It’s a good time to be an entrepreneur in Peru. In what was once a very fragmented startup ecosystem, new businesses are now popping up like wildfire. The local tech scene is heating up - and fast.
In this 2012 interview, Kate Mulder of Peru This Week said, “from what I have been able to see, much has changed. I think that is why it feels so palpable and exciting. It’s just the beginning, but it’s starting to look more like a true ecosystem. Here are some highlights: first of all, Wayra has created a much needed vortex, a central hub for the start-up community, and has given it national attention. The entrepreneurial groups have moved from talking to action, with Lima Valley’s Startup Academy and Start Up Weekend’s debut in Lima. The largest global technology festival Campus Party arrives in 2013, and another group is creating a structure for a Founders’ Institute chapter for Peru, while a German-based Rocket Internet accelerator has set up shop in Lima.”
Click here to read the full interview in Spanish.
It’s no secret that Peru has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and from the looks of it, its capital city of Lima is well on its way to becoming a major global tech hub. In fact, startup enthusiast Cate Costa reports that Peru actually trounces the U.S. in entrepreneurial activity.
Founder Institute, the world’s largest early-stage startup accelerator, launched in Lima in the Winter of 2013. The flagship program was a huge success, and helped bring five new innovative companies to the market; Coomuna, Totora Labs, Wigoin, Wish Doodle and Zas!. Lima Founder Institute mentor, Glen Hellman (based out of Washington DC), reflected on his experience mentoring in Peru, and shared what he learned about entrepreneurship from the first Lima class. “It’s developing,” says Hellman. “There are demo days, startup weekends, a Founder Institute and entrepreneurs who want to change the world. Watch out for this sleeping tiger."
Watch the video below to learn more about the Lima Founder Institute and its first batch of graduates.
If you could benefit from expert training and feedback to launch a company in Lima, apply to the Lima Founder Institute today. Those who submit their applications by Sunday (sep 22, 2026) will have all application fees waived and are eligible for Founder Institute Fellowships. Click here to learn more and begin your application today.
