FI Brazil Advisor Lab

Mayra holds a law degree from PUC-SP, a post-graduate degree in Tax Law from FGV-SP, and a specialization in Medical-Hospital Law from Escola Paulista de Direito (EPD). She is also certified by the University of Toronto, Canada (UOT) in Professional Environmental Management and in Agribusiness Law by Insper - Executive Education. Her career began at the Federal Attorney General's Office (AGU), where she worked on projects and public policies focused on regional development in the Midwest, North, and Northeast regions of Brazil, particularly those with socio-environmental impacts. After a decade as a federal public lawyer, she founded her own law firm in São Paulo, where she provides legal advice to companies on Governance, ESG, and Legal Solutions for Innovation. Her work is dedicated to transforming and advancing legal practice through open innovation, connecting clients with national and foreign startups. Mayra is currently the ESG director of the Founder Institute Brazil-Portugal and has played a key role in the acceleration of over 300 startups in the past four years. Additionally, she serves as a mentor and advisor to startups, contributing her expertise and experience to their growth and success.

Serial entrepreneur, currently founder of Northern, co-founder and CSO of Paraty Brazil by UTMB and co-founder of Wabafood, startup advisor specializing in product development, web and mobile development, development of artificial intelligence models for business (machine learning, deep learning). Mentor of the Effective Problem Solving program at Insper, Professor of Technology at the Link School of Business, mentor of startups, Professor of web development at Le Wagon and volunteer at the SP Chapter of Singularity University.

Guilherme has over 28 years' experience in engineering, new projects and development in Brazil and the USA, with projects developed in Latin America, the USA, Europe, Australia and Africa. Head of Engineering at multinationals such as Cinemark and BloomingBrands. Founder and CEO of S3 Projects, which develops innovative projects in the area of clean energy, ESG and M&A with a focus on the energy transition and new technologies. He is also a global partner of StartSe, Intelbras and Stark Capital Partners.

Sarah is the CEO of Mappa, your AI-Powered Mapp for Precise Hiring. She is a radical optimist building with AI, voice-analysis, and data to mapp what makes each person unique and the connections that can pave the way for us all to become everything we are meant to be.

Danielle Malta is the founder of Recicla.se and a dedicated environmental enthusiast. As a civil engineer with over 20 years of experience, she has worked on large-scale projects in the mining and steel industries, with a focus on cost management and project execution. Danielle holds an MBA in Project Management from FGV and has also studied Strategic Business Leadership at FGV/EADA in Barcelona. Her passion for innovation and technology drives her work, especially in areas that intersect with sustainability and environmental impact.

Reinaldo Azevedo is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and Master in Electricity Law with 26 years of experience. He is a consultant in electricity tax management and has made significant strides in the energy sector. As the Co-Founder and CEO of the startup ENERGY REVIEW, Reinaldo envisioned the creation of the first energy management platform focused on reviewing and diagnosing electricity bills. Through the innovative technology AER (Assistant Energy Review), users can simply upload or take a photo of their electricity bill for analysis. ENERGY REVIEW’s mission is to democratize information, enhance transparency, and give an active voice to Brazilian consumers. Reinaldo's work centers on utilizing technology and specialized knowledge to simplify the complexities of the electricity sector, making it more accessible to everyone in the value chain, especially the consumer.

Professional highly skilled in administration, finance, and management consulting with over 30 years of international experience.Responsible for administrative, financial, and commercial start-up of multinational companies in Brazil and Latam countries. Acceleration Program Director Founder Institute for Brazil & Portugal since 2017. Managing Partner in 2 companies focused on early-stage startup investment, focusing on raising fund operations, Startup Selection & Valuation and investment management. Technology passionate, entrepreneurial spirit and deep knowledge of the Startup Ecosystem. Mentor & Investor of several startups in Brazil and Italy.

Henrique Macedo is partner/director of GAAP Auditores & Consultores, a company specializing in outsourcing accounting services.

From an early age, Alexandre Bezerra developed a passion for the art of entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on social and environmental sustainability, as well as the quality of the products and services offered. This approach has provided him with a broad perspective, not only on the business world but also on his personal life. For Alexandre, entrepreneurship goes beyond simply creating and managing a company; it involves continuous evolution, seeking knowledge beyond his area of expertise, staying informed about the world around him, and fostering innovation. He thrives on overcoming challenges and motivating his team to succeed. With this mindset and the extensive experience he has gained throughout his professional career, Alexandre believes he can make a positive contribution to the rapid and sustainable growth of a family startup. He envisions working in a country that prioritizes social and environmental concerns, has a well-defined culture, embraces innovation, and values its professionals.

