Unicorn Companies in Sao Paulo in 2024

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São Paulo has become a major hub for unicorn companies in Latin America, with a booming startup scene. This surge is due to a large digital-savvy population, significant venture capital investments, strong support from accelerators and incubators, and top universities providing skilled talent.

As of 2024, São Paulo is home to 13 unicorns. Fintechs like Nubank and C6 Bank lead the way, with e-commerce giants like Nuvemshop and real estate innovators like QuintoAndar also making waves. These startups are not just changing Brazil but are expanding across Latin America.

Government initiatives, like the new startup law and fintech regulations, support this growth. São Paulo now hosts 46% of Brazil's startups and remains the country's top startup ecosystem.

Here’s a look at the Unicorn Companies in Sao Paulo driving the city's innovation boom.

Rundown

S.No
Name
Valuation
Unicorn Milestone Date
Industry
1
C6 Bank
$5.05
02-12-2020
Financial Services
2
Creditas
$4.80
12-18-2020
Financial Services
3
Nuvemshop
$3.10
08-17-2021
Consumer & Retail
4
Wildlife Studios
$3
05-12-2019
Media & Entertainment
5
Unico
$2.60
03-08-2021
Enterprise Tech
6
CloudWalk
$2.15
08-09-2021
Financial Services
7
Loggi
$2
05-06-2019
Industrials
8
Dock
$1.50
12-05-2022
Financial Services
9
Loft
$1.46
03-01-2020
Financial Services
10
Neon
$1.38
02-14-2022
Financial Services
11
QI Tech
$1
10-31-2023
Financial Services
12
Movile
$1
12-07-2018
Consumer & Retail
13
CargoX
$1
10-21-2021
Industrials

List of Unicorn Companies in Sao Paulo

C6 Bank

C6 Bank

  • Valuation: $5.05B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: Credit Suisse
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 2/12/2020

About

C6 Bank a mobile-only bank, offers a range of financial services to individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This privately held startup, based in São Paulo, has achieved a valuation of over $5 billion, earning its status as a unicorn in the fintech industry. As one of the prominent unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, C6 Bank exemplifies the city's growing influence in the global startup ecosystem.

Target Audience

C6 Bank primarily targets individuals and SMEs in Brazil, providing them with a convenient and modern banking experience through its mobile app. The bank's services cater to the needs of this demographic, offering features such as checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, free toll tags, multi-currency global accounts, investments, and lending products.

Business Model

C6 Bank operates on a digital-only platform, eliminating the need for physical branches. This model allows the bank to reduce operational costs and focus on providing a seamless user experience through its mobile app. The bank generates revenue through interest on deposits, fees for various services, and commissions on investment and lending products.

Key Offerings

  • Checking and Savings Accounts: C6 Bank offers a range of checking and savings accounts tailored to individual and business needs.
  • Debit and Credit Cards: The bank provides debit and credit cards for easy transactions and purchases.
  • Free Toll Tags: C6 Bank offers free toll tags for convenient travel.
  • Multi-Currency Global Accounts: The bank provides multi-currency global accounts for international transactions and investments.
  • Investments and Lending Products: C6 Bank offers a variety of investment and lending products, including investments and loans, to help customers manage their finances.
Creditas

Creditas

  • Valuation: $4.80B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: Kaszek Ventures, Amadeus Capital Partners, Quona Capital
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 2/12/2020

About

Creditas is a fintech unicorn that specialises in secured lending, providing financial services to consumers and businesses in Brazil. Founded in 2012 by Sergio Furio, the company has grown significantly, securing investments from prominent investors and expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

Target Audience

Creditas primarily targets individuals and businesses seeking financial assistance, particularly in the areas of home equity loans, auto equity loans, and real estate financing. The company's services cater to a broad range of customers, including those with varying credit profiles and financial needs.

Business Model

Creditas operates on a secured lending model, where it provides loans to customers using their assets as collateral. The company's business model is designed to offer flexible and competitive financial solutions to its customers, leveraging its extensive network of partners and investors to ensure access to capital.

