Three of Brazil's most influential tech founders have joined forces to launch Instituto B55, a non-profit organization aimed at a critical segment of the economy. Guilherme Benchimol of XP, André Street of Stone, and David Vélez of Nubank created the initiative to support small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who are struggling to scale their established businesses. The institute seeks to address the high rate of business stagnation by fostering a community built on practical experience and shared knowledge.
A Vision to Combat Stagnation
The initiative directly confronts a widespread challenge within Brazil's entrepreneurial landscape, where an estimated 70% of companies face stagnation. According to co-founder André Street, this issue stems not from a lack of talent but from a deficit in meaningful connections and shared practical experiences. B55 aims to bridge this gap by creating a robust support network that can catalyze growth and unlock the country's economic potential.
XP founder Guilherme Benchimol emphasized that the institute's approach will fundamentally differ from traditional business education. The goal is not to offer short-term courses or certificates but to cultivate a secure environment for authentic conversations about real-world business challenges. This focus on community and lived experience is designed to foster practical solutions and decisions that drive tangible company growth.
A Framework for Applied Growth
Instituto B55 will structure its operations around four complementary pillars: Education and Development, Community and Networking, Journey and Acceleration, and a physical Innovation Hub. This multi-faceted framework is designed to provide holistic support, combining learning with peer-to-peer connection and structured acceleration programs. The planned physical campus, with its location still under negotiation, will serve as a central point for this collaborative ecosystem.
Nubank's David Vélez highlighted the cyclical and demanding nature of entrepreneurship, stressing the need for a persistent support system. He noted that the institute will make a difference by placing entrepreneurs alongside high-impact leaders who can provide clear direction and applied guidance. This model aims to transform unstructured challenges into actionable strategies, offering permanent support throughout the business journey.
Leadership and Strategic Direction
The organization's operations will be led by Cristhiano Faé, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a proven track record of founding and scaling companies. His experience as the founder of firms like Accera and Scale Partners provides him with firsthand insight into the very challenges B55 aims to solve. Faé's leadership brings significant operational credibility and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial lifecycle to the institute.
Faé expressed that his role allows him to unite his work with a profound sense of purpose, having navigated every stage of the entrepreneurial journey himself. He believes entrepreneurs need a supportive environment, a strong community, and peers who can help sustain them through difficulties. The institute's core value, he explained, will be its investment in "human capital" to make a tangible difference.
Launch and Future Outlook
The institute is set to begin its activities promptly, with its first project, an exclusive documentary, scheduled for release on March 6th. Formal programs and engagement with entrepreneurs are slated to commence in April, marking a swift transition from announcement to action. This timeline signals a clear intent to begin making an impact on the business community in the near future.
Looking ahead, B55 plans to roll out a diverse portfolio of programs by the end of the year, catering to businesses at various stages of maturity. These offerings will include both paid and free initiatives to ensure broad accessibility and maximize the institute's reach. The name itself, combining "B" for base and "55" for Brazil's country code, reflects the ambition to build strong foundations for companies with global potential.
The launch of Instituto B55 marks a significant and collaborative effort to strengthen Brazil's entrepreneurial ecosystem from the ground up. By leveraging the expertise and vision of three of the nation's most successful founders, the initiative promises more than just education; it offers a community-driven model for sustainable growth. This strategic investment in human capital has the potential to empower a new wave of Brazilian companies to overcome stagnation and achieve international scale.