As the founder and chair of Alvarado Construction, Inc., and the first Hispanic co-owner of a Major League Baseball franchise, Alvarado has spent her career proving that leadership is not defined by tradition—it is defined by vision. Her story is one of perseverance, excellence, and the courage to succeed in industries where few expected someone like her to thrive.

Building More Than Buildings

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to a family of Mexican-American heritage, Linda G. Alvarado developed an entrepreneurial mindset at an early age. Inspired by her father’s work in construction, she discovered a passion for an industry that, at the time, was overwhelmingly dominated by men.

In 1976, she founded Alvarado Construction, Inc., determined to prove that expertise, discipline, and integrity mattered more than stereotypes. What began as a small construction company steadily evolved into one of the nation’s most respected commercial contracting firms.

Under her leadership, Alvarado Construction has completed projects for Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, airports, hotels, retail developments, government agencies, and professional sports facilities across the United States.

Her success was never simply measured by the buildings she helped construct, but by the credibility she earned in one of America’s most competitive industries.

Leading Where Few Had Gone Before

Throughout her career, Alvarado has consistently broken barriers that once seemed impossible.

As both a woman and a Latina in commercial construction, she often entered boardrooms and job sites where she was the only person who looked like her. Rather than allowing those circumstances to define her limitations, she transformed them into opportunities to demonstrate exceptional leadership.

Her philosophy has always centered on preparation, accountability, and delivering results. Instead of seeking recognition, she focused on building a reputation that spoke louder than assumptions.

That approach earned the respect of clients, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders alike, making her one of the country’s most influential voices in construction and entrepreneurship.

Making History in Major League Baseball

In 1991, Linda G. Alvarado once again made history when she became one of the founding investors and the first Hispanic co-owner of the Colorado Rockies, one of Major League Baseball’s newest expansion franchises at the time.

Her ownership stake represented far more than a financial investment.

It marked a historic moment for Latino representation in one of America’s most iconic professional sports leagues. At a time when diversity in sports ownership was virtually nonexistent, Alvarado demonstrated that Latinos could help shape the future of professional sports—not only on the field, but also in the boardroom.

Her presence helped redefine what leadership and ownership could look like in American sports, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional boundaries.

Leadership Beyond Business

Linda Alvarado’s influence extends well beyond construction and baseball.

She has served on the boards of major corporations, financial institutions, educational organizations, and nonprofit initiatives dedicated to economic development, leadership, and community advancement.

Throughout her career, she has remained committed to expanding opportunities for women, minorities, and future entrepreneurs. Her work reflects a belief that true leadership is measured not only by business success but also by the ability to create opportunities for others.

For Alvarado, success has always carried a responsibility to give back, mentor future leaders, and strengthen the communities she serves.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Decades after founding her company, Linda G. Alvarado remains one of the most respected business leaders in the United States.

Her career demonstrates that breaking barriers is never about being the first for personal recognition. It is about ensuring that those who come next no longer have to face the same obstacles.

Today, as conversations around diversity, inclusion, and equitable leadership continue to shape the future of business, Alvarado’s legacy feels more relevant than ever. She proved long ago that talent, vision, and determination transcend gender, ethnicity, and convention.

Her story is a reminder that lasting influence is built through consistency, excellence, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.

Why LatinoSystem Selected Linda G. Alvarado

At LatinoSystem, we believe leadership is defined not simply by titles or financial success, but by the lasting impact individuals create across industries and generations.

Linda G. Alvarado has spent nearly five decades transforming industries where Latino representation was once rare. From building one of America’s leading construction companies to becoming the first Hispanic co-owner of a Major League Baseball franchise, she has expanded what leadership looks like in business and sports.

Her career embodies the mission of LatinoSystem’s Visionary Series: recognizing Latino leaders whose vision, innovation, and perseverance continue to shape the future.

The post Linda G. Alvarado Redefined Leadership in Business and Professional Sports appeared first on Latino System.

Mexican-American entrepreneur Daniel Lubetzky has built a career proving that successful businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on society. Best known as the founder of KIND Snacks, Lubetzky transformed a simple idea creating wholesome, transparent snack bars into one of the most influential consumer brands in the food industry.

Today, he is recognized not only as a billionaire entrepreneur but also as a philanthropist, investor, author, and frequent guest investor on Shark Tank, where he mentors the next generation of innovators.

Building KIND: A Brand with Purpose

Daniel Lubetzky founded KIND in 2004 with a vision that extended far beyond selling snack bars. His mission was to create products made with recognizable ingredients while building a company rooted in empathy, transparency, and social responsibility.