Key Offerings

  • Home Equity Loans: Creditas offers home equity loans to homeowners, allowing them to tap into the value of their properties to secure financing for various purposes.
  • Auto Equity Loans: The company provides auto equity loans to car owners, enabling them to use the value of their vehicles as collateral for loans.
  • Real Estate Financing: Creditas offers real estate financing solutions to individuals and businesses, providing access to capital for property purchases, renovations, or other real estate-related needs.
  • Insurance and Other Services: The company has incorporated the operations of insurance firm Minuto Seguros and second-hand car sales platform Volanty, diversifying its offerings and expanding its services to include insurance and other financial products.

Key Management

  • Sergio Furio: Founder and CEO of Creditas, responsible for the company's strategic direction and growth.
  • Dave Nangle: Chief Executive Officer of VEF, a key investor in Creditas, who has expressed confidence in the company's growth and performance.

Investment Timeline

  • USD 255 million Series E: Completed in December 2020, led by LGT Lightstone, which elevated Creditas to unicorn status at a valuation of USD 1.75 billion.
  •  USD 260 million Series F: Raised in early 2022, further solidifying Creditas' position as one of the most valuable startups in Latin America.
  •  USD 25 million Convertible Loan Note: Secured from VEF in 2021, which will convert in the next funding round, anticipated to close in early 2022.
nuvemshop

Nuvemshop

  • Valuation: $3.10B
  • Industry: Consumer & Retail
  • Investors: Kaszek Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Accel
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 8/17/2021

About

Nuvemshop is a Brazilian e-commerce platform that enables businesses to manage their online stores and marketplaces efficiently. Founded in 2012, Nuvemshop has grown to become a leading provider of e-commerce solutions in Latin America, particularly in Brazil and Mexico. As one of the notable unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, its mission is to empower small and medium-sized businesses to succeed in the digital marketplace by providing them with user-friendly tools and services. Nuvemshop's success underscores the city's burgeoning status as a hub for innovative startups.

Target Audience

Nuvemshop primarily targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the retail and e-commerce sectors. These businesses often lack the resources and expertise to manage their online presence effectively, making Nuvemshop's platform an attractive solution for them. The platform also caters to larger enterprises looking to expand their e-commerce capabilities and improve their customer experience.

Business Model

Nuvemshop operates on a subscription-based model, offering its services to businesses on a monthly or annual basis. The company generates revenue through a combination of subscription fees and transaction-based commissions. The platform provides a range of features and tools to help businesses manage their e-commerce operations, including inventory management, order tracking, and payment processing. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, Nuvemshop helps businesses streamline their operations and increase their online sales.

Key Offerings

  • E-commerce Platform: Nuvemshop provides a user-friendly e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create and manage their online stores. The platform offers customisable templates, product management tools, and payment processing capabilities.
  • Inventory Management: Nuvemshop's inventory management system helps businesses track and manage their stock levels, ensuring that they always have the right products in stock to meet customer demand.
  • Order Tracking: The platform provides real-time order tracking, enabling businesses to monitor the status of their orders and keep customers informed about delivery times.
  • Payment Processing: Nuvemshop offers secure payment processing capabilities, allowing businesses to accept various payment methods, including credit cards and digital wallets.
  • Integration with Marketplaces: The platform integrates with popular marketplaces such as Amazon, Mercado Libre, and Facebook Marketplace, enabling businesses to expand their reach and sell their products to a broader audience.

Key Management

  • Carlos Eduardo Ferro: CEO of Nuvemshop, responsible for the company's overall strategy and direction.
  • Rafael Rizzi: CTO of Nuvemshop, overseeing the development and maintenance of the platform's technology and infrastructure.
  • Lucas de Souza: COO of Nuvemshop, managing the company's operations, including sales, marketing, and customer support.

