Why I’m Leaving The Startup Community I Helped Build
“All good things must come to an end”… “To everything there is a season”…[insert cliche references about moving on here]
The past 6 years have been the most rewarding of my life; I became an entrepreneur, I’ve keynoted at conferences I’ve only dreamed of attending, and I had the distinct honor of helping build a startup community in a foreign land.
The mission behind Startup Buenos Aires was simple and altruistic in nature— to create a place where startups can collaborate, while providing more support and democratizing opportunities to entrepreneurs throughout Latin America.
This crazy vision came to fruition when a community rallied behind the idea, dedicating their time, energy, and resources to help our organization scale.
We’ve worked with thousands of founders, hundreds of startups and have made an immeasurable impact within the city.
For that, I’m eternally grateful and honored to have been a part of this journey.
Buenos Aires has transformed in the 6 years since we’ve been operating.
More venture funding has come into the region, the government has launched startup programs, such as BA Emprende and Incubate, laws have been passed to support entrepreneurship, successful exits have occurred, and a community came together to build a strong and sustainable startup ecosystem.
This was always my dream, to see the magical city that stole my heart become recognized globally as the entrepreneurial ecosystem it was intended to be.
Make no mistake, this was not a solo effort. When they say “it takes a village”, that couldn’t hold more true to the story behind Startup Buenos Aires.
People believed in our organization early on, trusted this crazy gringa, and dedicated valuable time and resources, not only amplifying our reach but transforming the city as a whole.
I would like to take a minute to thank a few key people throughout our journey: Martin Frankel, the first person to take a chance on me and SUBA. Vanesa Kolodziej, who paved the way for women entrepreneurs in Argentina, serving as a mentor and role model to myself and many others in the region. Santiago Sena, who spearheaded the partnership between SUBA and the Buenos Aires City Government. Nico Bergman and Hernan Kazah from Kaszek Ventures, who we utilized for guidance and support in the VC space. The fine folks at NXTP Labs, a strong and early stage partner of ours. Emma McGowan, the first journalist that took notice of our work and gave us a global voice.
And last, but certainly not least, my founding team: Gonzalo, Natalia, Kyle, Olivia, Matt, Agat and Jess.
Without each of you, none of this would’ve been possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The question I get most often these days is “why now, why leave when things are getting good?”
I made a promise to myself, my team, and my community that I wouldn’t leave the organization until I knew it could sustain itself well beyond my years as its leader.
I’m proud to say we have reached that milestone. I feel confident the organization will continue to grow and create impact for many years to come.
I’m elated to announce that Gonzalo Martinez Luchinetti, who has been with Startup Buenos Aires since day 1, will be taking over as Managing Director of the organization.
There is no one better suited to help lead this next chapter for SUBA. Gonzalo has been the Director Of Community and a strong staple within the Buenos Aires ecosystem for many years.
I mean, cmon, his nickname is “Mr. Buenos Aires”.
As I say goodbye to my time in Argentina and move onto my next adventure, I look forward to watching the community thrive and evolve into a major global startup hub.
Running a startup community is very similar to running a startup itself. You need to find product-market fit, validate the business model, build a strong team, establish strategic partnerships and create a scalable enterprise.
This did not come easily to a first time “accidental entrepreneur”. However, having the support of my team, our board, and partners, allowed us to build something greater than ourselves.
And really, what more could a crazy gringa ask for?
Thank you for being a part of this journey, it’s meant the world to me.
