest BRL-pegged stablecoin (BRZ), has acquired minority stakes in three startups: 30% of M&A firm Cremona Capital, 25% of accounting platform Openi, and 20% of music financing platform Mzic. Following its 2024 acquisition of Fuse Capital, the move strengthens its digital asset and corporate finance infrastructure in both fiat and crypto markets. 🇧🇷
Buk has acquired Chilean fintech automation startup Bemmbo, launching its new Buk Finanzas unit. The integration aims to combine HR and financial management on a single platform, cutting financial process times by up to 70%. Buk already serves 4,000+ companies across Latin America, and this acquisition reflects its strategy to build a unified ecosystem for people and finance. 🇨🇱
Kinea has increased its stake in LWSA (ex-Locaweb) to 10%, betting on a turnaround after years of digesting 16 acquisitions. Shares trade at ~12x 2025 earnings, compared to Totvs at 25x, with the Bling unit alone potentially justifying LWSA’s R$2.3B market cap. After a 90% drop from its IPO peak, the stock has rebounded 50%, and investors see synergies starting to materialize. 🇧🇷
RPE has acquired 100% of Elevaty, a digital billing and CRM company, bolstering its retail-focused ecosystem of financial and engagement solutions. Elevaty will join RPE Conecta, focusing on multichannel communication and personalized brand-consumer interactions, while retaining its team and mission. The deal follows a string of acquisitions since 2023, including Mob4Pay, Esphero, Fiabilité, and Izatta. With 250M+ annual transactions and partnerships with 70+ major retailers, RPE is scaling integrated, data-driven solutions. 🇧🇷
General news:
Itaú has launched regulated crypto custody, enabling clients to buy Bitcoin and Ether directly through its app without using an exchange. To curb money laundering risks, the service allows “wallet in” but not “wallet out,” requiring certified asset origins. The move follows client demand shifting to crypto exchanges, as Itaú seeks to provide a simpler, safer, and compliant experience amid near-record BTC and ETH prices. 🇧🇷
99Food, the delivery arm of China’s DiDi Global, is relaunching in Brazil with R$1B earmarked for 2025 to challenge iFood’s dominance. After resuming in Goiânia, it’s now expanding to São Paulo with fee waivers for restaurants, courier incentives, and promises of more transparent terms. The company targets 100 cities by mid-2026, betting on aggressive pricing and marketing to grow the overall market. 🇧🇷
Lula will finalize today a bill to regulate and penalize big techs for spreading illegal content, sending it to Congress. Drafted by the Casa Civil, the proposal frames regulation as a matter of security. Lula argued freedom of expression cannot justify promoting hate, while Minister Rui Costa emphasized platform accountability. The Chamber faces pressure, with over 60 related bills filed and growing concern about children’s safety online. 🇧🇷
Cubo for Investors, a Cubo Itaú community for VC funds, has reached a milestone: 50% of firms in its network are female-led—double Brazil’s industry average of 15–20%. The achievement stems from curated micro-communities fostering connections, career development, and peer support among women investors. With 20+ exclusive events in 2025 and tangible fundraising outcomes, the initiative highlights trust-based relationships as central to VC growth in LatAm. 🇧🇷
Stori, a Mexican fintech, reached profitability in 2025 with net income of MXN$21.4M and annualized revenue of $300M, up 80% YoY. Serving 3.7M users with a 99% credit card approval rate and lower delinquency than rivals, Stori sees a sustainable growth path. CEO Bin Chen says the company could be IPO-ready within 24 months, potentially breaking LatAm’s IPO drought. 🇲🇽
Stripe has expanded its partnership with Ebanx to let businesses accept Pix for international transactions in Brazil, with settlement in local currency. With 93% of Brazilian adults using Pix, this opens access to millions without credit cards. Ebanx data shows companies enabling Pix saw revenue up 16% and customers up 25% within six months. For Stripe users, it means greater reach and conversion in LatAm’s largest market. 🇧🇷
Deals:
PipeImob, a Brazilian proptech, raised R$15M in a round led by Headline to expand into rental management and strengthen financial products. Founded by former ZAP Imóveis CEO Roberto Nascimento, the platform processed R$16B in 2024 and serves 300+ real estate firms nationwide. The goal is to unify sales and rental processes in Brazil’s fragmented market. 🇧🇷
VERT Capital is structuring around R$1B in private payroll loan financing via securitization debentures and FIDCs, in partnership with fintechs and a major bank. Payroll credit demand remains strong, especially among INSS retirees and FGTS withdrawals, which represent over half of 2025’s volume. VERT targets R$10B in AUM by year-end and expects 120–130 deals, building on partnerships with Agibank, Creditas, iFood, and Zippi. 🇧🇷
