Tiendanube acquires VICI and launches Nuvem Chat
From a local delivery app in Argentina to the AI engine behind Latin American unicorn Tiendanube, VICI’s journey showcases the power of strategic pivots, mentorship, and bold entrepreneurship in scaling impactful tech solutions across the region.
VICI started as a bold idea and became part of the Latin American unicorn Tiendanube. Its journey reflects the impact of strategic pivots, strong mentorship, and entrepreneurial grit, showing how early-stage startups can scale with the right support.
Building VICI: local roots and big Ambitions
Founded by Agustín Parraquini (CEO) and Tomás Espósito (CTO), VICI began as a delivery app for smaller cities in Argentina. Their goal was to bring technology to underserved regions, bridging the digital divide beyond major capitals.
Soon, the team pivoted toward a more scalable vision: an AI-powered virtual assistant to manage WhatsApp orders for small retailers and restaurants.
A chance encounter that changed everything
The turning point came in an unexpected place: the Miami airport. Agustín recognized Santiago Sosa, CEO and founder of Tiendanube, and pitched him VICI’s technology on the spot.
That impromptu meeting led to a formal visit to Tiendanube’s HQ in Buenos Aires, and ultimately, a proposal: "TiendaNube wants to acquire VICI."
VICI joins Tiendanube to lead AI strategy
The acquisition marked a major milestone for both companies. Tiendanube sought to integrate vertical AI capabilities to expand its e-commerce ecosystem. VICI became the AI division of the unicorn and the creators of Chat Nube, an intelligent WhatsApp-based assistant now available in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
Tiendanube invested $10 million into the development of Chat Nube, a tool designed to provide real-time, scalable, and human-like customer service through WhatsApp, reinforcing the platform's leadership in Latin America's digital commerce space.
A win for founders, mentors, and the Latin American ecosystem
With this acquisition, Agustín, Tomás, and the VICI team are not only scaling their impact but also showcasing what’s possible for LatAm startups when they receive the right support.
VICI’s journey, from local delivery app to the AI engine behind one of Latin America’s top e-commerce platforms, is a powerful example of what bold vision and collaborative acceleration can achieve. For founders, mentors, and the startup ecosystem, it's more than a success story, it's a blueprint for what’s next.