At a time when many packaged foods relied on artificial ingredients and confusing labels, KIND distinguished itself by embracing simplicity and honesty. The company’s signature bars quickly gained popularity among consumers seeking healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste.

Over the following years, KIND expanded into granola, protein bars, breakfast products, frozen treats, and snacks distributed in thousands of retailers across North America and internationally.

The company’s success ultimately attracted the attention of global food giant Mars, Incorporated, which acquired KIND in a multibillion-dollar transaction while keeping Lubetzky closely involved in the brand’s strategic direction.

Entrepreneurship Inspired by Family History

Lubetzky’s entrepreneurial philosophy is deeply connected to his personal story.

The son of a Holocaust survivor, he grew up learning the importance of resilience, compassion, and finding common ground despite differences. Those lessons shaped his belief that businesses should serve as platforms for positive social change rather than focusing exclusively on profits.

Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for what he calls “and thinking” the belief that companies can simultaneously generate strong financial returns and create meaningful social impact.

A Familiar Face on Shark Tank

Millions of television viewers know Lubetzky through his appearances as a guest investor on Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs pitch innovative businesses seeking investment.

Unlike many investors who focus solely on financial metrics, Lubetzky often evaluates founders based on their character, authenticity, resilience, and long-term vision.

His thoughtful mentorship and emphasis on purpose-driven entrepreneurship have made him one of the show’s most respected recurring investors.

Investing in the Next Generation of Founders

Beyond KIND, Lubetzky has become one of the country’s most influential startup investors.

Through his investment firm, Equilibra, he supports entrepreneurs developing businesses across consumer products, technology, health, wellness, and social innovation.

His investment philosophy centers on founders who combine strong execution with missions that improve people’s lives.

Philanthropy Through Kindness

Giving back has always been central to Lubetzky’s work.

He founded The KIND Foundation>, which supports initiatives promoting empathy, community engagement, and social impact.

He also launched Starts With Us, an initiative designed to reduce polarization and encourage respectful dialogue across communities with differing viewpoints.

His work demonstrates that business leaders can play a meaningful role in strengthening civic engagement and fostering greater understanding.

Lessons for Latino Entrepreneurs

Daniel Lubetzky’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Build companies around authentic values.
• Focus on solving real consumer problems.
• Create products people genuinely trust.
• Lead with empathy alongside profitability.
• View success as an opportunity to create broader social impact.

His story illustrates how purpose and profit can reinforce one another when guided by long-term vision.

Legacy Beyond Business

Daniel Lubetzky has become one of the most influential Latino entrepreneurs in the United States by demonstrating that ethical leadership, innovation, and commercial success are not mutually exclusive.

From launching one of the world’s most recognizable healthy snack brands to mentoring entrepreneurs and investing in mission-driven companies, his career reflects a broader vision of entrepreneurship one where business serves as a force for positive change.

For Latino founders aspiring to build companies with lasting impact, Lubetzky stands as a powerful example that success is measured not only by financial achievements but also by the lives improved along the way.

The post Daniel Lubetzky: The Mexican-American Billionaire Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs appeared first on Latino System.

From cooking for his parents as a child to building one of the Dominican Republic’s most influential hospitality empires, entrepreneur Víctor Levy has transformed the country’s fine dining scene into a symbol of luxury, innovation, and cultural evolution.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Levy arrived in the Dominican Republic more than 30 years ago as a retail entrepreneur. What began as a passion project in hospitality eventually evolved into a powerhouse that helped redefine luxury dining in the Caribbean.

Building a Hospitality Empire

As the visionary behind Grupo Cassina and SBG, Levy and his partners now operate 12 successful restaurants and bars, including renowned concepts such as La Cassina, Casa Luca, SBG, Shibuya, The Oak Room, and Atrium Café, serving more than 1.2 million guests annually.

This year, the group continues expanding with two new concepts in Santo Domingo: a premium steakhouse called Asador 21 and a modern Chinese dining experience — both designed to elevate the Dominican Republic’s growing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s leading gastronomic destinations.

Luxury Beyond the Menu

Levy believes restaurants should offer more than exceptional food. His concepts combine world-class culinary experiences, sophisticated interior design, premium service, and immersive atmospheres that attract business leaders, celebrities, and social elites.

From imported marble and curated artwork to internationally recognized interior designers, every detail reflects a commitment to excellence. Levy credits much of the warmth and elegance of the spaces to his wife, Tina Levy, who helps shape the ambiance of the venues.

