Introducing Five Successful Colombian Startups

Colombia’s startup environment ranks among the most dynamic in Latin America. Over the past decade, entrepreneurship has flourished on a vast scale, experiencing rapid expansion that has drawn international investors. Colombian startups are now present across the Americas and have extended their global reach. In this landscape, Medellin and Bogota stand out as the hubs of the Colombian startup scene, featuring projects in agriculture, financial services, logistics, and even robotics.

Kiwibot, a Colombian tech startup

Kiwibot’s aims to provide affordable delivery services, initially targeting students, through a fleet of mini delivery robots. With a cost reduction estimated to be between three to five times lower than traditional delivery services, the delivery robot market is projected to reach $US2.1 billion by 2030. Founded by Bogota students Felipe Chavez, David Rodriguez and Sergio Pachon, Kiwibot is headquartered in Medellin and Rionegro, where its hardware, software and a portion of its robot manufacturing occur, primarily employing a Colombian team. Initially deployed in Colombia, the delivery robots are now predominantly active in the United States, serving 26 American university campuses across the country, from California to Delaware.

Vector Foods, premium snacks made in Colombia

Vector Foods is a company specializing in premium snacks. Launched by José Ricardo Betancur, Alejandro Agudelo, Nicolas Eberl and Ricardo Ramirez, four friends from Medellin, the company champions Colombian natural products through two main brands, MonteRojo, focusing on culinary experiences, and UAU!, a healthy snack brand. Founded in 2015, the company has quickly conquered the Colombian market and is now expanding internationally, with a presence in the US, Australia and Mexico and Panama.

Action Black, a Colombian fitness startup

Action Black is a distinctive gym and fitness center, offering collective yet personalized workouts and training sessions. Established in Medellin in October 2015, the gym chain rapidly grew within Colombia and has become one of the country’s largest gym chains, with branches in Bogota, Medellin, Barranquilla and other major cities. However, the ambitions of this Colombian startup extend well beyond the nation’s borders. Action Black has already inaugurated a location in New York City and its CEO, Wilder Zapata, plans to take the brand global this year, targeting expansions in Miami, Florida, as well as in Dubai, China and Spain.

Finaktiva, the Colombian fintech  

Finaktiva is a pioneer in digital lending, aiming to provide investment and loans for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, which often struggle to access financial services from traditional institutions. Founded in Medellin by Pablo Santos, the current CEO, Ana Maria Portillo and Jorge Leon, Finaktiva is a significant player in the Colombian fintech ecosystem. Since its inception in 2017, it has financed over 13,000 companies, amounting to over $US13 billion. In 2023, the company achieved a record 150,000 financial transactions with a 61 percent increase in revenue. Currently active only in Colombia, Finaktiva already has plans for expansion in Latin America, transitioning from a national to an international player.

Liftit, enhancing logistics in Latin America

Liftit is an innovative startup in intelligent transport logistics, facilitating cargo movements and optimizing shipping times and costs through technology. With its own Transport Management System, it is designed to track operations and optimize routes, whether in Colombia or internationally. Founded in 2017 by Brian York, Angel Celis Botto, and Felipe Betancourt, Liftit stands as one of the most innovative and successful Latin American logistics companies, boasting a presence in Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador.