Read the interview with Rafaela Herrera, Business Developer at Startup Farm
The ecosystem of startups in Brazil has grown, including driven by open innovation projects and incubation and acceleration programs. In this interview, the ABES Portal spoke with Rafaela Herrera, Business Developer at Startup Farm, considered one of the largest and most experienced accelerators in Latin America, which was recognized as the best accelerator in Brazil by the Startup Awards 2017 - the Oscar of Brazilian startups, organized by the Brazilian Startup Association (ABStartups). A biotechnological engineer, Rafaela defines herself as passionate about entrepreneurship and technology. Check out the interview:
How do you evaluate the evolution of the startup ecosystem in Brazil?
The assessment is positive, thinking that we start to have startups that already have an interesting traction, and founders that are already on their second or third journey. It is mainly that these founders have been successful in this process, which ends up reverberating positively throughout the ecosystem.
Another point to highlight is the movement towards large corporations, which is also favorable. Programs for the promotion and approximation of these two mutes make the scenario very promising.
Some movements, such as fintechs, have been monitored by government agencies for improvements, which also shows a clear evolution of the ecosystem.
From a weak point, we still have a challenge as a nation since much of this reality is still concentrated only in São Paulo. It is necessary to expand these same achievements to more places that are not yet representative. There is also a challenge to include more universities in this context, especially in Hard Science.
In what aspects do Brazilian accelerators in general need to improve?
The ecosystem and entrepreneurs are evolving and it is important that accelerators are always aware of this. A more mature ecosystem involves a more consistent value proposition than two years ago.
How has Farm tried to differentiate itself in this ecosystem?
We follow up our portfolio consistently and we also bet a lot on the relationship with large corporations, which generates business for companies and good companies. leads for our startups, making it possible to build products and initiatives together.
What tips do you give to entrepreneurs who want to create a startup and be selected by the incubation and acceleration programs?
For acceleration, which is our case, we suggest having a complementary team that understands your market, understands the technology involved in the business and that demonstrates results in your career, as well as a consistent validation of the problem you propose to solve.
What is the role of startups for innovation, improving Brazilian economic competitiveness and the quality of life of the population?
The best example has come from the financial area. We already have a financial system that is robust, but that still leaves many people out. It is in this scenario that startups have stood out and it is the great proof of how they can act in productivity and improve life for the population in general, making banking services more accessible. Although it doesn't exactly reach the base of the pyramid, it is a step to get there.
About Startup Farm
Since 2011, Startup Farm has accelerated more than 290 startups, which have an aggregate market value of more than US$ 1 billion. By placing the entrepreneur as the central axis of its performance, Startup Farm offers in its acceleration program, Ahead, access to a wide network of mentors, facilitators and large companies. Its main partners are Banco do Brasil, Google For Entrepreneurs, Falconi and Baptista Luz Advogados, which together give all the support and support to entrepreneurs and startups. Among the successful cases are: Verios, RankMyApp, EasyTaxi, WorldPackers, Social Miner, InfoPrice, Hoobox Robotics, among many others.
EN 
PT 
