UTEC Ventures, 10 Years of Impact in Peru’s Startup Ecosystem

UTEC Ventures was born in 2014 with a clear and bold vision: to foster a genuine entrepreneurial spirit among young Peruvians. In a context shaped by the University Law (Law No. 30220), which encouraged universities to promote entrepreneurship among students, UTEC chose to go further, creating what is still the country’s only accelerator that invests directly in startups. UTEC Ventures emerged as a pioneering initiative that marked a turning point in Peru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

From the start, the accelerator had strong institutional support. The university, committed to innovation and entrepreneurship as a core part of its mission, provided not only resources but also strategic backing. This enabled the accelerator to explore new models, such as creating a fund that invests in startups and reinvests returns to support future ventures.

Irreverence, agility, and creativity defined UTEC Ventures’ identity from day one. This drive was key to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem still in its infancy in 2014. While the accelerator benefited from public initiatives like StartUp Perú, its true differentiator was becoming a key connector with regional reach - positioning itself on the Latin American map despite emerging from a developing local context.

“UTEC Ventures began to gain regional recognition when our portfolio startups started raising investment from outside Peru. That’s when foreign investors and VCs began reaching out to us saying, ‘I was told to talk to you - you’re the best program. You know the best startups.’ We saw our startups entering 500 Startups, securing funding from Alaya Capital, Platanus, and other funds from Colombia and Mexico. That’s when we knew we had made an impact beyond Peru - we were building global startups.”

— José Deustua, former Manager of UTEC Ventures

In 2015, Swiss EP joined as a strategic partner.

“We met Charlotte Ducrot (ex-Country Manager) and Kenia Ordonio (Senior Program Officer) when we launched our first program. Thanks to their support, we worked with experts like Ricardo Marvão, with whom we created our acceleration playbook, and Michelle Messina, who helped us build a mentor network with a global perspective. These experiences not only helped us grow as a team but as a program.

The most valuable thing we learned from Swiss EP was that progress can be collective. In an ecosystem where organizations often moved forward on their own, they promoted - and proved - that sharing tools and knowledge makes everyone stronger.”

— Gonzalo Villarán, UTEC Ventures’ first Manager

Over the years, UTEC Ventures has shown a bold willingness to experiment, take risks, and learn from mistakes. This mindset allowed them to expand their role beyond startup acceleration- collaborating with a variety of partners and paving the way for other ecosystem actors. They proved that entrepreneurship centers can evolve, diversify, and create broader value. As a result, several landmark initiatives emerged. One was the collaboration with START Global, which enabled portfolio startups to attend the University of St. Gallen program in Switzerland - an international opportunity that opened new markets and mindsets. Another was La Mezcladora Hub, an open innovation program that created value for companies while addressing housing challenges, reinforcing UTEC Ventures’ role in social impact. Finally, their impact investing work - with companies like Anglo-American Foundation - deepened their involvement in sustainability and regional development across Peru, with the Amazon as one key focus among many.

The true legacy of UTEC Ventures is a culture of leadership, openness, and adaptability that reshaped Peru’s entrepreneurial landscape. In the words of Gonzalo: “The story of UTEC Ventures is an example of how innovation is built through collective effort, vision, and perseverance. Looking ahead, UTEC Ventures remains a beacon for those who believe that real transformation comes from genuine collaboration and sustained commitment to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Throughout its history, UTEC Ventures has been guided by three main leaders whose complementary visions shaped its path. Along the way, Andrés Benavides and Carlos Lau also contributed to the accelerator's evolution with their leadership in key moments. Today, under the leadership of Rosana Valdizán, the accelerator begins a new chapter—one driven by collaboration, fresh perspective, and a renewed commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, made possible by the strength of its exceptional team.

“My dream is for UTEC Ventures to become a space of inspiration and learning, where innovators find the tools and connections they need to solve complex challenges through highly scalable tech businesses - ultimately building a Community that multiplies its impact.

To the entrepreneurial community that has grown with us, remember that UTEC Ventures is, and will always be, your home. We want to continue walking beside you, so you keep dreaming big, building exceptional companies, and finding the drive to keep making a lasting impact throughout your journey.”

— Rosana Valdizán, current Manager of UTEC Ventures