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Sunny Deals and Bold Steals
From intelligent stores to pitch-perfect innovations
Eduardo Amadeo
10 Dec
“AN ENTREPRENEUR WHO MERELY ADAPTS THEIR PROPOSAL TO A CORPORATION'S BUSINESS BECOMES A CONSULTANT. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR ARE STARTUPS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SCALE AND BECOME LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PARTNERS.”
LATEST
Bridging Impact by Joining Forces
We are happy to announce the addition of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IBD) as new investors in Kamay Ventures. This partnership marks a significant milestone, reinforcing our mission to empower startups that are reshaping industries across Latin America.
DFC and IBD’s involvement brings not just funding, but decades of expertise in supporting development initiatives across the globe. Their backing empowers us to continue driving meaningful change through transformative projects. Together, we honor the legacy of these major players while providing startups with access to capital, mentorship, connections and an environment to validate and scale, accelerating their growth and redefining industries in the region.
Sensei is in the House Redefining Retail
Dear audience, let us introduce you to Sensei, a pioneer in autonomous retail, who just closed their series A round and the latest addition to our portfolio. Based in Portugal, Sensei is revolutionizing how we shop by offering seamless, checkout-free experiences powered by cutting-edge technology and AI algorithms.
Sensei is already making waves in Europe and two years ago made history by opening Brazil's first autonomous supermarket together with Muffato Group in Curitiba, setting a new standard in Brazil. Together we are set to boost their footprint across Latin America, creating smarter, frictionless shopping experiences for millions.
The Fab Five
After an incredible lineup of Kamay Code’s overseas, it’s time to head back home, for some Fernet, cuarteto, sierras, and those unmistakable Córdoba accents! That's right, Kamay Code is returning to Argentina for its fifth edition, and this time we’re landing in Córdoba! We can’t wait to meet more of you and hear about the crazy, disruptive ideas that are revolutionizing industries.
Now, let’s get down to business. If you are—or know—a startup eager to pitch game-changing solutions for one of the five challenges crafted for this edition, and excited to design a proof of concept (POC) with our corporate partners, it’s time to apply!
Trust us, we’re getting pretty good at this, and each edition is better than the last. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. You’ve been warned! See you in Córdoba soon!
Team Work Makes the Dream Work
This month has been incredible for startups and corporations, showcasing amazing results. Let's break it down:
→ Arcor x INI and Altscore: Arcor has partnered with INI and Altscore to enhance its ecosystem through the Tokin platform. INI provides a scalable payment network with terminals supporting QR codes, cards, and transfers, improving business traceability and increasing merchants’ ability to process payments, thereby boosting sales opportunities.
Altscore’s proof of concept focuses on implementing an end-to-end credit flow within Tokin, utilizing alternative data-based scoring for segmented financing. As a result, more than 120,000 points of sale were evaluated, over AR$ 370 million in credits were disbursed, and merchants achieved an average monthly growth of 32%. These initiatives are driving financial inclusion and expanding Arcor’s commercial capabilities.
→ Coca-Cola System x INI and Altscore: The Coca-Cola System, in collaboration with INI and Altscore, is strengthening the network of small retailers and promoting financial inclusion. INI has introduced an integrated payment solution into the Mi Coca-Cola Andina platform, enabling merchants to streamline transactions with multiple payment methods. This proof of concept improves business traceability, enhances brand presence, and opens new revenue opportunities for merchants.
Meanwhile, Altscore integrates its credit modules into the sales system, offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing through a scoring engine based on alternative data. This solution allows merchants to expand orders, build credit profiles, and achieve a default rate below 1%, alongside an 18% increase in sales.
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
 | Corporate Venture Capital funds highly value a startup's ability to implement proof-of-concept projects in the short term. This approach quickly validates whether a collaboration will be successful … Continue reading. Op-ed by Eduardo Amadeo. |
 | Founders face numerous, ongoing challenges as they strive to grow their start-ups. They must achieve product-market fit, scale their business, deal with potential departures of key team members, and grow revenue to a sustainable profit margin, and so on … Continue reading. Op-ed by Ricardo Beller. |
PORTFOLIO UPDATES
Drilling into the Future
Webee has partnered with Compañía General de Combustibles (CGC), a leader in Argentina's oil and gas sector, to integrate AI and IIoT technology into operations in the Austral and Golfo San Jorge basins. The collaboration aims to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability in natural gas and oil production.
Webee recently implemented a chemical tank monitoring solution for CGC, achieving deployment in just three days despite challenges like remote locations and limited connectivity. The solution leveraged LoRaWAN technology, enabling quick training for field crews with no technical background to be quickly trained and ready for operation. The system, powered by AI, acts as a virtual teammate, continuously analyzing tank data, detecting anomalies, and providing actionable insights to support human decision-making. In record time, 20 monitoring points were installed, creating a scalable, efficient monitoring network.
Winning big!
Wiagro took home top honors at the Israel Innovation Awards 2024, held during the Argentina-Israel Business Meeting organized by the Cámara de Comercio Argentino-Israelí, the Embassy of Israel, and Argentina’s Secretaría de Innovación, Ciencia y Tecnología, recognizing groundbreaking initiatives that combine cutting-edge technology with meaningful societal impact.
Wiagro stood out among over 100 applicants thanks to its innovative IoT and satellite technology. By enabling real-time monitoring of grain quality, their solutions combat food waste, one of the agri-food industry’s greatest challenges, while paving the way for a more sustainable global food system.
This achievement didn’t just turn heads within the industry, it caught the attention of Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who personally recognized Wiagro for their exceptional work.
Cool, calm and collected.
As of December, Sensify coolers will feature a new software update deployed across thousands of commercial refrigerators in seven countries.
This update reduces mechanical stress and optimizes performance, extending refrigerator durability by up to 10 years while significantly lowering costs. Leveraging Big Data, these refrigerators can now adapt to specific locations, ensuring smarter, more efficient operation tailored to their environment.
Adding to the Award Collection
Kilimo has been recognized by the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) for its outstanding contributions to climate change mitigation through sustainable water management which highlights Kilimo’s contribution to agriculture solutions empowering farmers to become true stewards of water.
Fly high!
Aerialoop and UAV Latam made history at APEC 2024 with the first-ever long-distance cargo drone flight in Peru covering an impressive distance of 70 kilometers showcasing the future of logistics, blending innovation and sustainability to revolutionize supply chain solutions thus pushing the boundaries of drone technology, creating faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly delivery systems.
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