STARTUP
AVENUE
COMPETITION
2025
Promoting an entrepreneurial culture to transform LatAm through innovation & technology .
Our core belief: Entrepreneurs are the seed of innovation, and innovation is the key to development.
What we do: We create the appropriate conditions to promote the LatAm Startup Hub from Antigua Guatemala, helping startups in the region scale, to potentialize the impact in the region.
Why we do it: We believe deeply in the potential that LatAm has, and we know that the new and innovative ideas are the ones who are going to accelerate the process of transforming our region.
Are you an ambitious entrepreneur with a groundbreaking Startup? Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your innovation, gain valuable exposure, and secure potential funding?
Startup Avenue is a Competition for aspiring entrepreneurs in Latin America. We aim to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and empower the next generation of Latin American Startups. Our mission is to connect talented entrepreneurs with industry experts, investors, and mentors who can help turn their ideas into reality.
STARTUP AVENUE @ VOLCANO SUMMIT 2025
Raising funding?
Elevating your Startup?
Creating Impact?
This is the place for you.
From September 6 to 8 in Antigua, Guatemala, we’re bringing together the most innovative founders from LATAM with global investors, top VCs, and world-wide leaders as mentors.
Startup Avenue is for founders who are ready to raise funding, grow fast, and make a tangible impact in the region.
WHY JOIN STARTUP AVENUE?
Side Door Ventures
Will invest at least a USD$100,000 check to the startup they’re most excited about.
Caricaco
Will invest USD$50,000 in the most cutting-edge startup based in Central America.
SECURED INVESTMENT FOR
STARTUPS
Connect with Family Offices looking to test and support new solutions.
VOLCANO CAPITAL
Learn how to structure your overall pitch, including your startup’s finances, how to talk to investors, and how to close funding rounds successfully.
VC TRAINING PROGRAM
Meet and build relationships with leading VC funds from LATAM, the U.S., and Europe.
TOP VC CONNECTIONS
Work with world-wide leaders from different backgrounds who will become mentors to help you grow your business.
GLOBAL MENTOR
SHIP
Join a powerful network of founders, investors, and leaders making change across the region.
HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY
Your product is validated, your business has strong traction and growing revenue, and you’re ready to scale. This stage is ideal if you’re expanding to new markets, consolidating your business model, or building a strong team to accelerate growth. You're now seeking smart capital to fuel the next phase and capture larger market share.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We’re looking for startups in key growth stages that are ready to raise funding.
Here’s who we’re focusing on:
GROWTH
& SCALA
BILITY
03
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Revenue: $50,000 to $500,000 in monthly revenue
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Users (B2C): 10,000 to 100,000 active users
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Clients (B2B): 20 to 50 paying clients
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Capital raised: $500k to $5M
-
Team: Full-time founding team with key hires
EARLY STAGE
02
Your startup has a working MVP, early users or customers, and is starting to show clear signs of traction. You've developed a robust product that is well-positioned for broader market adoption. Investors want to see you’re on the path to product-market fit and have a solid strategy for growth.
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Revenue: $5,000 to $50,000 in monthly revenue
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Users (B2C): 1,000 to 10,000 active users
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Clients (B2B): 5 to 20 paying clients
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Capital raised: $50k to $500k
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Team: Founding team is full-time and has hired key talent
PRE
SEED
01
Your startup is beyond the ideation stage, and you've validated your idea. You’re building (or finalizing) your MVP and starting to gain traction over the past 6 months, demonstrating product-market fit. At this stage, you’re looking for your first investors — we'll look closely at your team’s potential, vision, and ability to execute.
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Revenue: $1,000 to $5,000 in monthly revenue
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Users (B2C): 100 to 1,000 active users
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Clients (B2B): 0 to 5 paying clients
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Capital raised: First round from friends and family
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Team: Fully committed founding team
Change in LATAM starts with you.
VIEW 2025
SELECTED STARTUPS
IN COLLABORATION WITH
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FAQ FOR THE STARTUP AVENUE COMPETITION 2025
We’re looking for founders who:
Are hungry to grow
Are open to feedback
Want to contribute to the community
Share values aligned with Volcano
Want to build deep, authentic relationships
We’re not looking for perfection.
We’re looking for founders committed to their own growth journey.
Simply complete the application form on our website (2 phases).
It takes less than an hour and helps us understand who you are and what you’re building.
Applications are reviewed weekly.
If you’re not selected in this cycle, you’re welcome to apply again in future rounds.
