Accelerating Deep Tech in Latin America
Back to contents 07 / 29 4 min

Startup Success Stories

p. 34 Download the PDF

The science is already shipping. From extremophile microbes to Earth-observation constellations, LATAM Deep Tech ventures are reaching global markets today, concrete proof points that demystify the journey from lab to market.

Earth Observation AR

Satellogic

A constellation of 34 high-resolution satellites delivering affordable geospatial data for real-time monitoring of global environmental and economic activity. Backed by Liberty Strategic Capital, Tencent and the IDB.

Medical Technology CR

Establishment Labs

Maker of minimally invasive, next-generation Motiva® breast implants, 25 patents across 25 jurisdictions, distribution to 70+ countries. NASDAQ-listed at a $1.8bn valuation, the region’s most valuable medtech venture.

Industrial AI BR

Tractian

Integrated hardware, software and AI that democratize predictive maintenance for industrial operations. Raised a $120M Series C led by Sapphire Ventures; backers include General Catalyst and Y Combinator.

Biotechnology AR

Puna Bio

Biological inputs for agriculture derived from extremophile microbes found in high-altitude deserts, boosting yields and soil health while cutting chemical fertilizer use. Backed by the Gates Foundation and SOSV/IndieBio.

Identity / Cryptography AR

Auth0

Standards-based authentication and authorization for modern applications. Raised $210M+ across multiple rounds at a $1.92bn valuation, then acquired by Okta in 2021, a landmark regional exit.

Environmental Tech CL

Photio

Nanoparticle additives that turn urban surfaces into air-purification agents, degrading atmospheric pollutants in light. Deep Tech Pioneer & Track Winner at Hello Tomorrow’s 2023 Challenge.

Biotechnology BR

Nintx

Translates inter-species biology from plants and microorganisms into multi-target therapies acting on biological pathways and the gut microbiome, drawing on Brazilian ecosystems.

Biotechnology BR

Symbiomics

Microbiome, genomic and machine-learning platforms that develop biological products for sustainable agriculture, raising productivity while reducing agrochemical reliance and sequestering carbon.

Biotechnology AR

M4Life

A CONICET spinoff applying biologically trained microbes to seeds for soil restoration, deforestation prevention and CO₂ capture. Deep Tech Pioneer & Finalist at Hello Tomorrow 2024.

Scientific Instrumentation BR

FabNS

Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for chemical imaging at nanometric resolution, at a third of market price. A UFMG spinoff recognized as MIT Innovators Under 35.

Construction Technology CL

Strong by Form

Bio-inspired digital manufacturing of high-performance structural wood components that can replace steel, concrete and aluminum. Hello Tomorrow 2022 Track Winner.

Energy AI CL

Splight

Grid-operations AI that tackles energy curtailment and congestion to maximize renewable integration. Raised a $12M seed led by noa, with EDP Ventures and UC Berkeley Foundation.

Clean Technology MX

Sistema.bio

Biodigester technology that converts organic waste into clean energy and fertilizer for farmers across a dozen LATAM countries. Backers include AXA IM and EcoEnterprises Fund.

Biotechnology UY

Antarka

DNA-repair enzymes from Antarctic extremophiles for skincare, achieving 100% UV-damage repair in ex-vivo human skin. A Universidad de la República spinoff backed by SOSV/IndieBio.

Argentina · Cryptography · Acquired

Auth0

Auth0 was founded to simplify and secure authentication and authorization for modern applications. From its inception the platform embraced open standards, JSON Web Tokens, OpenID Connect, SAML, so developers could integrate identity features without lock-in.

By mid-2020 it had raised over US$210 million across multiple rounds, culminating in a US$120 million Series E led by Salesforce Ventures at a US$1.92 billion valuation. In March 2021, Okta acquired Auth0.

Founded
2013
Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 332.3M
Brazilian roots · Industrial AI · Series C

Tractian

Tractian combines integrated hardware, software, and AI to democratize predictive and preventive maintenance for industrial operations, helping companies optimize equipment performance and reduce downtime.

The company has raised $200 million in total funding, with a notable $120 million Series C led by Sapphire Ventures. Previous backers include General Catalyst, Next47, NGP Capital, and Y Combinator.

Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 185.6M
Brazil · Biotechnology · Series A

Nintx

Nintx translates inter-species biology from plants and microorganisms into multi-target therapies that act on biological pathways and gut-microbiome modulation, leveraging natural mechanisms from Brazilian ecosystems.

Following a $3 million seed round in 2022, the startup closed a $10 million Series A led by Brazilian investors Pitanga, Ecoa Capital, and MOV Investimentos, plus a $2.5 million FINEP grant.

Founded
2021
Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 15M
Florianópolis · Biotechnology · Series A

Symbiomics

Symbiomics uses advanced microbiome, genomic, and machine-learning platforms to develop biological products for sustainable agriculture, increasing productivity while reducing reliance on agrochemicals.

With $4.11 million raised across seed rounds, the company secured backing from The Yield Lab Latam, Vesper Ventures, MOV Investimentos, Baraúna Investimentos, and Ecoa Capital.

Founded
2021
Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 2M
Belo Horizonte · Scientific instrumentation · Seed

FabNS

FabNS develops advanced nanoscale analysis using TERS (Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy), combining patented nanoantenna tips with probe microscopy for chemical imaging at nanometric resolution, at one-third of market price.

A spinoff from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, it was selected as a Deep Tech Pioneer in Hello Tomorrow’s 2024 Challenge and recognized as MIT Innovators Under 35.

Founded
2020
Tech maturity
TRL 9
Huechuraba, Chile · Environmental tech · Accelerator

Photio

Photio creates nanoparticle additives that transform urban surfaces into air-purification agents, degrading atmospheric pollutants when exposed to light through synergistic photocatalysts.

Selected as Deep Tech Pioneer & Track Winner in Hello Tomorrow’s 2023 Challenge, the startup received Startup Chile Growth support and won the Premio de Innovación PwC.

Founded
2019
Tech maturity
TRL 9
Santiago · Construction tech · Series A

Strong by Form

Strong by Form uses bio-inspired digital manufacturing to create high-performance structural wood components through computational optimization and robotic manufacturing, enabling wood to replace steel, concrete, and aluminum.

Selected as Deep Tech Pioneer & Track Winner in Hello Tomorrow’s 2022 Challenge, the company received Leonard SEED Program support and Latam Cleantech 25 recognition.

Founded
2018
Tech maturity
TRL 7
Total funding
USD 6.2M
Chile · Energy technology · Seed

Splight

Splight develops advanced grid-operations AI that addresses energy curtailment and grid congestion, optimizing electrical-grid performance to maximize renewable-energy integration.

The startup raised $12 million in seed funding led by noa (formerly A/O), with participation from EDP Ventures, Elewit, Draper Cygnus, Ascent Energy Ventures, and the UC Berkeley Foundation.

Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 26.1M
Costa Rica · Medical technology · IPO

Establishment Labs

Establishment Labs manufactures minimally invasive, next-generation breast implants under the Motiva Implants® brand, with 25 patents and 200 patent applications across 25 jurisdictions, distributing to over 70 countries.

With $121 million raised across eight rounds and a NASDAQ listing at $1.8 billion valuation, it is Latin America’s most valuable medical-technology venture. Key investors include Madryn Asset Management, JW Asset Management, and Crown Predator Holdings.

Founded
2004
Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 580.7M
Mexico · Clean technology · Series B

Sistema.bio

Sistema.bio provides biodigester solutions for sustainable waste management and renewable-energy generation, converting organic waste into clean energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer across Latin America.

Operating hubs in Mexico and Colombia with partnerships across a dozen LATAM countries, it raised $22.8 million across three Series B rounds between 2024–2025. Investors include KawiSafi, AXA Investment Managers, EcoEnterprises Fund, and Novastar Ventures.

Tech maturity
TRL 9
Total funding
USD 22.8M
Montevideo · Biotechnology · Accelerator

Antarka

Antarka develops DNA-repair enzymes from Antarctic extremophile organisms for skincare, achieving 100% UV-damage repair efficacy in ex-vivo human skin using visible-light-activated photolyases.

Selected as Deep Tech Pioneer in Hello Tomorrow’s 2023 Challenge, the Universidad de la República spinoff received backing from SOSV/IndieBio and Grid Exponential.

Founded
2023
Tech maturity
TRL 8
Total funding
USD 400K