General News:
Oracle has launched AI Hub, a new division connecting startups with enterprise clients to accelerate AI-driven innovation in Latin America. Rather than offering only cloud credits, the program emphasizes matchmaking between developers and corporates, integrating solutions into Oracle’s ecosystem. Backed by partnerships with Nvidia, hubs like Porto Digital, and a growing startup network, AI Hub aims to engage more than 6,000 startups this year. 🇧🇷
Mexico has overtaken Brazil as LatAm’s top VC destination. In H1 2025, Mexico captured 46% of the region’s $1.7B in startup funding, compared with Brazil’s 23% and Colombia’s 11%. High interest rates, policy uncertainty, and development banks redirecting capital abroad have driven Brazil’s share down from 85% in 2014 and 44% last year, to its lowest since 2017. 🇲🇽/🇧🇷
Brazil has unveiled the first phase of Brasil Soberano, a relief plan for companies hit by new 50% U.S. tariffs on local products. Measures include an initial R$30B credit line, tax deferrals, import tax credits, and procurement priority. The package targets small exporters of tilapia, fruit, honey, machinery, and more, while diplomatic and legal efforts continue in the U.S. to fight the tariffs. 🇧🇷
Monest has launched Mia Voz, its AI-powered debt collection voice agent. Piloted with Midway in July, it handled 7,300+ calls, closing 642 agreements worth R$188K with a 36% conversion rate. Simulating human accents, pauses, and adaptive tone, Mia Voz can run thousands of simultaneous calls. Backed by R$3.2M in funding, Monest plans to quadruple operations in 2025 and expand internationally. 🇧🇷
KOA, a new Colombian neobank regulated by the Financial Superintendence, has launched as a 100% digital financing company. Aimed at the unbanked, KOA offers deposit accounts insured by Fogafín and AI-driven financial services with human support, emphasizing empathy, autonomy, and transparency. 🇨🇴
Cardda, the Chilean fintech backed by Y Combinator, is expanding into Peru as part of its international growth. Founded by Renato Olmos, Cardda seeks to strengthen LatAm’s fintech infrastructure by bringing smarter payments and card issuance solutions to new markets. 🇨🇱/🇵🇪
Deals:
BUSUP, a corporate transport management startup, extended its Series A with a €5M round led by Spain’s Bonsai Partners, bringing total funding to €18M. Operating in 8 countries with 120+ clients including Amazon, Mercado Libre, and Carrefour, BUSUP generates 65% of revenue from Brazil, running 2,400 daily routes for 76K passengers. The company posted its first positive EBITDA in 2025 and projects R$300M in revenue this year. 🇧🇷/🇪🇸
The New Economy, a Brazilian SME, acquired 100% of HIAS Group, a data-driven marketing firm valued at R$25M, marking its entry into Europe via Portugal. HIAS specializes in AI- and analytics-based branding and performance solutions, rejecting the traditional agency model. With 2.5x annual growth and R$50M in revenue last year, The New Economy now targets R$100M by year-end. 🇧🇷/🇵🇹
Equip, a Peruvian B2B platform, raised $1.4M in seed funding led by Salkantay Ventures and Alaya Capital to digitize construction materials purchasing for SMEs. Active in 12 regions, it has processed $50M in budgets, served 500 firms, and completed 1,400 deliveries. The platform streamlines quoting, purchasing, credit, and logistics with AI and fintech services. Equip plans to grow 8x and pilot in Mexico. 🇵🇪
General news:
Rio de Janeiro aims to become LatAm’s AI capital, partnering with Oracle and Nvidia to launch the region’s first certified “AI City.” Backed by a planned $65B investment, the project targets a top-10 global AI hub by 2032, starting with DGX supercomputers at Porto Maravalley. The plan envisions 10K jobs, massive compute capacity, and global connectivity via undersea cables. 🇧🇷
B23 Parcelamentos, a Brazilian fintech specializing in vehicle debt installments, is expanding into agribusiness with microloans of R$2K–R$8K, payable via credit card or Pix. Partnering with cooperatives and service providers, the company aims to serve 770K farmers across four states and process R$500M by 2025, addressing gaps in rural credit. 🇧🇷
Keeta, Meituan’s international food delivery brand, has sued 99Food in São Paulo, alleging anti-competitive “blocking clauses” in partner contracts. Keeta claims 99Food offered R$900M in advances to 100+ chains for exclusivity, seeking to form a duopoly with iFood. Planning a R$5.6B launch in Brazil this November, Keeta argues the clauses restrict consumer choice and stifle innovation. 🇧🇷/🇨🇳
