There is money flowing into startups leveraging it to tackle real-world problems anywhere in the world, including in Latin America, but also in Africa. the two newly minted Latin American AI unicorns in Q3 were NotCo, a food tech company, and Unico, a digital ID provider.
Venture capital firms Seaya Ventures and Cathay Innovation have created a joint fund aimed at startups across Latin America that are redefining their industries and society. The team’s first investment was made in September when it went in on Chilean fintech Xepelin’s $230 million round. As solo firms, both have been active in the region making other investments in Mexico’s Kueski and Lana, Brazil’s Facily and alt.bank, and Colombia’s RobinFood and Chile’s Fracttal.
South African tech talent marketplace OfferZen which is one of the beneficiaries of the growing global demand for tech workers, has raised €4.5 million ($5.07 million) in Series A funding from South African investment company Base Capital.
It’s all surveys today, Dear Reader. Marigold reports that consumers are eager for personalized content, with 79% saying they’re likely to engage with a personalized email tailored to their interests. Sadly, 33% feel their needs are unmet by current brand messages. Discounts and coupons (95%) top the list of what they want in exchange for personal data, followed closely by loyalty rewards at 94%. Content is last at 61%.