Tech Talents LatAm #17
Ex-Founder & CEO at dr.consulta launches a new healthcare AI startup, ex-Software Developer at Celcoin in stealth, and much more...
Welcome to Tech Talents! In this newsletter, I share real-time key talent movements in the LatAm tech ecosystem, including founders entering and exiting stealth mode, executive-level movements in unicorns, and partner-level changes in local VC firms.
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed your holiday and wish you all the best in 2025. 🎉
As the year begins, I like to take this time not only to reflect on what happened in the tech world over the past year but also to look ahead at what’s to come. One of my favorite ways to do this is by going through predictions from various thought leaders in the industry. Here are some of my favorites:
In Ten predictions for tech and AI in 2025, Ashu Garg from Foundation Capital does a great job reflecting on how far the AI field has come in such a short time while also making compelling predictions for its future. Over the past three years, we’ve witnessed a 1000x reduction in the cost of AI, probably the fastest democratization of any technology in history. Looking ahead, Garg anticipates a shift from the race to build ever-larger models to the focus on developing the most performant AI systems (like OpenAI’s o3 model), a transformation in software economics—moving from workflow enablement to actual work completion—, and a significant evolution in AI user interfaces, moving beyond chatboxes.
Fred Wilson’s 2025 predictions/provocations are some of the boldest and most specific ones I’ve read. The range of predictions is also huge, going from Apple and Google surpassing OpenAI in AI consumer usage, to Dyson releasing a housekeeping robot, to TikTok turning all videos into memecoins. Definitely a short and fun read.
In the fintech realm, This Week in Fintech’s Next Half-Decade Predictions is another excellent read. The author reflects on and rates their predictions from five years ago before forecasting what’s ahead for the industry. These include more “zombie deaths” for fintechs that raised capital during the 2020-21 boom but fail to secure additional funding, achieve cash flow positivity, or find an acquirer, a comeback in the exit market, and a trend toward deregulation in the US, spurred by the new presidential administration.
Last but not least, if you want to know what’s next for LatAm, make sure to check out The Next Big Thing LatAm 2025—always a great yearly read!
Of course, these are just predictions and even the smartest industry insiders can’t predict the future with accuracy. However, I believe it is important for anyone in the tech industry to reflect and share their visions. Shared convictions can often lay the groundwork for new partnerships—whether as an investor backing a startup, co-founders joining forces to build something new, or someone deciding to contribute their talents to an existing project.
🎊 Startup Launches
Founders who have just publicly announced what they are working on.
Carecode
Overview
Startup Description: Conversational AI call center that reduces costs, maximizes results and transforms the customer experience in the healthcare space.
Announcement Post: Click here
Industry: Healthcare, AI
Team Size: 13
Time in Stealth: 1 year
Founders Profiles
Thomaz Srougi - Co-founder and CEO at Carecode
Founder Highlights: Serial Founder, Masters, Top University
Previous Experience: Ex-Founder, CEO, and Chairman at dr.consulta, Kauffman Fellows (Fellow, Class 17).
Ask for an Intro: Click here
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Co-Founder: Pedro Magalhaes
🤫 Talents Entering Stealth
Talents with relevant experiences who have just entered stealth mode.
Guilherme Cardoso de Almeida - Building at Stealth Startup
Founder Highlights: Technical Founder, Soonicorn Experience
Previous Experience: Ex-Tech Manager at Brasil Cash, ex-Software Developer at Celcoin, ex-Frontend Developer at Veripag, ex-Fullstack Developer at CIT - Centro de Inovação e Tecnologia Senac, ex-Technical Support Analyst at Global Hitss. Academic background includes a degree in Analysis and Systems Development from Senac São Paulo.
Ask for an Intro: Click here
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Time in Current Position: 3 months
Guilherme Marra – Stealth Builder at Stealth Startup
Founder Highlights: Technical Founder, Masters, Ex-Big Tech, Unicorn Experience
Previous Experience: Ex-Software Engineer at Microsoft, ex-Data Scientist at Shift Technology.
Ask for an Intro: Click here
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Time in Current Position: 2 months
Raphael Dusi - Founder at Stealth Startup
Founder Highlights: Ex-Consultant, Unicorn Experience
Previous Experience: Ex-Partner and Head of Product at DXA Invest, ex-Head of Product/Growth at Dealboard Global, ex-Branding & Marketing at platonic.works, ex-Branding & Marketing at Stone Pagamentos. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from ESPM.
Ask for an Intro: Click here
Headquarters: United States
Time in Current Position: 5 months
Natalie Setton Weintraub - Founder at Stealth Startup
Founder Highlights: Serial Founder, Top University
Previous Experience: Ex-Sales and Strategy Leader at Wiser Educação, ex-Country Director at Communispace Corporation, ex-Co-Founder at USACupom.com.br, ex-Brand Manager at Unilever. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from USP.
Ask for an Intro: Click here
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Time in Current Position: 3 months
📈 VC Movements
Promotions, new hires, and other movements at the partner level in local VC firms.
Kristian Huber - Managing Partner at Canary
Previous Role: Venture Partner at Canary
Investor Highlights: Ex-Founder, Unicorn Experience, Top University
Previous Experience: Ex-Co-Founder, CFO at Loft, ex-Board Member at Omega Energia (Serena), ex-Board Member at Somos Educação, ex-Public/Private Equity Investor at Tarpon Investimentos, ex-Board Member at Cremer S.A., ex-Analyst at Polo Capital. BS in Finance from The Wharton School.
Investment Thesis: Canary invests in seed to early-stage companies in the financial services, fintech, and software industries, focusing on South America and North America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
Headquarters: São Paulo
Time in Current Position: 2 months
🦄 Unicorn Movements
Promotions, new hires, and other movements in local unicorns’ executive-level.
Juliana Borges de Campos - Vice President of Operations, LATAM at Worldpay
Previous Role: Vice President of Global Payment Operations at EBANX
Previous Experience: Ex-Operations Superintendent at Cartão Elo, ex-Card Schemes & Partnerships Coordinator at Rede, ex-Product Coordinator at Rede.
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Time in Current Position: 2 months
Reminder: I’m giving away access to a structured database of key executives in LatAm unicorns. This database currently features over 120 profiles from 20 organizations, including all the usual Tech Talents information — tags, previous experience, LinkedIn links, time in current position, and more.
To gain access, simply share this newsletter with two friends using your personal link below, and the database will be delivered straight to your email inbox.
If you have any feedback or suggestions about Tech Talents LatAm, please share them with me through my LinkedIn.