Investment Timeline

  • 2012: Nuvemshop was founded by Carlos Eduardo Ferro and Rafael Rizzi.
  • 2013: The company raised its first round of funding, securing $1.5 million in seed capital.
  • 2015: Nuvemshop raised $10 million in series A funding to expand its operations and develop its platform.
  • 2018: The company secured $50 million in series C funding to further expand its services and user base.
  • 2020: Nuvemshop raised $100 million in series D funding to accelerate its growth and expand into new markets.
Wildlife Studios

Wildlife Studios

  • Valuation: $3B
  • Industry: Media & Entertainment
  • Investors: Benchmark, Bessemer Venture Partners
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 5/12/2019

About

Wildlife Studios is a Brazilian mobile gaming company founded by brothers Victor and Arthur Lazarte in 2011. It has become one of the world's largest mobile gaming companies, with a freemium business model and a portfolio of over 60 games, including popular titles such as Sniper 3D, Colorfy, War Machines, Zooba, and Tennis Clash. The company has achieved significant growth, with more than 2 billion downloads worldwide and over 100 million monthly active users across its games.

Target Audience

Wildlife Studios targets a global audience, with its games available in 10 languages and marketed in 120 countries. The company aims to provide entertainment and engaging experiences to a wide range of users, from casual gamers to enthusiasts of various genres. Its games are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on creating a fun and interactive experience.

Business Model

Wildlife Studios operates on a freemium model, where users can download games for free and choose to spend money on in-app purchases. The company generates revenue through these in-app transactions, which allows it to maintain a high level of quality and consistency in its games. Additionally, Wildlife Studios is considering publishing other developers' games as a service, further expanding its offerings and revenue streams.

Key Offerings

Wildlife Studios offers a diverse range of mobile games across various genres, including action, strategy, puzzle, and sports. Its games are designed to be engaging, visually appealing, and easy to play, with a focus on providing a high level of entertainment and enjoyment to users. The company's key offerings include:

  • Sniper 3D: A popular action game where players engage in sniper battles.
  • Colorfy: A puzzle game that challenges users to fill in color patterns.
  • War Machines: A strategy game where players build and manage their own armies.
  • Zooba: A multiplayer battle arena game.
  • Tennis Clash: A sports game where players compete in tennis matches.

Key Management

The company is led by its co-founders, Victor and Arthur Lazarte, who are both engineering graduates from the University of São Paulo. Victor is the CEO, responsible for most business decisions, while Arthur handles creative decisions as the product manager. The company has a strong management team with a focus on innovation, creativity, and customer satisfaction.

Investment Timeline

Wildlife Studios has received significant investments from various venture capital firms and strategic investors. Key milestones in its investment timeline include:

  • 2012: Bessemer Venture Partners invested in the company.
  • 2019: Wildlife raised $60 million in a Series A round led by Benchmark Capital, valuing the company at $1.3 billion.
  • 2020: The company raised $120 million in a Series B round led by Vulcan Capital, valuing the company at nearly $3 billion.
unico

Unico

  • Valuation: $2.60B
  • Industry: Enterprise Tech
  • Investors: Big Bets, General Atlantic, SOFTBANK Latin America Ventures
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 3/8/2021

About

Unico is a digital identity and biometrics technology company based in São Paulo, Brazil. Founded in 2007, it provides solutions for secure digital identity verification and authentication using facial recognition and other biometric technologies. Unico achieved unicorn status in 2021 with a valuation over $1 billion. As one of the unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, Unico highlights the city's role in fostering cutting-edge technological advancements and innovative startups in the biometrics sector.

Target Audience

Unico's target audience includes:

  • Financial institutions and banks
  • Retail companies
  • Government agencies
  • Healthcare providers
  • Telecommunications companies
  • Any business requiring secure digital identity verification

Business Model

Unico operates on a B2B SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) model. They provide their digital identity verification and authentication solutions to businesses on a subscription basis. Unico's technology is integrated into their clients' systems and processes to enable secure digital onboarding, transactions, and access control. The company generates revenue through licensing fees, per-transaction charges, and ongoing subscriptions for their software and services.