The Power of Teamwork

Behind the success of the empire is a strong collaborative culture. Levy frequently highlights the importance of teamwork alongside his partners and more than 1,200 employees.

He believes their different backgrounds in finance, operations, culinary arts, and public relations have been essential to building a premium, scalable, and consistent hospitality brand.

The Future of Dominican Gastronomy

As tourism and international influences continue shaping Dominican gastronomy, Levy sees enormous opportunities ahead. He believes the future lies in elevating local flavors, investing in service excellence, and creating unforgettable experiences that position the Dominican Republic on the global culinary map.

For Levy, the Caribbean’s culinary revolution is only getting started.

By Latino System

The post Víctor Levy: A Recipe for Luxury, Innovation, and Culinary Success appeared first on Latino System.

One of those figures is Marlene Maseda, a Cuban-American-Lebanese music publicist and entrepreneur whose work has quietly helped define the evolution of Latin urban music in Miami and beyond.

Today, she is the founder and COO of Fusion 4 Media, a publicity and marketing agency celebrating over a decade of shaping the careers of Latin music artists across multiple genres.

From Behind the Scenes to Industry Influence

Before launching her own agency, Maseda built a career across some of the most important platforms in entertainment and Latin media.

She worked in major concert venues, including the James L. Knight Center, where she was involved in booking iconic international artists such as Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Sting, and Stevie Wonder.

She later joined Sony Discos, gaining hands-on experience within one of the most influential Latin music labels of its era, working alongside key executives in the industry.

Her path also led her into television, where she spent nearly eight years working in booking and production for Esta Noche Tonight, one of the most recognized Latin entertainment shows at the time.

Each step built the foundation for what would later become her signature strength: bridging artists, media, and audiences in ways that create real cultural impact.

A Pioneer in Latin Urban Music PR

At a time when reggaetón and urban Latin music were still struggling for mainstream acceptance, Maseda became one of the first publicists to actively work within the genre.

She was independently brought in to represent artists under Machete Music, including Don Omar, Héctor El Father, Luny Tunes, Magnate y Valentino, and Glory — at a moment when many traditional media outlets were still hesitant to embrace the movement.

She played a key role in bringing urban Latin artists into mainstream television platforms such as Sábado Gigante and Despierta América, helping bridge the gap between underground culture and mass visibility.

Shaping the Cuban Music Movement in Miami

Beyond urban Latin music, Maseda has also played a defining role in the development and internationalization of Cuban music within the United States.

As a Cuban-American-Lebanese executive, she has been closely involved in amplifying Cuban artists in Miami, particularly through long-term collaborations with talent such as Osmani García and other emerging Cuban acts.

Through her work, she has helped bring visibility to genres such as Cubatón and reparto at a time when Cuban artists faced limited access to industry platforms, media exposure, and global distribution channels.

Her efforts contributed to opening doors for Cuban artists to reach major media networks, including Univision and Telemundo, and larger international stages.

Building Fusion 4 Media and a Decade of Industry Impact

In the early 2010s, Maseda founded Fusion 4 Media, turning years of industry experience into a full-scale strategic communications and PR agency.

Today, the company represents a diverse roster of artists across Latin music, including Ivy Queen, J Álvarez, Baby Rasta y Gringo, Pimpinela, Paloma San Basilio, and others across Latin pop, tropical, and urban genres.

Over the last decade, the agency has become a key behind-the-scenes force in shaping artist positioning, media strategy, and cross-market visibility.

A Career Built on Risk, Relationships, and Cultural Vision

For Maseda, the decision to build her own agency was not a calculated move — it was an instinctive one shaped by years of experience and relationships in the industry.

Her career reflects a consistent pattern: identifying emerging cultural movements early, investing in artists before mainstream validation, and helping shape the infrastructure that allows Latin talent to scale globally.

Her impact is not measured only in campaigns or placements, but in the cultural shifts she helped accelerate within Latin music.

The Power Behind the Stars

Today, Marlene Maseda represents a generation of industry leaders who rarely stand in front of the camera, but whose work defines what the world eventually sees on stage.

From pioneering Latin urban PR to elevating Cuban music in Miami, her career reflects a deeper truth about the entertainment industry:

Sometimes the most influential people in music are not the ones performing — but the ones building the path for others to be seen.

By Latino System

The post Marlene Maseda: The Publicist Who Helped Shape the Sound and Visibility of Latin Music in US appeared first on Latino System.

Dangond continues to support the growth and development of vallenato and previously sponsored two Latin Music Research and Preservation Grants for the Foundation dedicated to funding the folkloric music genre from Colombia.