Since 2013, Aline has served as COO at Softsul Sistemas, where she has honed her skills and continues to grow both professionally and personally. She is deeply passionate about her work and takes pride in the projects she and her team develop, supporting grain and seed producers across Brazil. Aline is proud of the company and the hardworking, dedicated team that consistently delivers exceptional results. Her leadership was recognized when Softsul Sistemas participated in and won the FINEP and MCTI "Women Innovators" project, showcasing the strength of women in driving major initiatives for the country's development. Aline is also involved in the RME Acelera project, led by the Rede Mulher Empreendedora Institute, which selected 10 women-led Brazilian companies for mentoring.

Sanderson Pajeu takes great pride in his Indigenous and Peripheral heritage, carrying with him the rich history and ancestry of his people. He discovered entrepreneurship and was captivated by it from the very first day. With over 10 years of experience in technology and omnichannel retail, Sanderson is on a mission to make a positive impact on the world, demonstrating that it is possible to build a business that improves people's lives. He fights daily to elevate the favela and challenge the societal prejudice surrounding it, both in conversation and perception. In 2023, to the pride of his parents, Sanderson had the honor of becoming a TEDx Speaker.

Clovis holds a degree and Masters in Business Administration from EAESP-FGV. Professor of undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Fundação Getúlio Vargas - SP, Centro Universitário SENAC/SP in the area of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as well as being a member of the Editorial Board of UNIFATEC Magazine (Centro Universitário de Tecnologia de Curitiba), where he is also one of the investors. Director of Postgraduate Studies and MBAs at Centro Universitário São Camilo, where he was a member of the Teaching and Research Committee (CEPE) and the Higher Administration Council (CAS). He was also General Postgraduate Coordinator at IBTA (Brazilian Institute of Advanced Technology) until January 2018. Head of Sector Research at Instituto ClienteSA Conhecimento until 2021. Clovis was also Country Manager of FATEC USA (UNIFATEC's international unit) in Massachusetts, USA. Investor and entrepreneur in Brazil and the USA. He is strongly integrated into the Brazilian innovation ecosystem, whether as a mentor in acceleration programs, having accompanied more than 200 startups, as well as acting as director of the Founder Institute Brazil and Portugal Chapters. He is an advisor to several startups, mainly in the areas of Education and Health.

Robson Del Fiol is the Marketing Director at Skyone, an experienced business influencer and general manager known for strong leadership and interpersonal skills. He has a proven track record of directing all aspects of operations and business development in startup and fast-paced environments. Robson is an intuitive professional with extensive experience in building startups and forging new business partnerships. Adaptable, versatile, and resourceful, he is recognized for his hard work and ability to contribute to high-quality teamwork.

Patricia Lacerda is always in pursuit of personal and professional growth, driven by the excitement of new challenges. Her passion for continuous improvement fuels her journey as she constantly seeks to expand her skills and embrace new opportunities.

Rafael Campos coordinates VOX Capital's impact investments in the venture capital sector, with a focus on generating value for the companies they invest in. He has a strong background in entrepreneurship and management, consistently seeking out new business opportunities that create a positive impact on both society and the environment. In his spare time, when he finds both the time and the right conditions, Rafael enjoys kitesurfing as an amateur enthusiast.

Paula Machado is a highly experienced dental surgeon with 32 years of expertise in radiology, temporomandibular dysfunction and orofacial pain, and orofacial harmonization. She has successfully run her own practice, where she specializes in providing innovative and personalized care for her patients. In addition to her clinical work, Paula has a strong background in implementing entrepreneurial strategies, leading to the expansion of clinical offices and the creation of specialized care programs that enhance the patient experience. She is also an expert in educational management, having served as a teacher in various postgraduate courses at ABENO/SP, AMPLO/BH, and ABO/MG. For the past 20 years, Paula has contributed as a Preceptor at the UNIFESP/EPM Head Institute, guiding students in specialization and master’s programs.

Vinicius Rojo has been in the gastronomy business for over 20 years and is the CEO of the Rojo Group, which includes the brands Rojo Gastronomia and Go Mama ESG Catering. His companies specialize in designing customized corporate catering solutions for large companies that are committed to a sustainable future. Rojo Gastronomia has catered for high-profile international events, including Formula 1, Formula E, the World Cup in Brazil (Maracanã and Corinthians Arena), Motor Shows (Audi, BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Toyota, GM, Jaguar, Renault), Copa America (Morumbi and Corinthians Arena), Tomorrowland, U2 Concert, Fenatran (VW Trucks), and the CNN Brazil launch, among many others. In 2021, Vinicius founded Go Mama ESG Catering to offer food solutions with environmental and social purposes. The company aims to inspire significant changes in the global food system, fostering deeper human connections with nature. Vinicius holds a degree in Business Administration from FAAP. After working for nine years as an executive, he traded his tie for a chef's apron in 2003. He honed his gastronomic skills by working in Michelin-starred kitchens in Spain, Belgium, and Brazil.

