UTEC Ventures strengthens tech investment in Peru

Peru’s innovation landscape is entering a new stage of maturity, fueled by rising investment and stronger institutional support. Between 2022 and 2024, the country attracted over US$257 million in venture funding for local startups, according to Finnosummit. The Finnovista Fintech Radar Perú 2024 also highlights that Peru now hosts 346 active startups, 193 local and 153 international, marking a period of accelerated ecosystem consolidation.

In this context, UTEC Ventures, the innovation and entrepreneurship center of the Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC), has become a strategic driver of Peru’s technological entrepreneurship. Acting as a bridge between local talent, university-led innovation, and global capital networks, the accelerator provides early-stage founders with capital, mentorship, and access to strategic connections.

A strategic ally for tech founders in Peru

“At UTEC Ventures, we are committed to strengthening the country’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem,” says Rosana Valdizán, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager at UTEC Ventures. “Our goal is to equip founders with the tools, strategic guidance, and networks needed to transform innovative ideas into sustainable, defensible companies with international potential.”

The accelerator supports entrepreneurs from the ideation stage to scale-up, offering programs tailored to their level of maturity. Applicants can identify the right program on the UTEC Ventures website, whether they are validating an initial concept or already expanding their market.

To participate, founders must demonstrate a committed and technically capable team, an innovative solution, and a scalable vision. Depending on the program, some degree of market validation may also be required. The selection process includes a technical evaluation, interview, and final notification.

A decade of experience and measurable impact

Since its creation in 2014, UTEC Ventures has supported over 100 startups and invested in at least 50, helping them collectively raise more than US$45 million in subsequent rounds. Its current portfolio exceeds US$500 million in value, underscoring its pivotal role in driving innovation-led growth in Peru.

UTEC Ventures is also part of the Global Accelerator Network (GAN), a global network that connects Peruvian startups with mentors, investors, and accelerators across Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. This affiliation expands opportunities for founders to access capital and cross-border partnerships.

Specialized programs driving inclusion and industry innovation

The accelerator offers a range of specialized programs designed to meet diverse founder needs and industry demands:

• FemLab: A nine-week incubation program exclusively for women founders in Peru, focused on pitching, leadership, product development, and finance.
• Aceleración de Cimientos: Tailored for startups in the construction and housing sector seeking to scale through corporate connections.
• Corporate Innovation: A program supporting open innovation and intrapreneurship within mature companies, promoting co-creation and pilot testing of new solutions.
• Startup Perú: Guidance for government-backed tech startups that have won national contests.
• Student Programs: Courses and training for UTEC undergraduate and graduate students interested in entrepreneurship.

Building Peru’s future through innovation

By bridging academia, entrepreneurship, and investment, UTEC Ventures is helping shape a new generation of high-impact founders in Peru. Its integrated approach, combining capital, mentorship, and access to global networks, positions it as a cornerstone of the country’s innovation infrastructure.

As the nation continues to attract record venture capital and nurture a robust pipeline of 346 active startups, UTEC Ventures stands at the center of Peru’s transformation into a hub for scalable, globally connected, and sustainable tech ventures.