“I am so proud to be able to support emerging young talent, especially in a country like Colombia, where music is a fundamental part of our identity,” said Dangond. “I see myself reflected in these students—in their dreams, in their passion—and I hope this experience reminds them that, with dedication and a love for music, anything is possible.”

“We thank Silvestre Dangond for his partnership and continued support of our shared mission to nurture future Latin music creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “His generosity today created what we hope is an experience that these students will never forget and further ensures the legacy of Latin music.”

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that inspires students ages five-to-18 through music education and mentorship. The program informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites renowned musicians, performing artists, and sound engineers to share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

By The Latin Recording Academy

The post Silvestre dangond Joins Latin GRAMMY In THE SCHOOLS™ Program Benefiting Students In Colombia appeared first on Latino System.

Born in Valencia, Venezuela, Gredivel discovered her passion for the arts at an early age. What began with ballet training at the prestigious Nina Nikanorova Ballet School eventually evolved into a lifelong commitment to acting, performance, and storytelling.

Today, she has become one of the most respected Latina actresses within New York’s Hispanic theater community, building a career that bridges classical theater, contemporary storytelling, film, and cultural representation.

From Venezuela to the Stages of New York

After moving to the United States, Gredivel continued refining her craft by studying acting at HB Studio and Taller del Método in New York City, two institutions recognized for shaping generations of performers.

Her artistic journey eventually led her to Repertorio Español, one of the most influential Spanish-language theater companies in the United States.

There, she developed an extensive body of work performing in acclaimed productions including The House of Bernarda Alba, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, The Feast of the Goat, Blood Wedding, Doña Flor and Her Two Husbands, and many other classical and contemporary plays that celebrate Latin American literature and culture.

Through her performances, Gredivel has helped preserve and elevate Hispanic theater in New York while bringing emotional depth and humanity to stories that reflect the Latino experience.

A Career Built on Passion and Versatility

While theater remains at the center of her artistic identity, Gredivel’s career extends far beyond the stage.

She has appeared in film projects such as A Moment for Glory and Me Fui Con Ella, the latter directed by deaf filmmaker Gabo Ponte-Fleary, highlighting her commitment to supporting diverse and inclusive storytelling voices within the entertainment industry.

She also starred in Vidas Cruzadas, a digital series produced by Yale University and directed by Julián Pozzi, further expanding her presence across digital media and independent productions.

Beyond acting, Gredivel has worked in commercial campaigns for major brands including McDonald’s, Kohl’s, MetroPlus, Dreft, and 3M, demonstrating her versatility across multiple entertainment and media formats.

Her voice talent has also reached audiences through audiobook narration for Audible, where she narrated Del Color de la Leche by British author Nell Leyshon.

Recognition for Artistic Excellence

Throughout her career, Gredivel’s work has earned recognition from some of the most respected institutions within the Hispanic arts community.

She has received awards from the HOLA and ACE, honoring her talent and contributions to theater and performance.

She was also honored by the Latin American Intercultural Alliance for her artistic dedication and cultural impact.

In recognition of her continued growth as an artist, she was awarded a Creatives Rebuild New York Artist Fellowship, allowing her to further expand and develop her creative career.

The Role That Defined a New Chapter

One of the most powerful moments in Gredivel’s recent career came with the production of Las Vidas Rotas, a deeply emotional play centered around migration, separation, and the struggles experienced by Venezuelan families.

In the production, Gredivel portrayed “Rosa,” a Venezuelan mother confronting the painful departure of her daughter amid the country’s ongoing social and economic crisis.

The play became both a cultural and artistic success, earning the 2025 Talía Award for Best Hispanic Authorship Production in New York, presented by the Academy of Performing Arts of Spain.

For her powerful performance, Gredivel received the 2025 Talía New York Award for Best Drama Actress, further establishing her as one of the leading Latina voices in contemporary Hispanic theater.

She also received a HOLA Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the production.

Representing the Strength of Latina Artists

Gredivel Vásquez represents a generation of Latina artists redefining what representation looks like in American entertainment.

Her story is not only about acting, it is about perseverance, cultural identity, artistic excellence, and the importance of preserving Hispanic storytelling in global cultural spaces.

At a time when Latino voices continue gaining visibility across film, television, and theater, Gredivel stands as a reminder that authentic storytelling remains one of the most powerful forms of cultural impact.

Through every performance, she continues to bring humanity, emotion, and visibility to stories that deserve to be seen and heard.

By Latino System

The post Gredivel Vásquez: The Venezuelan Actress Elevating Hispanic Theater in New York appeared first on Latino System.

