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Significant Progress: Women Hold 40% of Positions in Bolivian Tech Startups

By: GWL Team | Wednesday, 16 August 2023

The Emprender Futuro Foundation has reported a significant achievement toward gender equality in Bolivia's technology startup industry that women now hold 40% of all positions. The report highlights an upward trend, with women's representation climbing from 36% in 2022, signaling the tech industry's recognition of their valuable contributions.

Emprender Futuro Foundation's Director, Allison Silva, underscores the rising gender equality in the digital technology sector, emphasizing women's expanding role. The report unveils that women constitute 39% of staff members in tech startups, underscoring a notable increase in efficiency and innovation due to their talent and expertise.

Of particular interest, the report showcases that financial technology (fintech) firms are a dominant force, constituting 30% of all startups in Bolivia. This sector's rapid growth is evident as it surged from a mere 10% representation in 2022. Furthermore, e-commerce and educational technology firms follow at 14% each, showcasing the diverse landscape of Bolivian startups.

A common profile emerges for startup founders in Bolivia, portraying them as young professionals aged 25 to 45, with robust backgrounds in finance and technology. The Bolivian startup scene comprises 147 ventures, with 44% located in Santa Cruz, often regarded as the nation's economic hub. La Paz department accounts for 33% of startups, while Cochabamba holds 15%.

Intriguingly, 21 out of the 147 startups have extended their reach into international markets, including countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, the United States, and El Salvador. This international expansion vividly illustrates the global potential and competitiveness of Bolivian startups, transcending borders and making their mark on the world stage.

The Emprender Futuro Foundation's report resonates with optimism, showcasing the upward trajectory of gender equality and the entrepreneurial spirit in Bolivia's tech startup ecosystem. With women playing a pivotal role and startups venturing beyond national borders, Bolivia's tech scene holds a promising future brimming with innovation and global impact.