Five startups at Startco worth knowing

Over 500 startups, special guests from across Latin America, and an investment expectation of $12 million are the key elements of Startco, one of the region’s most significant entrepreneurial events.

At the heart of this event is the startup auction, a live investment modality that has reached its fourth edition, mobilizing the region to believe in innovation and invest in the future. One of its central messages: to face and overcome the natural fear of entrepreneurship.

To date, Startco has impacted over 25,000 people, connected more than 1,200 startups with 85 multinational corporations, and brought together 600 angel investors and 60 investment funds, according to Juan Gabriel Arboleda, founder of Starter Company, in an article in Forbes.

We followed five startups participating in this year’s event as they seek strategic visibility, investment opportunities, solutions to corporate challenges, ecosystem connections, and networking with attendees. Let’s meet them:

Unergy: 

Unergy aims to democratize solar energy and energy efficiency in Latin America, helping individuals and businesses generate and consume clean energy without upfront costs or maintenance, all through an app. Their model allows individuals to invest in solar projects and businesses to finance sustainable initiatives while monitoring energy consumption.

Their energy rates are 20% to 35% cheaper than competitors, and individuals can invest from approximately $270, with annual returns ranging from 8% to 13%.

Named one of Forbes’ 100 Best Startups of 2022, Unergy participated in Ruta N’s Business Lab program and represented Colombia at Expo Dubai with support from Ruta N and the Medellín Mayor’s Office.

“We have high expectations for Startco—it’s one of the most significant events for entrepreneurs and investors in the region,” says Eduardo Ospina, co-founder and CEO. Unergy hopes to close its funding round and raise over $1 million.

URBANIA CAFÉ

Urbania Café’s mission is to produce “conscious coffee,” ensuring every cup matters. The company focuses on technical support for other producers to improve the quality of their products while aiming for significant social and environmental impact.

Urbania works with NGOs, associations, foundations, and coffee growers to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10, 12, and 15. “These partnerships build community trust and amplify our impact,” explains Ricardo Restrepo, CEO of Urbania.

They’ve also developed a traceability system that tracks coffee from producer to consumer, a feature that helped them represent Colombia at Expo Dubai alongside Ruta N. At Startco, Urbania is looking to secure funding and connections to open six new stores in Medellín.

FINNPI

Finppi offers a digital account for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to send and receive money, issue invoices, manage payroll electronically, and access a full suite of financial services—all on a single platform.

“Our goal is to help SMEs streamline financial management, saving time and money so they can focus on what matters most: their business,” says Leonardo Camargo, co-founder and CTO. Finppi participated in Ruta N’s acceleration program with MassChallenge.

At Startco, the company seeks to expand its network, connect with investors, and forge strategic alliances. They also aim to close their capital raise round with $850,000.

WAKYPET

Wakypet is a mobile app designed to simplify life for pet owners, offering services ranging from dog walking to training, veterinary care, grooming, and even birthday parties—all covered by Sura insurance.

With over 50,000 services completed for 65,000 users, Wakypet has established itself as a key player in the pet services market.

“These events are excellent opportunities to expand into new markets and build alliances. We’ve made meaningful connections with the pet sector and insurers,” says Cristian Muñoz, Technology Lead at Wakypet.

KOET

Koet is a single-passenger electric vehicle developed by Quantum Mechanics to transform mobility routines into seamless, flow-like experiences. “We focus on creating a lifestyle experience,” explains Leonardo Santa, CEO.

Koet combines the power of a motorcycle, the versatility of a bicycle, and the riding position of a scooter, offering maneuverability, power, and autonomy for any terrain.

At Startco, Koet sought to build relationships with new allies, strengthen B2B and B2C connections, and gain insights from event conferences.