A social entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, and international development leader, Lanzas has spent her career building bridges between governments, nonprofits, corporations, and global institutions to create sustainable solutions with measurable impact. Throughout her professional journey, she has helped mobilize more than $50 million in private capital and multilateral project funding focused on humanitarian assistance, development, and sustainability initiatives.

Today, she stands as one of the most influential Latina voices in the intersection of climate innovation, social impact, and international development.

Localizing the Global Mission

Based in Miami, Scarlett founded Accountable Impact, a nonprofit organization dedicated to localizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and turning them into actionable community-driven initiatives.

Her vision is rooted in the idea that sustainability cannot exist only at the global level — it must be integrated into cities, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and local policies.

Under her leadership, Accountable Impact works with stakeholders across sectors to co-design programs that balance economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social equity while aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda.

For Scarlett, sustainability is not simply an environmental conversation — it is a framework for building healthier economies, stronger communities, and more equitable futures.

A Latina Voice in Global Sustainability

Scarlett’s leadership has earned her recognition across major international organizations and global initiatives.

She currently serves as Chair of IEEE Planet Positive 2030, an initiative supported by the IEEE Standards Association that convenes experts from around the world to help create a more sustainable and flourishing future by 2030 and beyond.

She was also elected Board President of the United Nations Association of the USA Miami Chapter, part of the United Nations Foundation, where she helps strengthen connections between communities and policymakers in support of a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.

Her growing influence within climate leadership spaces also led to her appointment as Chair of the Community Board for Climate Week Miami, an inclusive platform focused on advancing climate solutions and environmental innovation throughout the Americas.

The initiative tackles critical issues including environmental justice, climate technology, sustainable fashion, circular economies, water scarcity, and women-led climate leadership. In 2025, Scarlett was invited to join the organization’s Board of Directors, further cementing her role as a key voice shaping the future of sustainability conversations in the region.

From Humanitarian Aid to Systems Change

Before becoming a leading force in sustainability and social entrepreneurship, Scarlett spent nearly a decade working with the United Nations World Food Programme, one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations.

Her work ranged from emergency food assistance and recovery operations to resource mobilization, donor relations, and sustainable development programming focused on maternal and child nutrition, school feeding initiatives, and livelihood creation.

The experience gave her a firsthand understanding of the structural inequalities affecting vulnerable communities around the world — and reinforced her commitment to creating systems that empower people long-term rather than simply responding to crises.

Building a Legacy of Collective Impact

Beyond her nonprofit and international development work, Scarlett continues to expand her influence across organizations focused on environmental innovation, media, education, and social entrepreneurship.

She currently serves as Board Chair of Seaworthy Collective Foundation, a nonprofit startup community focused on reversing ocean degradation and climate change through technology and innovation.

She also co-founded Emergent Global Consulting, a consultancy supporting corporations, governments, and institutions working toward sustainable development and social impact strategies.

In the media and advocacy space, she served as the founding Board President of IMPACT.EDITION, an independent media platform dedicated to community journalism and collective impact storytelling.

Her commitment to empowering future generations is also reflected in her work as co-founder of Social Impact Movement, a Miami-based nonprofit focused on youth activism, civic engagement, and education around the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Redefining Latina Leadership

At a time when conversations around leadership are evolving, Scarlett Lanzas represents a new generation of Latina changemakers — leaders who understand that impact is built through collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven action.

Her career reflects a powerful combination of global vision and local commitment, proving that Latinas are not only participating in the future of sustainability and policy innovation — they are helping lead it.

As climate action, social equity, and sustainable development become defining priorities for the next decade, leaders like Scarlett are showing the world that meaningful transformation begins when communities, institutions, and innovators come together with a shared purpose.

By Latino System

The post Scarlett Lanzas: The Latina Leader Turning Global Goals Into Local Impact appeared first on Latino System.

Eduardo Ospina lleva siete años intentando resolver el mismo problema, que es cómo hacer que la energía solar llegue a quien no tiene techo propio, no tiene dinero para paneles, o simplemente no quiere invertir en ellos. Hoy, sus dos empresas operan en frentes distintos del mismo desafío.

Unergy, la empresa que cofundó y dirige como CEO, gestiona hoy más de 50 minigranjas solares en Colombia y acaba de activar la primera comunidad energética bajo la nueva regulación colombiana (la Resolución CREG 101 072 de 2025) junto a Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM).

Por separado, Solenium, su otra compañía, ha estructurado deuda por hasta US$200 millones para construir activos de generación solar a escala nacional.