Even if you don’t join now, many startups stay connected to Volcano through the Roadshow and other ecosystem activities.
We look for startups with:
A clear value proposition
Some level of traction or validation
A committed team (ideally full-time)
Founders with a growth mindset
The potential to raise capital within the next 12 months
The process includes application + evaluation + interview (when applicable).
Yes.
All founders and co-founders can join the live sessions.
We recommend having a consistent pitch lead throughout the program.
Yes.
The Startup Avenue Acceleration is 100% equity-free.
Participation is covered through a program fee.
You can join the Startup Avenue Acceleration through an annual fee (USD) $1,500. The program investment can be divided into 3 installments.
The fee covers access to the community, content, sessions, tools, and regional activities.
If you have an MVP and early users, you’re not too early.
If you’re already raising a seed or pre-Series A round, you’re not too late.
During your application and interview, we’ll give you transparent feedback on your stage and whether the Accelerator is the best place to support you.
Simply complete the application form.
It takes less than an hour and helps us understand who you are, what you’re building, and whether this is the right moment to support your growth and fundraising journey.
If you move forward, we’ll contact you with next steps.
You’re welcome to apply again in future cohorts.
You’ll also remain connected to the Volcano ecosystem through the Roadshow and Startup Avenue.
Each startup will have 4 minutes to pitch + 3 minutes for Q&A.
The pitch can be delivered in Spanish or English, but we recommend English, as at least one of the judges will be international.
Yes.
Selected startups will have space to showcase their product, prototype, or physical materials during the Summit.
During the Summit, you’ll have access to:
Meetings with investment funds
Networking and integration activities
Masterclasses and private sessions
Encounters with corporates and communities from across LATAM
Yes.
Many selected startups have already raised pre-seed or seed rounds. What matters most is momentum and growth potential.
You may still receive:
Invitations to future calls and opportunities
Options to join Volcano Membership or the Volcano Accelerator
Yes.
Startup Avenue is compatible with other programs such as the Membership and the Accelerator.
All programs are part of the Volcano Startups Programs platform and are designed to complement each other, not exclude.
Yes.
To participate as an ally, judge, partner, or speaker, please contact our Head of Startups at startups@volcanosummit.com
There's no set dress code for the event. We encourage you to unleash your creativity and embrace freedom in your clothing choices. It's all about having fun, celebrating originality, and wearing what makes you feel most comfortable.
While the 7th Edition is a 100% on-site experience where momentum becomes movement, you can channel the energy of expansion by diving into the legacy of innovation.
Explore the Volcano Archives on our YouTube Channel to relive the most transformative keynotes and panels from past editions. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the purpose of our community and prepare for the path ahead.
For any other inquiries, email us at community@volcanosummit.com or info@volcanosummit.com If you feel there's a crucial question missing, let us know, and we'll add it to assist as many people as possible.
Prepare with an open mind and a readiness to challenge established paradigms. Clear your schedule of any conflicting meetings to fully engage with the content and networking opportunities available on-site. Ensure you have your Volcano Innovation Summit 2024 ticket either on your mobile device or in printed form, along with a valid ID or passport for identification purposes.
For a comprehensive overview of what to expect and additional tips, make sure to keep an eye out for our Volcano Innovation Summit Attendee Guide, which will be provided to you along with your ticket. This guide will serve as your go-to resource for navigating the summit smoothly.
We welcome your suggestions! To be considered to speak at our 2024 edition, please fill out our Speakers Application form. To propose a high-level speaker please email your proposal to our Head of Speakers at speakers@volcanosummit.com.
All sessions and materials are presented in English to accommodate our diverse global community. As a LATAM-focused event with a substantial presence from the region, we offer professional translation equipment on-site for stage sessions to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
Yes, we allocate a limited number of press seats. Contact the Head of Communications at info@volcanosummit.com for press registration or media queries.
Enthusiastic individuals interested in contributing to event execution can join our volunteer team. Fill out the Volunteer Application form and contact the Head of Volunteers at volunteers@volcanosummit.com.
There's no set dress code for the event. We encourage you to unleash your creativity and embrace freedom in your clothing choices. It's all about having fun, celebrating originality, and wearing what makes you feel most comfortable. 🙌🏼
We do not offer virtual access or livestreams at the moment. All of the sessions are live 100% on site.
For any other inquiries, email us at info@volcanosummit.com. If you feel there's a crucial question missing, let us know, and we'll add it to assist as many people as possible.
If you have more questions please contact: startupavenue@volcanosummit.com