Key Offerings

  • unico | check: Facial biometric authentication solution
  • unico | people: Digital employee onboarding and document signing
  • unico | sign: Electronic signature platform
  • unico | onboarding: Customer digital onboarding solution
  • unico | access: Secure access control using facial recognition

Key Management

  • Diego Martins - Co-founder and CEO
  • Paulo Alencastro - Co-founder and CTO
  • Rui Jordão - Co-founder

Investment Timeline

  • August 2021: $120 million Series C round led by SoftBank and General Atlantic
  • April 2022: $100 million Series D round led by Goldman Sachs, valuing the company at $2.6 billion
CloudWalk

CloudWalk

  • Valuation: $2.15B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: Plug and Play Ventures, Valor Capital Group, DST Global
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 8/9/2021

About

CloudWalk is a Brazilian fintech unicorn that aims to revolutionise the financial industry by providing innovative payment solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Founded in 2019, the company has grown rapidly, achieving a market valuation of $2.15 billion in 2021 and reaching over 1.1 million active merchants across Brazil by 2023.

Target Audience

CloudWalk primarily targets small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on democratising digital payments and providing financial services to entrepreneurs. The company's products and services are designed to help these businesses streamline their financial operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

Business Model

CloudWalk's business model focuses on providing comprehensive financial services to SMBs through its InfinitePay platform. The company generates revenue through transaction fees, but at lower rates compared to traditional payment processors. Key aspects of their model include:

  • Low-cost payment processing: CloudWalk offers competitive rates for payment processing, helping merchants increase their profits.
  • Blockchain integration: The company uses its own blockchain to facilitate faster transactions and reduce costs.
  • Stablecoin rewards: CloudWalk issues a Brazilian Real-pegged stablecoin (BRLC) as cashback for transactions, encouraging customer loyalty.
  • Diverse financial services: Beyond payment processing, CloudWalk offers a range of financial tools to create a one-stop-shop for SMBs.
  • Technology-driven efficiency: By leveraging AI and blockchain, CloudWalk can operate more efficiently and pass savings on to customers.

Key Offerings

  • InfinitePay: A payment solution that allows merchants to accept contactless payments using smartphones, with features like Tap to Pay and Instant Settlement.
  • Jim.com: An app for SMBs in the U.S. that integrates AI, Tap to Pay, and Instant Payment technologies for seamless financial transactions.
  • Brazilian Digital Real (BRLC): A stablecoin launched in December 2021, offered as cashback for transactions made on CloudWalk's InfinitePay payment machine.
  • Smart Lending Platform: A proprietary ecosystem that handles money storage, authorisation, and settlement of payment transactions, utilising blockchain technology.

Key Management

Luis Silva: Founder and CEO of CloudWalk, responsible for the company's strategic direction and growth.

Investment Timeline

  • 2021: CloudWalk raised $150 million in a Series C funding round, valuing the company at $2.15 billion.
  • 2023: The company reported $320.5 million in revenue and $22.3 million in profits, marking its first full year of profitability.
Loggi-logo

Loggi

  • Valuation: $2B
  • Industry: Industrials
  • Investors: Qualcomm Ventures, SoftBank Group. Monashees
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 5/6/2019

About

Loggi is a Brazilian logistics and delivery startup that has achieved unicorn status. Founded in 2013 by Fabien Mendez, Arthur Debert, and Eduardo Wexler, the company initially focused on document deliveries in São Paulo. Over time, Loggi expanded its services to include e-commerce deliveries, wholesale food, and courier services, leveraging its fleet of 25,000 motorcycles and other vehicles to make three million monthly deliveries across 33 Brazilian cities. As one of the unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, Loggi demonstrates the city's pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in the logistics sector.

Target Audience

Loggi's primary target audience is consumers and businesses in Brazil, particularly those in the e-commerce and wholesale food sectors. The company aims to provide efficient and reliable logistics services to these customers, helping them manage their supply chains and delivery operations effectively. With Brazil's significant spending on logistics, storage, and transportation (12.7% of GDP), Loggi operates in a market with significant size and improvement potential.

