Shaping an Exponential Future for Latin America: GEC+Puerto Rico and the Vision 2035

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) has long been a catalyst for cross-border collaboration, connecting founders, investors, and ecosystem builders to create thriving entrepreneurial communities worldwide. This year, GEC+Puerto Rico takes center stage, focusing on the theme of "Vision 2035: An Entrepreneurial Future for Latin America and the Caribbean." As an Exponential Organization (ExO) Ambassador and a co-leader of the official Colombian delegation, I am thrilled to participate in this transformative event and contribute to the growth and acceleration of the Latin American entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Latin America is poised for exponential growth, with a burgeoning startup scene, a young and talented workforce, and a growing middle class eager to embrace innovation. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, the region's startup ecosystem has grown by 23% annually since 2010, with over 6,000 startups across various sectors (IDB, 2021). However, the region also faces significant challenges, including economic instability, social inequality, and a need for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders. GEC+Puerto Rico seeks to address these challenges head-on, bringing together key stakeholders to chart a course toward a more prosperous and inclusive future.

The Exponential Organization mindset, as outlined by Salim Ismail and his co-authors in the bestselling book "Exponential Organizations," offers a robust framework for navigating the rapidly evolving business landscape. ExOs leverage new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain, to achieve rapid growth and scale. They also embrace a culture of experimentation, adaptability, and continuous learning, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve in an era of constant disruption. As a contributor to the latest Exponential Organizations 2.0 book, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this mindset in driving innovation and growth.

GEC+Puerto Rico aims to infuse the ExO mindset into the Latin American entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering startups and established companies to harness the power of exponential technologies and business models. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, attendees will gain invaluable insights (see program) into the latest trends and best practices in exponential innovation from industry leaders and visionary thinkers.

The Vision 2035 framework, a key focus of GEC+Puerto Rico, lays out an ambitious roadmap for Latin America's economic and social development over the next 15 years. This comprehensive plan identifies key sectors and industries with the greatest potential for exponential growth, such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital services. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, investing in human capital, and building robust innovation ecosystems across the region.

As part of the Colombian delegation, I am particularly excited to showcase our country's thriving startup scene and explore opportunities for collaboration with our Latin American counterparts. Colombia has emerged as a hub for entrepreneurial talent in recent years, with a growing number of successful startups in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and creative industries. In 2023, Colombian startups raised over $1.1 billion in funding, a 22% increase from the previous year, despite the overall decline in Latin American startup investment (Crunchbase, 2024). By sharing our experiences and lessons learned, we can contribute to the collective knowledge and inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

GEC+Puerto Rico also offers a unique platform for addressing the challenges of inclusivity and social impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event's theme of "Leave No One Behind" underscores the importance of creating opportunities for all members of society, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through targeted sessions and initiatives, GEC+Puerto Rico aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the startup world, ensuring that the benefits of exponential growth are shared widely.

Moreover, the event's focus on "Getting to Work" highlights the need for practical, actionable solutions to support entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in the here and now. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops and mentoring sessions, gaining valuable skills and insights to apply in their ventures. GEC+Puerto Rico seeks to create a lasting impact that extends well beyond the event by fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

As I prepare to attend GEC+Puerto Rico, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the future of Latin America's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By embracing the Exponential Organization mindset and aligning our efforts with the Vision 2035 framework, we have the potential to unlock unprecedented levels of innovation, growth, and social impact. Through events like GEC+Puerto Rico, we can build bridges across borders, sectors, and communities, creating a more vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape for all.

The road ahead is not without its challenges, but the Latin American entrepreneurial spirit is more than up to the task. With a commitment to collaboration, continuous learning, and bold experimentation, we can shape an exponential future that benefits our startups, businesses, and broader society. As a proud member of the Colombian delegation, I look forward to contributing to this collective effort and helping to drive the transformation of our region.

GEC+Puerto Rico is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for change, a platform for growth, and a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that unites us all. As we come together in San Juan this July, let us embrace the opportunity to learn from one another, forge new partnerships, and chart a course toward a brighter, more prosperous future for Latin America and the Caribbean.

I encourage you to join the ExO Community and invite you to join me on this transformative journey in GEC+Puerto Rico. Together, we can turn Vision 2035 into a reality and create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is genuinely exponential in its impact and reach.