They gained access to tools to evaluate startups, structure investments, and understand how the global ecosystem operates.
A group of ten investor families from Medellín took part in an international academic mission in Miami, United States, led by Ruta N, with the aim of strengthening their capabilities to invest in startups and energize the District’s innovation ecosystem.
During five days of immersion, participants accessed practical tools to evaluate startups, structure investments, and understand the dynamics of the global ecosystem. The agenda included content on financing models, negotiation, contracts, and post-investment management, as well as the development of a strategic toolkit for decision-making.
The mission, carried out in partnership with Cube Ventures and with academic training led by Babson College, sought to bring business families closer to instruments such as Venture Capital and Private Equity—key mechanisms for channeling resources into technology-based ventures. Participants also engaged in networking sessions with more than 50 investors from Latin America and the United States.
“We aim to multiply the capital available in Medellín by fostering these types of connections, providing training, and helping participants understand the economic development that can be generated through this knowledge,” said Santiago Henao, Director of STI Business Development at Ruta N.
Following the mission, participants return to the city with new capabilities, international networks, and a strategic vision to mobilize more capital toward the District.
As part of the experience, the families also attended eMerge Americas, one of the most influential events in technology, entrepreneurship, and investment. One of the most notable outcomes of the mission was the direct connection between investors and Medellín-based startups present at the event, such as Geotrends, UCreditSkills, and Coco AI & e-health. This engagement opens concrete opportunities to align private capital with local talent and lays the groundwork for future investments in science, technology, and innovation initiatives.
Over the past year, Ruta N has trained 39 members from 13 business families in Medellín in startup investment, consolidating a sustained effort to connect traditional capital with the new dynamics of innovation.