Son empresas distintas, con estructuras de capital y operaciones independientes. Pero comparten fundador y un mismo diagnóstico, que es que en Colombia, la energía solar ha sido históricamente un privilegio de empresas grandes con techos amplios y capital disponible.

El modelo de Unergy parte de la premisa de que el usuario no debería tener que invertir para acceder a energía solar. La empresa instala o aprovecha paneles solares existentes, conecta los excedentes de energía a la red eléctrica local y los distribuye entre un grupo de usuarios cercanos. Esos usuarios ven un descuento en su factura sin haber puesto un peso.

La comunidad piloto está en el barrio Laureles de Medellín. Los vecinos que hacen parte de ella reciben los excedentes de los paneles instalados en las propias oficinas de Unergy (con una producción promedio de 1.150 kilovatios-hora al mes) a través de la red de EPM, que actúa como operador y comercializador. La comunidad está registrada formalmente como Autogenerador Colectivo, la figura que habilita la nueva regulación.

Lo que distingue a este esquema no es solo el ahorro en factura. Los usuarios cuentan con medidores inteligentes gestionados y reemplazados sin costo por Unergy, y con una aplicación móvil para monitorear su consumo en tiempo real. Es la primera vez que un grupo de usuarios residenciales en Colombia accede a ese nivel de digitalización energética dentro de un esquema de comunidad regulada.

“Nuestros vecinos siempre tuvieron interés en beneficiarse de los paneles que veían en nuestros techos. Este barrio nos recibió, nos vio crecer, y cuando la regulación finalmente lo permitió, supimos que la primera comunidad que queríamos construir era para quienes nos han acompañado. Hoy esa energía que generamos en nuestras oficinas llega directamente a los hogares de nuestros vecinos con ahorros en la factura”, explicó Ospina.

La participación de EPM fue determinante. Las mesas de trabajo entre la empresa y el operador de red permitieron adaptar procesos operativos a los requisitos de la nueva normativa, generando aprendizajes que servirán de referencia para iniciativas similares en el resto del país. Con esta operación, EPM activa su primera comunidad energética regulada como operador de red.

El concepto de comunidad energética no es nuevo. En Europa hay más de 1.900 activas con más de 1,2 millones de participantes. Brasil, el referente más sólido de América Latina, habilitó la generación compartida en 2012 y hoy tiene un mercado valorado en 500.000 millones de dólares en este esquema.

Colombia llega a este modelo con una realidad distinta de infraestructura eléctrica desigual, usuarios con baja apropiación digital de su consumo energético y operadores de red que recién comienzan a adaptar sus procesos.

En ese contexto, completar el ciclo regulatorio completo (desde el registro hasta la operación con medición inteligente) tiene un peso que no puede leerse con los parámetros de otros mercados.

El país cuenta hoy con cerca de 1.600 megavatios de energía solar en operación y más de 3.000 megavatios de capacidad instalada en fuentes no convencionales, cifras que representan más del 10% de la matriz eléctrica nacional, según la Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética (UPME).

La capacidad instalada en renovables se ha multiplicado por 15 frente a 2018, según el Ministerio de Minas y Energía y la Asociación de Energías Renovables Colombia (SER Colombia). A pesar de ese avance, hasta ahora ninguna comunidad energética había completado el proceso integral de implementación bajo la nueva resolución.

Mientras Unergy trabaja el frente de comunidades y gestión de minigranjas, Solenium (fundada también por Ospina pero operada de forma independiente) se encarga de construir y operar activos físicos de generación solar. Su modelo son las minigranjas, que son granjas de pequeña escala de entre 1,5 y 5 megavatios que se conectan a la red de distribución local.

La lógica financiera detrás es que la empresa absorbe la inversión de capital y la recupera vendiendo energía a menor precio que la red convencional. El usuario paga menos en su factura (entre un 15% y un 20% menos) sin haber invertido nada.

Unergy cerró el año pasado una ronda de capital por US$4.5 millones en equity directo, más un compromiso de inversión de US$80 millones adicionales para construir activos en un vehículo compartido con el inversionista. Los primeros US$25 millones de ese total ya están en proceso de despliegue.

Por su parte, Solenium estructura una línea de deuda de US$100 millones con banca internacional. El despliegue de capital proyectado total llega a entre US$180 y US$200 millones.

Entre sus respaldos figura el FMO, el banco de desarrollo de los Países Bajos. “Trabajar con ellos nos ha dado una rigurosidad muy alta en temas ambientales y sociales”, dijo Ospina.

