Impact Investing in Brazil

MIA for some time now, I write to report that a month ago, I wrapped up my 6 month assignment with QMágico – recently named São Paulo winners of Startup World Brasil!

I want to (semi-)close with an update with what’s been happening in my much-praised impact investing ecosystem in Brazil..

VilCap peer-selection process winners QMágico and Saútil continue getting good press and raising funds to further develop their already amazing businesses.

Artemisia in July graduated 9* out the 10 businesses that started its accelerator in 2011, and launched its 2012 class, consisting of:

• Backpacker – a web platform that offers a fast, accessible and easy way for Brazilians to learn languages to increase their employability;
• TreinaLink (formerly BoPyra) – a multimedia platform for professional training and connecting qualified workforce with work opportunities;
• Geekie – web-based teaching tools that complement classroom learning for students who are preparing for Brazil’s National High School Examination (ENEM) – the only ticket for free college entry for Brazilians;
• Instituto Movere – referral center for prevention and treatment of obesity – one of the main non-transmittable chronic illnesses in Brazil – among children, youths and adults;
• Sementes de Paz – online marketplace that sources organic food for transparent and fair prices and thus promotes investments in improving efficiency and qualification of the production chain.
• Que Fala! – Alternative communication app for tablets, smartphones and PCs that offers an integral solution to communication for people with speaking disabilities.

And I’ve made it over to @HUB_Bogotá half wrapping up my deliverable for the Frontier Market Scout assignment in Brazil, half helping facilitate the launch and impact investing events. The assignment thus far has given me innumerable networking opportunities in the socent world and beyond, helped me win a volunteer position and raise funds to participate in the NESsT Social Economic World Forum (SEWF) in Rio and a social business intern position with Maya Mountain Cacao in Belize starting mid October.

Keep an eye out for blogs during the SEWF Oct. 16-18, and follow my twitter stream @VilCap_Brasil for updates on development initiatives in Latin America! And feel free to reach out to me with any questions/ideas @ epaulauskaite@miis.edu.

* – Banco Perola; Clinica SIM; Dossier Digital; F123; Kiduca; QMágico; Saútil; Solidarium and Works