Ryan believes that the only way to solve humanity's greatest challenges is by empowering smart, talented, and virtuous individuals to build companies and technologies that will positively change the world. As the Head of Global Operations for the Founder Institute, the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator, Ryan led the operations team responsible for launching over 7,000 portfolio companies across 200 cities, supported by a global mentor network of over 35,000 mentors. His personal portfolio includes 600+ startups that have raised over $200M in funding, with an enterprise value exceeding $2B. In this role, Ryan has collaborated with over 500 startup leaders worldwide, building accelerator programs in diverse locations, from New York and Silicon Valley to Iraq and Afghanistan. Ryan is also a Venture Capitalist and Founding Partner at The Veteran Fund, an early-stage VC firm that invests in exceptional founders from the military community (http://veteran.fund/one).

Over the course of 40 years, Alberto has built an outstanding corporate career. In the last 22 years spent as CEO or managing director, he has had the privilege of hold a senior leadership position alongside talented executives, leading diverse business challenges. In parallel, over the last 30 years, they have founded or participated in the founding of 10 startups, including Syntex-Kingston Technology do Brasil, Cervejaria Baden Baden, and, more recently, the Masters of Business business school. Today, they serve as CEO of Plata4 Business Development, a boutique consultancy focused on two main areas: developing high-performance business leaders and building business growth strategies, from design to the creation and monitoring of action plans.

Thamires Pontes is a textile designer with an MSc in Textiles and Fashion, passionate about biotechnology and seaweed. She believes in the possibility of uniting technology, innovation, and environmental respect to shape the future of fashion. As the founder of PHYCOLABS, a biotech start-up, Thamires is pioneering a new era of sustainable textile materials. Inspired by biology, PHYCOLABS aims to revolutionize the fashion industry by using nature as the ultimate source of innovative solutions. Her research focuses on developing textile fibers from seaweed, contributing to the future of eco-friendly and cutting-edge materials. Thamires's work has garnered international recognition, winning the 2023 Global Change Award from the H&M Foundation and the 2024 Unlock Her Future Prize from The Bicester Collection.

Leonardo Gmeiner is a father of three and has been an entrepreneur for 20 years, founding and running four different companies during that time. His most recent venture is School Guardian, a startup in the education sector with a presence in seven countries outside of Brazil. He is a journalist and IT Manager with an MBA in Digital Business. Leo is also a professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in FIAP's MBA program and serves as the coordinator of Rock New Ventures, FIAP's innovation unit. Additionally, he is the director of the Founder Institute Brazil and Portugal, an analyst at SharkTank Brazil, an advisor to Bett Brazil, and several startups. He is also the founder of the Ibero-American Association of Edtechs (IAAE).

Matheus Vitor is the founder and CEO of Recicla.se, a company dedicated to using technology to optimize the logistics of recyclable collection, making businesses more efficient and sustainable. By leveraging technologies like big data and artificial intelligence, Recicla.se has developed algorithms that predict waste generation points and manage a collection network involving all key players in the recycling process—generators, temporary storage facilities, transporters, and destination points. Under Matheus's leadership, Recicla.se has helped numerous companies improve their sustainability and efficiency, including Samup, Grupo Silveira (Havaianas), E-mooving, Danone, Octávio Café, and others.

Celia Caiuby has over 10 years of experience dedicated to innovation in the legal field, with a mission to transform how family issues are addressed by using technology as a bridge to create more humane and efficient solutions. As the founder of LegalFamily, she is committed to offering solutions that combine connection and information, aiming to make family life easier and more harmonious.

Matteo is Sr. Private Banker at Cassa di Risparmio. Experienced Senior Private Banker with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Skilled in Management, Trading, Financial Risk, Microsoft Excel, and Private Banking. Strong finance professional with a Laurea in Economia e Commercio focused in Economics from Università di Bologna.

Professional experience of 33 Years in C-LEVEL positions related to the following activities: (i)CEO (2019-2021) and member of the Council of the Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo (MAM-SP) (2021 to date); (ii) Managing Director of a company in the jewelery and luxury consumer segment (2011 to 2019); (iii) Managing Partner of Family assets management company in Brazil and outside (BR and NY); (iv) developed a large part of her career (14 years) in the legal area focused on governance, banking, corporate and business law, reaching the Wholesale Legal Director position at Banco ABN AMRO Real and Regional Coordinator of Latin America for legal and compliance operations of the referred Bank. Coordinated organizational transformation projects, implementation of Governance processes, evaluation and alignment of teams to achieve goals, implementation of teams to achieve goals, implementation of systems and processes, including technology, taking part in large M&A operations, due diligence processes, and participation in Project Finance transactions, debt issuance and development of national and international banking products. Proven leadership capacity and skills in the areas of structuring and monitoring governance, legal, compliance, and people.