La compañía opera hoy más de 10 megavatios instalados y tiene otros 20 en construcción, con presencia en más de 10 departamentos del país y un equipo de 60 personas directas y más de 80 indirectas.

La meta es construir 100 minigranjas y conectar a más de 100.000 usuarios. El mayor obstáculo no es financiero, porque es operativo. Conseguir el punto de conexión con la electrificadora local puede tomar meses o años.

“Yo para poder tener un activo construido hoy, debo esperar meses si no años. El proceso nuestro es lograr que ese tiempo sea lo más corto posible”, admitió Ospina.

Detrás de ambas empresas hay una convicción que Ospina repite con frecuencia: la energía solar no debería ser exclusiva de quienes pueden pagar por ella.

“Normalmente la gente dice que la energía solar es para las grandes empresas. Nosotros estamos demostrando que con minigranjas solares la energía solar es para todos: para el de la tienda, para la casa, para el pequeño comercio”, recalcó en entrevista con Forbes Colombia.

El potencial del mercado que persigue es considerable. Según estimaciones del sector, Colombia podría contar con más de 100 comunidades energéticas en operación en el próximo año, dependiendo de la velocidad con que operadores de red y empresas adopten el marco regulatorio que Unergy acaba de estrenar en Laureles.

Y el contexto global, según Ospina, justifica la escala de la apuesta: “El mundo necesita US$3 trillones por año para lograr la transición energética. Lo que nosotros estamos haciendo es crear la plataforma para que ese capital llegue a Colombia y se convierta en energía barata para la gente”.

By José Caparroso

The post Eduardo Ospina: El latino que quiere democratizar la energía solar appeared first on Latino System.

Un grupo de emprendedores venezolanos prepara lo que podría ser una de las señales más concreta del nuevo ciclo económico del país: su primera Venezuela Tech Week.

El evento, que se celebra del 11 al 13 de mayo de 2026 en Caracas, espera reunir entre 800 y 1.000 asistentes de alto nivel entre inversionistas de capital de riesgo, fundadores tecnológicos, instituciones financieras y tomadores de decisión de política pública.

La apuesta surge en un momento en que Venezuela atraviesa lo que sus organizadores describen como el mayor proceso de reactivación económica en décadas, con dolarización consolidada como piso efectivo de las transacciones comerciales, modernización del sistema financiero y sectores enteros (como fintech, logística, agritech, proptech y healthtech) con alta demanda y baja penetración tecnológica.

“El objetivo es informar a nivel internacional sobre qué está pasando en Venezuela, que se lleven una impresión de verdad y, evidentemente, conseguir inversionistas para apoyar nuestro talento local”, explicó Patricia Zárraga, CEO de Venezuela Tech Week, en entrevista con Forbes Colombia.

Zárraga, quien antes de liderar Venezuela Tech Week trabajó en la Bolsa de Valores de Caracas y en el equipo de fundraising de Ridery, una startup venezolana de movilidad, señala que el ecosistema tecnológico local tiene bases más sólidas de lo que la narrativa internacional suele reflejar, ya que emprendedores locales han tenido que desarrollar soluciones locales ante la ausencia de llegada de jugadores internacionales como Uber y Rappi.

Como ejemplo cita el Pago Móvil, el sistema de pagos digitales que describe como el equivalente venezolano de Zelle, construido en apenas tres meses. “Tardamos tres meses en solidificar la estructura y funciona, me atrevo a decir, mejor que un Zelle”, afirmó.

El país también cuenta con startups con tracción reconocible. Yummy, la plataforma de delivery, y Cashea, una solución de pagos en cuotas, son los nombres más citados cuando se habla del ecosistema venezolano.

La agenda de Venezuela Tech Week incluye paneles sobre fintech global, blockchain, proptech, healthtech, agritech e inteligencia artificial, además de speed meetings entre startups y fondos, y sesiones de mentoría uno a uno.

El primer día del evento estará dedicado a lo que los organizadores llaman el “contexto país”: macroeconomía, sistema financiero, mercado de capitales, legislación y energía, con participación directa de reguladores. La gala de apertura se celebrará en el Hotel Humboldt.

El momento no es casual. El capital de riesgo en América Latina sumó US$4.126 millones en 2025, un 14,3% más que en 2024, según datos del Latin America Venture Capital Report. La inversión en etapas tempranas creció 31,9%, hasta cerca de US$2.000 millones, y el 47% de los gestores activos en la región planea aumentar posiciones en 2026-2027.