Business Model

Loggi's business model is centred around providing a comprehensive logistics solution to its customers. The company uses its fleet of vehicles to make deliveries, leveraging technology to optimise routes and manage its operations efficiently. Loggi's services include document delivery, e-commerce delivery, wholesale food delivery, and courier services. The company's focus on geographical expansion and technical staff growth has been key to its success, with significant investments in these areas.

Key Offerings

  • Logistics and Delivery Services: Loggi offers a range of logistics and delivery services, including document delivery, e-commerce delivery, wholesale food delivery, and courier services.
  • Geographical Expansion: The company has expanded its services to 33 Brazilian cities, providing a comprehensive logistics solution to customers across the country.
  • Technical Staff Growth: Loggi has invested heavily in building a team of over 1,000 developers to support its operations and drive innovation.

Key Management

  • Fabien Mendez: CEO and founder, originally from France, with a master's degree in finance and strategy from Sciences Po Paris and experience at JP Morgan, BNP Paribas, and EY.
  • Arthur Debert: CPO and co-founder, with a background in development and technical leadership roles at various startups and agencies.
  • Eduardo Wexler: Co-founder, with experience in graphic design, video editing, and interface design, as well as leadership roles at Ololô and Peixe Urbano.

Investment Timeline

  • Seed Round (August 2013): $1 million from Iporanga Ventures.
  • Series A (August 2014): $3 million from Monashees and Qualcomm Ventures.
  • Series B (August 2015): $15 million from Dragoneer Investment Group.
  • Series C (February 2017): $15 million from IFC Venture Capital Group and Microsoft.
  • Non-Equity Assistance (November 2017): $1 million from Google.
  • Series D (October 2018): $111 million from Kaszek Ventures and SoftBank Vision Fund.
  • Series E (June 2019): $150 million, led by SoftBank, with participation from Velt Partners, GGV Capital, Fifth Wall, and Microsoft.
Dock

Dock

  • Valuation: $1.50B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: Viking Global Investors, Riverwood Capital, Lightrock
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 12/5/2022

About

Dock is a Brazilian technology platform that enables financial products and services for companies, particularly in the fintech and banking sectors. Founded in 2002 as Conductor, Dock was acquired by Riverwood Capital and later transformed into Dock, focusing on delivering financial solutions to businesses. The company has achieved a valuation of over $1.5 billion, making it a unicorn startup.

Target Audience

Dock's primary target audience is companies, including fintechs and banks, that require financial products and services. These companies can leverage Dock's technology to expand their financial offerings and operations. The platform aims to democratise access to financial services, enabling businesses to operate across different regions and countries.

Business Model

Dock operates by providing a cloud-based solution that embeds APIs in its platform. The company offers a range of financial products, including current accounts, debit cards, credit cards, and payment solutions. Dock does not charge transaction fees, instead, it charges for its technology services. This model allows companies to use Dock's platform to manage their financial operations, reducing the need for traditional banking services.

Key Offerings

  • Financial Products: Dock offers a suite of financial products, including current accounts, debit cards, credit cards, and payment solutions.
  • Cloud-Based Solution: The platform is built on a cloud-based infrastructure, providing scalability and flexibility for its clients.
  • API Integration: Dock's technology embeds APIs, allowing seamless integration with clients' existing systems.
  • No Transaction Fees: The company does not charge transaction fees, instead, it charges for its technology services.

Key Management

Antonio Soares: CEO and founder of Dock, who has over 20 years of experience in the corporate market and fintech.

Investment Timeline

2022: Dock raised $110 million in a growth capital round, led by Lightrock and Silver Lake Waterman, valuing the company at $1.5 billion.

loft

Loft

  • Valuation: $1.46B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: Monashees+, Andreessen Horowitz, QED Investors
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 3/1/2020

About

Loft is a Brazilian real estate unicorn that uses technology to simplify and enable real estate and credit transactions. Founded in 2018, Loft has become a leading player in the Latin American real estate market, known for its innovative approach to transforming the real estate experience. As one of the prominent unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, Loft exemplifies the city's dynamic startup ecosystem and its capacity to foster groundbreaking enterprises in the real estate sector.