Uber and Loggi have launched National Shipping in São Paulo, enabling users to send packages nationwide through Uber’s app, powered by Loggi’s logistics network. After pilots in Campinas and Curitiba, the service now covers 5,500+ municipalities, targeting 10M+ users with real-time tracking and delivery estimates. 🇧🇷
Grupo Marista, a Brazilian education and healthcare leader, launched Rosey Ventures, a R$30M CVC fund to invest in 8–12 early-stage startups over four years. Led by former Wayra executive Guilherme Skaf Amorim, the fund will target edtechs, healthtechs, and adjacent sectors, aiming for both strategic and financial returns. 🇧🇷
Igor Babuschkin, cofounder of xAI, has left the Elon Musk–backed startup to launch Babuschkin Ventures, a VC fund focused on AI safety research. Inspired by a conversation with Max Tegmark, the fund will back startups aiming to “advance humanity and unlock the universe’s mysteries.” His exit comes amid controversies at xAI, though its models remain competitive with OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic. 🇺🇸
RecargaPay is expanding beyond its core user base, offering credit to non-clients and exploring payroll loans. With a finance license, it now issues CDBs and uses Open Finance data to build proprietary credit scores. Already, 50% of its personal loans go to negative-listed customers. With 10M+ users and profitability since 2023, RecargaPay blends AI, efficiency, and user-first strategy in Brazil’s crowded fintech market. 🇧🇷
Yape, Peru’s leading wallet app, has partnered with Western Union to let millions receive international remittances directly in-app. Funds from 200+ countries can be credited instantly with simple phone-number inputs, capped at 3,500 soles per transaction. Serving 15M+ users, Yape becomes the first Peruvian superapp to integrate WU remittances, boosting inclusion. 🇵🇪
Dock has adapted Ant International’s Ant Credit Engine—used for 45% of China’s personal loans—to Brazil. The AI-driven system analyzes alternative data (e.g., utility bills, app usage) for instant credit decisions, targeting underserved populations. Integrated with Open Finance, the rollout will create a real-time “data marketplace” to expand access and reduce costs. 🇧🇷/🇨🇳
Deals:
Eve Air Mobility secured $230M in gross proceeds through new share and BDR issuances, backed by BNDESPAR, Embraer, and other investors. Listed on Brazil’s B3 (EVEB31), Eve will fund eVTOL development at its Taubaté facility, keeping liquidity at $375.5M to sustain operations through 2026. 🇧🇷
Mills acquired Next Rental’s equipment leasing operations for R$180M, adding 600 machines, advanced telematics, and 220 employees. Expanding into forestry, agriculture, construction, and mining, Mills strengthens its nationwide fleet management and precision solutions for infrastructure projects. 🇧🇷
Demafront, a Chilean supply chain optimization startup, raised $500K in its first angel round to upgrade its APS platform and expand into Mexico. Already active in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina, Demafront serves 40+ companies with AI-driven planning tools for forecasting, production, and distribution. 🇨🇱/🇲🇽
TEDDY Open Finance acquired a majority stake in ConKey, Brazil’s first consortium school, valuing the edtech above R$6M. The deal creates Brazil’s largest consortium intelligence vertical, with TEDDY aiming to reduce cancellations and drive responsible scaling in a sector that sold R$378B in credits in 2024. 🇧🇷
General news:
Brazil has launched its new National Cybersecurity Strategy (e-Ciber) to protect critical infrastructure, enhance public safety, and strengthen public-private cooperation. Targeting sectors such as energy, health, transport, and telecom, the plan includes real-time threat intelligence sharing and measures for vulnerable groups. It comes amid a 21% surge in cyberattacks in early 2025, with success hinging on clear deadlines, measurable goals, and execution. 🇧🇷
GigU, a platform for rideshare and delivery drivers, hit breakeven with June revenue of R$950K—exceeding all of 2024’s total. Operating in 338 Brazilian cities and 65 in the U.S., the startup aims to reach R$2M/month by year-end. Using a subscription model for profitability insights, GigU plans to expand subscribers, launch financial products, and scale internationally. 🇧🇷/🇺🇸
Inswitch and Banco Rendimento have launched a service allowing Brazilians to use Pix abroad as they do at home. Offering instant currency conversion with lower IOF tax, enhanced security, and full transparency, travelers see both USD and BRL costs upfront. The move boosts Pix’s reach, financial inclusion, and reduces merchant costs across LatAm. 🇧🇷/🌎
Visa Conecta, launched two months ago for Open Finance, has been authorized by Brazil’s Central Bank as a Payment Institution. With R$5M in capital, it can issue electronic money and act as a Payment Transaction Initiator. Its first product enables seamless Pix payments in apps through a No-Redirect Journey. Built on Tink’s platform, Visa Conecta combines Visa’s credibility with integration flexibility, operating separately from Visa do Brasil. 🇧🇷