Para el ecosistema colombiano, Venezuela Tech Week tiene una relevancia particular. Colombia y Venezuela comparten más de 2.200 kilómetros de frontera y, según datos de la Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM), más de 2,5 millones de venezolanos residen hoy en Colombia, muchos con actividad empresarial activa en ambos países. Las empresas colombianas con modelos validados en fintech, logística, agritech o SaaS tienen en Venezuela el mercado de expansión más cercano geográfica y culturalmente.

Gerson David, de Ridery, uno de los cofundadores del evento, acaba de regresar de San Francisco, donde participó en actividades del ecosistema de Silicon Valley y se reunió con emprendedores venezolanos de la diáspora cuyas startups han escalado internacionalmente. “Todos están dispuestos a venir”, dijo Zárraga sobre esos fundadores.

El contexto en que surge Venezuela Tech Week es, particular. El gobierno interino opera en un limbo político tras la captura de Nicolás Maduro y al mismo tiempo, el miedo cede, ya que los partidos opositores comienzan a reunirse más abiertamente y sectores empresariales hablan abiertamente de estar optimistas en commodities venezolanos.

En ese mismo ambiente convive la expectativa de un posible boom de inversión con la cautela de quienes advierten que los tribunales y la autoridad electoral necesitan reforma antes de cualquier proceso político.

Venezuela Tech Week no es el escenario para responder esas ambigüedades. Pero sí ofrece, por primera vez, una plataforma organizada para que el capital internacional evalúe por sí mismo qué tan cerca está ese mercado de su momento de entrada.

El evento cuenta con el respaldo de Rockstart, CONAPRI (Consejo Nacional de Promoción de Inversiones de Venezuela), la Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, la Universidad Metropolitana, el Banco Digital de los Trabajadores, Venezuela Mobility Ventures y Emprender Juntos.

By José Caparroso

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El consejero delegado de JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, ha descrito este lunes la inteligencia artificial (IA) como una tecnología con un potencial comparable al de la electricidad o internet, asegurando que su adopción será “mucho más rápida” que cualquier revolución tecnológica previa.

En su carta anual a los accionistas, Dimon ha subrayado que la inversión en IA no es una “burbuja especulativa”, sino una herramienta que entregará beneficios significativos.

“No creo que sea una exageración afirmar que la IA curará algunos tipos de cáncer, creará nuevos materiales compuestos y reducirá las muertes accidentales, entre otros resultados positivos. Con el tiempo, reducirá la semana laboral en el mundo desarrollado”, anota en su carta el ejecutivo del mayor banco de Estados Unidos.

Dimon ha afirmado que JPMorgan desplegará la IA en “virtualmente cada función, aplicación y proceso” de la compañía para mejorar el servicio a clientes y empleados.

No obstante, ha advertido de que la velocidad de esta transformación podría superar la capacidad de adaptación de la fuerza laboral, por lo que el banco ya tiene planes para “apoyar y reubicar” a los empleados afectados.

Los desafíos globales

Pese al optimismo tecnológico, Dimon ha avisado sobre un “paisaje inquietante” marcado por la guerra en Ucrania, el conflicto actual en Irán y las tensiones con China.

“Los desafíos que todos enfrentamos son considerables. La lista es extensa, pero a la cabeza figuran la terrible guerra y la violencia que persisten en Ucrania, el conflicto actual en Irán y las hostilidades más amplias en Oriente Medio, así como la actividad terrorista y las crecientes tensiones geopolíticas —muy especialmente con China—”, anota el líder del principal banco de Estados Unidos.

En su carta anual a los accionistas, Dimon instó a Estados Unidos a “fortalecerse” y a reafirmar su liderazgo global para seguir siendo el “arsenal de la democracia”.

“Incluso en tiempos turbulentos, confiamos en que Estados Unidos hará lo que siempre ha hecho: recurrir a los valores que han definido a nuestra singular nación y han sostenido nuestro liderazgo en el mundo libre”, anotó Dimon.

El máximo responsable del banco señaló que la economía global se enfrenta a “importantes y continuas perturbaciones” en los precios del petróleo y las materias primas.

Según Dimon, estos factores, sumados a la reconfiguración de las cadenas de suministro mundiales, podrían alterar las expectativas de los mercados financieros.

“Nos enfrentamos a la posibilidad de que la inflación sea más persistente y, en última instancia, a tipos de interés más altos de lo que los mercados esperan actualmente”, subrayó el ejecutivo, quien recordó que los conflictos internacionales “deberían disipar definitivamente la ilusión de que el mundo es seguro”.

Con información de EFE

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