Top 20 Startups in Colombia: Innovators Shaping the Future

 Top 20 Startups in Colombia: Innovators Shaping the Future

Colombia is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for entrepreneurial activity and innovation. From fintech to health tech, and e-commerce to agritech, Colombian startups are making waves both locally and internationally. Here’s a look at the top 20 startups in Colombia, highlighting their industry, founders, year of foundation, and valuation.

1. Rappi

Industry: Delivery Services
Founders: Simón Borrero, Felipe Villamarín, Sebastián Mejía
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $5.2 billion

Rappi is a leading on-demand delivery platform in Latin America, offering everything from food and groceries to pharmaceuticals. The app has revolutionized delivery services with its wide range of offerings and rapid delivery times.

2. Domicilios.com

Industry: Delivery Services
Founders: Sergio Gutiérrez, Juan Pablo Ortiz
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $50 million

Domicilios.com is a major player in Colombia’s food delivery sector, connecting users with a broad network of restaurants and delivery options, and expanding its reach throughout the country.

3. Bancolombia

Industry: Fintech
Founders: Bancolombia Group
Year of Foundation: 1945
Valuation: $5.4 billion

Bancolombia, one of the largest financial institutions in Colombia, offers digital banking solutions, including mobile apps for personal and business banking needs.

4. La Haus

Industry: Proptech
Founders: Rodrigo Sánchez-Rivelles, Jerónimo Uribe
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $100 million

La Haus is a digital real estate platform that simplifies the home-buying process, offering users a seamless experience for finding, buying, and selling property.

5. Frubana

Industry: Agritech
Founders: Luis Felipe Arboleda, Juan Carlos Pardo
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $120 million

Frubana connects farmers directly with restaurants and other businesses, streamlining the supply chain and ensuring fresh produce is delivered efficiently.

6. Tappsi

Industry: Transportation
Founders: David Vélez, Daniel Pardo
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $50 million

Tappsi offers a ride-hailing service similar to Uber, providing users with reliable and convenient transportation options across Colombia’s major cities.

7. Merqueo

Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Fernando Gutiérrez, Diego Ruiz
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $75 million

Merqueo is an online supermarket that delivers groceries and other essentials directly to consumers, making shopping more accessible and convenient.

8. Suma Capital

Industry: Fintech
Founders: Santiago Gómez, Laura Ospina
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $20 million

Suma Capital provides investment solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering tailored financial products to support business growth.

9. UruIT

Industry: Software Development
Founders: Andrés González, Ricardo Tobón
Year of Foundation: 2008
Valuation: $30 million

UruIT specializes in software development and design, providing tech solutions to businesses around the world with a focus on user experience and innovation.

10. Cartera de Inversiones

Industry: Investment Management
Founders: Juan Carlos Hernández, Andrés Rojas
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $40 million

Cartera de Inversiones offers investment management services, including portfolio management and financial advisory, aimed at optimizing returns for investors.

11. Slingo

Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Juan David López, Ana María Ramírez
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $15 million

Slingo is an online marketplace that specializes in fashion and lifestyle products, providing a platform for brands and consumers to connect.

12. Mundo Joven

Industry: Travel
Founders: Pablo León, Mariana Gómez
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $25 million

Mundo Joven offers travel and tourism services, including travel packages and adventure tours, catering to young and adventurous travelers.

13. Zyler

Industry: Health Tech
Founders: Ana Lucía Sánchez, Felipe López
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $18 million

Zyler provides telemedicine services, allowing users to consult with healthcare professionals remotely and access medical advice conveniently.

14. Belelu

Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Sergio Silva, Daniela Martínez
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $10 million

Belelu is an e-commerce platform focused on beauty and personal care products, offering a wide range of items with a user-friendly shopping experience.

15. PandaDoc

Industry: Document Automation
Founders: Mikita Mikado, Sergey Barysiuk
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $100 million

PandaDoc provides document automation and electronic signature solutions, streamlining the process of creating, sending, and managing documents.

16. Kubo.financiero

Industry: Fintech
Founders: Luis Eduardo Sandoval, Alejandro Medina
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $60 million

Kubo.financiero offers personal and business loans through a digital platform, making financial services more accessible to a broader audience.

17. Simi

Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Alejandro Uribe, Ricardo Martínez
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $30 million

Simi is an online store specializing in consumer electronics and gadgets, providing a convenient shopping experience with a wide product selection.

18. Colpatria Seguros

Industry: Insurance
Founders: Colpatria Group
Year of Foundation: 2011
Valuation: $200 million

Colpatria Seguros offers a range of insurance products, including health, life, and property insurance, serving individuals and businesses throughout Colombia.

19. Upwork

Industry: Freelancing
Founders: Oded Shenkar, Elance Team
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $1.5 billion

Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses with freelancers across various industries, offering a wide range of services.

20. VivaAir

Industry: Aviation
Founders: William Shaw, Carlos Rivas
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $300 million

VivaAir is a low-cost airline operating in Latin America, providing affordable flight options and expanding its route network across the region.

Conclusion

Colombia’s startup ecosystem is thriving with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. These top 20 startups are leading the charge across various industries, from fintech and e-commerce to health tech and agritech. Their groundbreaking solutions and impressive valuations underscore the dynamic and rapidly growing nature of Colombia’s entrepreneurial landscape. Keep an eye on these startups as they continue to make a significant impact both locally and globally!