The Latin America Market Access program is designed for German startups looking to scale into Latin America. It provides focused execution support and curated matchmaking to help companies reach customer, partner, and funding milestones. The program aims to reduce trial-and-error by concentrating on activities that drive traction, combining 1:1 mentoring and B2B matchmaking with hands-on go-to-market support. Participants receive practical insights to avoid common pitfalls, along with investor and ecosystem knowledge to strengthen decision-making, partnerships, and funding readiness across the region.
Program Benefits
• Save time and money: Benefit from faster prioritization and fewer wrong turns.
• Accelerate growth: Gain more momentum on Latin America milestones.
• Build connections and partnerships: Access relevant stakeholders and expert networks.
• Navigate complexity: Achieve clarity on critical next steps and market entry basics.
Key Deliverables
• Curated 1:1 mentor matchmaking sessions.
• 1:1 B2B matchmaking meetings with corporates and potential partners or clients.
• Go-to-market strategy outputs tailored to Latin America expansion priorities.
• A risk and pitfalls checklist based on “what not to do” case learnings.
• Investor expectations insights for strengthening fundraising and partnership readiness.
Eligibility Criteria
• Your company must be incorporated in Germany with one of the following legal forms: UG, AG, GmbH, or GmbH & Co. KG. GbRs are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Qualify as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) based on the EU definition.
• Be under the limit of the official EU De-minimis aid regulation.
Program Focus Areas
• Go-to-market strategy and ecosystem deep dives: Hands-on work to refine go-to-market direction and execution priorities for Latin America.
• Tactical case studies - “What NOT to do in LatAm”: Learn from common failure patterns, cultural nuances, and tactical lessons to avoid costly mistakes.
• 1:1 matchmaking with mentors: Receive personalized advice and tailored feedback from experienced mentors.
• B2B matchmaking: Participate in 1:1 meetings with corporates and potential business partners or clients.
• Investor expectations and fundraising readiness: Gain insights into what investors look for and how to stand out.
• Ecosystem access and business connections: Engage in structured opportunities to build relevant B2B connections by industry and identify additional support, including guidance on public funding options.
Program Structure
• Phase 1 - Program Start and Preparation: Involves scoping of priorities and support needs for Latin America expansion.
• Phase 2 - Execution with Tailored Support: Workstreams are advanced through workshops, mentoring, and structured check-ins.
• Phase 3 - After the Program (Next Steps): Focuses on progress consolidation and establishing a clear direction for the next Latin America milestones.
Program Details
• Location: Latin America
• Program Dates: July 27 - November 6, 2026
• In-Country Dates: August 31 - September 11, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Application Deadline: June 26, 2025
• Format: Workshops, 1-1 Mentoring, Immersion Week, Pitch Event
• Selection Pitch Calls: July 6 - 10, 2026
• Cost: Free
Application Process
• Submit Your Application: Provide your pitch deck and answer key questions about your business, vision, market-fit, and growth stage.
• Selection Process: The program team evaluates applications, and if selected, notifies the startup of the next steps.
• Program Start: Accepted companies join the program to work hands-on via workshops, mentor sessions, and on-the-ground immersion to validate assumptions and define concrete next steps for market entry.
Upon completion, participants will have a clear expansion plan, hands-on execution support, and access to a network of customers and partners, providing a defined path for continued expansion. This foundation allows companies to build on their success and identify further growth opportunities in new markets.