Forum Pulso Capital 2023: Central America's Hub for Innovation and Investment
On Tuesday, November 28, a crucial moment unfolded in the Central American business world with the celebration of the Pulso Capital 2023 Forum, an event organized by Cuantico in collaboration with the Orange Economy of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport) and SIEX. This gathering not only served as a convergence point for startups, corporations, and investors but also as a platform to discuss, collaborate, and drive innovation and sustainable growth in the region.
Exploring Diverse Business Horizons
The event was structured into various thematic tracks, each designed to address key aspects of the current business landscape in Central America.
In Session 1, "Corporate Success Stories," moderator Claudia Cifuentes from ESI School of Management led a conversation with leaders from prominent companies such as María Andrea Salvadó from Cementos Progreso, Evelyn Juarez from BI, and Estuardo Trujillo from Sunbelt, who shared their experiences and keys to corporate success.
Session 2, "Industry Disrupted," provided an insider's view of brands that are redefining industries and paving the way for 2024, with moderator Andrea de la Paz from Conik Studio and panelists such as Pablo Barrera from ES Consulting, Ingrid Morales from Truck Depot, Juan Gabriel Aguirre from Nexa Banco, and Gerardo Machuca from Marketing Plus.
Pablo Barrera, CEO of ES Consulting, shared the perspective that rigidity in business processes can stifle employee creativity. Barrera advocated for giving freedom to employees, emphasizing that innovation doesn't necessarily require the invention of something revolutionary, but rather small improvements that boost creativity and productivity.
In Session 3, "Venture Capital and Impact," explored how venture capital and investment can positively and sustainably drive the region, with moderator José Kont from Impacta VC and panelists like Mariela Guzmán from SNBX, Sergio Vela from Tora Ventures, and Nicole Schaub from CAFI.
Session 4, "Startups that Raise the Region's Name," highlighted visionary founders of startups such as Cristal Boppel from Fiboo, Gregory Hidalgo from Hakki, and Diego Fernández from Sento, moderated by Rodrigo Morán from Aracari Studios.
Importance of Innovation at the Heart of the Debate
During the event, Ingrid Morales, Marketing and Communication Manager of Truck Depot, emphasized the need to foster a culture of innovation in emerging companies. Morales highlighted the importance of allocating a specific budget to enhance innovation, not only through projects for competitions, but also by empowering employees to contribute innovative solutions in all aspects of the company.
In a moment filled with excitement, Marcela Fratti, CEO of Go Work, and Ileana Figueroa, CEO of Pulso Capital, jointly presented the Pulso Capital Award for the 2023 edition. This accolade, a collaboration between Go Work and Pulso Capital, was bestowed upon five exceptional entrepreneurs whose business have significantly contributed to innovation and positive impact in the region.
The recipients of this esteemed award include Rafael Guillén from Bosys Company, María Cecilia Suárez España from Dash, Ana Gabriela Santisteban from Ranita Accesorios, Tiffany González from Glamps, and Eloísa Catalán from Espiral Co.
The Pulso Capital 2023 Forum was not just a business gathering but a catalyst for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in Central America. The ideas shared by corporate leaders, industry disruptors, and visionary entrepreneurs point towards a path to a vibrant and sustainable business future in the region.