Target Audience

Loft primarily targets individuals and real estate agents in Brazil and Latin America who are involved in buying, selling, or managing properties. The company aims to provide a comprehensive platform for these stakeholders to manage their real estate needs efficiently.

Business Model

Loft operates as a digital real estate broker, leveraging technology to streamline the home buying and selling process. The company partners with local brokers and agents to offer a wide range of properties for sale and rent. Loft's platform provides tools and services that facilitate transactions, including property listings, virtual tours, and financial services.

Key Offerings

  • Property Listings: Loft offers a vast inventory of properties for sale and rent across various regions in Brazil and Latin America.
  • Virtual Tours: The company provides virtual tours of properties, allowing potential buyers to explore properties remotely.
  • Financial Services: Loft offers financial services, such as mortgages and credit, to facilitate transactions.
  • Partnerships with Local Brokers: Loft partners with local brokers and agents to offer a comprehensive platform for real estate transactions.

Key Management

  • Mate Pencz: Founder and CEO of Loft, with experience in investment analysis and leadership roles in Brazil.
  • João Vianna: Co-founder and CEO of Loft, with expertise in real estate and technology.
  • Florian Hagenbuch: Co-founder and CEO of Loft, with experience in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Investment Timeline

2018: Loft was founded.

2021: Loft raised $100 million in funding, valuing the company at $2.9 billion.

2022: Loft laid off 380 employees, citing a reorganisation of its operations.

• 2023: Loft secured $100 million in funding led by a Middle Eastern wealth fund, with participation from notable investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Baillie Gifford.

Neon

Neon

  • Valuation: $1.38B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: Propel Venture Partners, Monashees+, BBVA
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 2/14/2022

About

Neon is a Brazilian fintech founded in 2016 by Pedro Conrade, a 23-year-old entrepreneur. The company aims to bridge the financial gap in Brazil by providing affordable and accessible financial services to the underbanked population of the working class. Neon is the first digital bank in Brazil to waive all fees, including monthly and transaction fees, and has achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1.6 billion after its Series D funding round.

Target Audience

Neon primarily focuses on the underbanked population of Brazil's working class, including individuals and micro-entrepreneurs. The company offers a range of financial products and services designed to cater to the specific needs of this demographic. Neon's target audience is characterised by limited access to affordable financial services and a need for financial education and credit.

Business Model

Neon generates revenue through two main channels: interest accrual in its credit businesses (50%) and interchange and floating fees (50%). The company is not yet profitable but expects to move towards profitability soon. Neon's business model is centred around providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to its target audience.

Key Offerings

Neon offers a variety of financial products and services, including:

  • Digital Banking: Neon provides a digital account linked to a mobile app, allowing customers to manage their expenses and financial lives more effectively.
  • Credit Cards: Neon offers credit cards with no annual fees, providing customers with a convenient and affordable credit option.
  • Personal Loans: Neon offers personal loans to help customers manage their financial needs.
  • Payroll Loans: Neon provides payroll loans, which are particularly popular among its micro-entrepreneur customer base.
  • Cashback on Debit: Neon offers cashback rewards on debit transactions, providing customers with a way to earn rewards on their daily spending.
  • QuickBooks-like Accounting Services: Neon offers accounting services designed for micro-entrepreneurs, helping them manage their financial operations more efficiently.
  • Investment Products: Neon provides simple investment products, such as certificates of deposit, to help customers grow their savings.