OpenAI is weighing a $6B secondary sale led by Thrive Capital, with SoftBank and Dragoneer also involved, that could value the company at $500B versus $300B today. The surge reflects ChatGPT’s explosive growth to 700M weekly users and a revenue run rate approaching $20B this year. 🇺🇸
OCN, a Mexican startup, is entering Brazil with $50M to provide rent-to-own EVs and hybrids from BYD to app drivers. Starting in São Paulo in 2026, drivers will pay fixed installments over 36 months and keep the car at the end. OCN expects 3,000 cars on the road in 18 months, partnering with Uber and 99, pitching affordability versus rental models. 🇲🇽/🇧🇷
Entre Group, led by Antonio Freixo, has gained Central Bank approval to take control of Acqio, a payments fintech operating via franchises in 2,000+ Brazilian cities. This follows a 2023 partnership with EntrePay and expands Entre’s 26-company ecosystem, which includes Pmovil, WMoney, and Leads. The group also acquired Credihome’s direct credit license, now renamed Octa. 🇧🇷
Deals:
Bullish raised $1.1B in its IPO, pricing at $37 per share for a $5.4B valuation. Shares surged 143% intraday to $118 before closing up 83% at $90, later settling near $74 for a $10.9B market cap. Backed by BlackRock and ARK, Bullish combines traditional finance security with DeFi protocols. Founded in 2021, it also owns CoinDesk and has processed $1.25T in trades. 🇺🇸
BTT Telecom, a subsidiary of Brasil TecPar, acquired the remaining 49% of OnNet for R$55M, consolidating full ownership. The deal includes OnNet Locações, Serviço de Conexão à Internet, Tech, Tecnologia and Telecomunicações, completing BTT’s earlier 51% acquisition. 🇧🇷
Kunzapp, a Mexican-Chilean startup, raised a $2M seed round led by Wollef with support from The Hustle Fund, Wayra, Fen Ventures, Tantauco, and Byx Ventures. Its AI-powered platform helps companies cut software waste, optimize licensing, and negotiate better contracts, already saving clients $3M. Funds will accelerate expansion in Mexico and Colombia. 🇲🇽/🇨🇱
Snacks do Johnny raised R$2M in a round led by Investidores.vc, with 32 members participating. The healthy snack brand, present in 6K+ points of sale and growing 10% monthly, will use proceeds to expand its footprint, boost e-commerce, enter new channels, and launch products, with national and international growth in view. 🇧🇷
You will see below an updated list of events. If I forgot your event, and you want to include it - please sure to send those my way asap!
Cubo Conecta 2025
Date: September 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
Location: São Paulo, SP
Description: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Cubo Conecta is the flagship event of Cubo Itaú, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders from across Latin America. The event offers over 90 hours of content and facilitates more than 5,000 digital connections, highlighting the potential of the technology and innovation ecosystem in the region.
Brazil Climate Summit 2025
Date: September 13–14, 2025
Location: New York, NY, USA
Description: The Brazil Climate Summit focuses on Brazil's role in the global green transition, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement and international capital to accelerate low-carbon businesses. The event gathers leaders from various sectors to discuss sustainable development strategies.
More infoGartner CIO & IT Executive Conference 2025
Date: September 22–24, 2025
Location: São Paulo, SP
Description: A gathering of CIOs and IT leaders to discuss digital transformation, organizational leadership, and innovation strategies across industries.
More infoMoney 20/20 USA 2025
Date: October 26–29, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Description: One of the world’s leading fintech and payments conferences, Money 20/20 gathers global leaders across banking, payments, tech, and startups to explore the future of money and financial services.
More infoWeb Summit Lisbon 2025
Date: November 10–13, 2025
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Description: One of the world’s most influential tech conferences, Web Summit Lisbon connects 70,000+ attendees from startups, enterprises, and media to discuss trends shaping the tech industry.
More infoBrazil Tech Summit 2025
Date: December 9, 2025
Location: São Paulo, SP
Description: Part of the Global Startup Ecosystem Series, Brazil Tech Summit brings together entrepreneurs, government leaders, and investors to foster tech-driven innovation across Latin America.
More info
“It will create more jobs than it destroys.” — Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, on the societal impact of AI