Key Management

  • Pedro Conrade: Founder and CEO, responsible for driving the company's mission to bridge the financial gap in Brazil.
  • Paula Martinelli: Vice President of Marketing and Products, leading the development of Neon's product offerings.
  • Othon Vela: Partner and Vice President of PR and Marketing, overseeing the company's marketing and communications efforts.
  • Jamil Marques: Chief Financial Officer, responsible for managing Neon's financial operations.
  • Larissa Arruy: Chief Legal Counsel, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Juliana Yamada: Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Data Officer, leading the company's HR and data management initiatives.
  • Koji Pereria: Chief Design Officer, based in the United States, responsible for driving the company's design and user experience.

Investment Timeline

Neon has received significant funding from various investors, including:

  • Series D Funding: Neon raised $300 million in February 2022, valuing the company at $1.6 billion and granting it unicorn status.
  • Previous Funding Rounds: Neon has raised a total of $726 million from investors such as BlackRock, General Atlantic, Monashees, PayPal, Quona Capital, and Vulcan Capital.
QI Tech

QI Tech

  • Valuation: $1B
  • Industry: Financial Services
  • Investors: General Atlantic
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 10/31/2023

About

QI Tech is a Brazilian fintech company that has achieved unicorn status after extending its Series B round to support its expansion. Founded in 2018, QI Tech offers a financial infrastructure platform that provides financial, credit, banking, and anti-fraud solutions, aiming to decentralise these services from major banks. As one of the unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, QI Tech highlights the city's role as a hub for fintech innovation and its ability to cultivate startups that challenge traditional financial institutions.

Target Audience

QI Tech's target audience includes businesses that require financial services, such as digital onboarding tools, facial recognition, data validation, credit scoring, digital account opening, wire transfers, Pix, bank slips, and credit underwriting. These services are designed to help businesses provide financial services to their customers, making it a valuable solution for companies in various sectors.

Business Model

QI Tech's business model revolves around providing a comprehensive suite of financial infrastructure products that cater to the needs of its clients. The company offers a banking-as-a-service platform with infrastructure for credit, banking, payments, and collections. This platform allows businesses to integrate financial services into their own applications, enhancing their offerings and improving customer experiences.

Key Offerings

QI Tech's key offerings include:

  • Digital Onboarding Tools: These tools enable businesses to efficiently onboard customers digitally, streamlining the process and reducing manual intervention.
  • Facial Recognition: QI Tech provides facial recognition technology to enhance the security and efficiency of financial transactions.
  • Data Validation: The company offers data validation services to ensure the accuracy and integrity of customer data, reducing the risk of fraud and errors.
  • Credit Scoring: QI Tech's credit scoring system helps businesses assess the creditworthiness of their customers, enabling them to make informed lending decisions.
  • Digital Account Opening: The platform allows businesses to open digital accounts for their customers, providing a seamless and secure way to manage financial transactions.
  • Wire Transfers: QI Tech facilitates wire transfers, enabling businesses to send and receive funds securely and efficiently.
  • Pix: Pix is a digital payment method in Brazil that QI Tech supports, allowing businesses to integrate this payment option into their applications.
  • Bank Slips: The company provides infrastructure for generating bank slips, which are used for various financial transactions.
  • Credit Underwriting: QI Tech's credit underwriting services help businesses evaluate and manage credit risk, ensuring that financial products are offered responsibly and efficiently.

Key Management

The key management team behind QI Tech includes Pedro Mac Dowell, the founder and CEO. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth and expansion.

Investment Timeline

QI Tech has received significant investments in recent years, including a $50 million Series B extension in April 2024, which brought its valuation over the $1 billion threshold. This investment was led by General Atlantic and Across Capital, and it will support the company's expansion efforts by doubling down on its M&A strategy and entering new business lines such as foreign exchange and insurance.

Movile

Movile

  • Valuation: $1B
  • Industry: Consumer & Retail
  • Investors: Innova Capital - FIP, 3G Capital Management, Prosus Ventures
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 12/7/2018

About

Movile is a Brazilian technology company and strategic investor founded in 1998 by Fabricio Bloisi. It operates in various segments including food ordering and delivery, ticketing, and logistics. Movile has grown to become one of Latin America's largest and most successful tech companies, achieving unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion.

Target Audience

Movile's primary target audience includes:

  • Retailers: The company provides digital solutions to retailers, enabling them to manage their inventory, supply chain, and customer relationships more efficiently.
  • Consumers: Movile's services also cater to consumers, offering a range of digital products and services, such as mobile apps and online marketplaces.
  • Logistics and Transportation Companies: The company's solutions help logistics and transportation companies streamline their operations, improving delivery times and reducing costs.

Business Model

Movile operates as both a technology company and a strategic investor. Its business model revolves around:

  • Developing and operating mobile-first platforms: Movile creates and manages various mobile applications and services, generating revenue through commissions, subscriptions, and fees.
  • Strategic investments: The company invests in promising tech startups, particularly those focused on mobile solutions, helping them grow and scale. This allows Movile to diversify its portfolio and benefit from the success of these ventures.
  • Acquisitions and mergers: Movile has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions and mergers, expanding its reach and capabilities across different sectors.
  • Ecosystem building: By creating a network of interconnected services and platforms, Movile aims to increase user engagement and cross-platform synergies.

Key Offerings

Movile's key offerings include:

  • Movile Market: An e-commerce platform that connects consumers with retailers and logistics companies.
  • Movile Logistics: A logistics management platform that helps companies optimise their supply chain operations.
  • Movile Pay: A digital payment solution that enables secure and convenient transactions.
  • Movile Apps: A range of mobile apps that provide services such as food delivery, ride-hailing, and more.

Key Management

  • Fabricio Bloisi: Founder and CEO
  • Patrick Hruby: CEO (as of 2021)

Investment Timeline

  • 2008: MIH Holdings (Naspers subsidiary) takes a minority stake
  • 2014: Raises $55 million (Series D) from Innova Capital, Jorge Paulo Lemann, and FINEP
  • 2015: Receives $40 million (Series E) from Naspers and Innova Capital
  • 2016: Raises $40 million (Series F) from Naspers and Innova Capital
  • 2017: Secures $53 million (Series G) from Naspers and Innova Capital
  • 2018: Raises $500 million for its iFood delivery app
  • 2021: Receives $200 million in funding from Prosus
CargoX

CargoX

  • Valuation: $1B
  • Industry: Industrials
  • Investors: Valor Capital Group, Lightrock, Softbank Group
  • Unicorn Milestone Date: 10/21/2021

About

CargoX is a Brazilian logistics startup that operates as a digital platform connecting shippers with truckers, streamlining the freight process. Founded in 2013 by Federico Vega, CargoX is often referred to as "Brazil's Uber for Trucks." The company's mission is to reduce inefficiencies in the relationship between shippers, carriers, and truckers by providing a digital platform for logistics management. As one of the unicorn companies in Sao Paulo, CargoX showcases the city's innovative spirit and its significant impact on modernising the logistics industry through technology.

Target Audience

CargoX primarily targets trucking companies and shippers in Brazil, providing them with a platform to manage their logistics more efficiently. This includes connecting shippers with available truckers, automating the booking process, and providing real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments.

Business Model

CargoX generates revenue through a commission-based model. The company charges a percentage of the total shipment value to both shippers and truckers for each transaction facilitated through the platform. This model incentivises both parties to use the platform, as it reduces costs and increases efficiency.

Key Offerings

CargoX offers several key services, including:

  • Digital Platform: A web-based platform that connects shippers with available truckers, automates the booking process, and provides real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments.
  • Logistics Management: CargoX manages the logistics process from start to finish, ensuring that shipments are delivered efficiently and on time.
  • Real-time Tracking: The platform provides real-time updates on shipment status, allowing shippers and truckers to track their goods more effectively.

Key Management

Federico Vega: Founder and CEO of CargoX, responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the company.

Investment Timeline

  • September 2018: CargoX raised $60 million in a funding round from Blackstone Group and Hudson Structured Capital Management.
  • 2018: CargoX reached $200 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), making it one of Brazil's largest freight companies.