About GEN in Peru

GEN's introduction to Peru began in 2008, when the British-Peruvian Chamber of Commerce led efforts to engage young people through Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). Peru has participated in every edition of GEW since then, contributing to the worldwide celebration of entrepreneurship and helping position Lima and other Peruvian cities as emerging hubs within Latin America's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Over the years, GEW Peru has brought together government agencies, universities, entrepreneur support organizations, corporations, and investors to promote entrepreneurship nationwide. The campaign has received support from institutions including the Ministry of Production and the Ministry of Youth and inspired the creation of Mes del Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship Month) in 2016, a collaborative initiative that continues today under the leadership of ten organizations.

Peruvian entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and policymakers have also been regular participants in the annual Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), using the global gathering to build international relationships, exchange best practices, and bring new ideas and programs back to Peru.

Connecting Peru's policymakers to the global entrepreneurship movement

Peru has also played an active role in GEN's global policy community through Startup Nations, GEN's network of government leaders advancing entrepreneurship policy. Startup Perú was among the network's early members, represented by leaders including Gary Urteaga and Gonzalo Villarán, who helped connect Peru's entrepreneurship and innovation agenda with counterparts around the world. More recently, Peru's engagement has continued through ProInnóvate, represented by Renzo Reyes, reinforcing the country's longstanding commitment to international collaboration on entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development.

Building Peru's entrepreneurial ecosystem

GEN's expanded operations in Peru began in 2017 with the launch of the GEN Peru chapter, recognized as GEN Rookie of the Year at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress—a testament to the momentum of Peru's emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem and the ambition of the local team from the outset.

Through its partner Perú Emprende, GEN Peru has built a nationwide entrepreneurship network connecting more than 60 incubators, accelerators, universities, investors, corporations, and entrepreneur support organizations across 16 regions of the country.

GEN's work in Peru has also included an active Startup Huddle Lima, led by Ronald Barzola. Through peer-to-peer learning and mentor-driven discussions, Startup Huddle helps local founders strengthen their business strategies while connecting entrepreneurs across Lima and beyond.

GEN Peru's contributions have also been recognized across the broader GEN network. Through its participation in the Compass Awards framework celebrating ecosystem champions across Latin America, Peru has helped advance regional collaboration. In 2025, Erika Gutiérrez, founder and CEO of Lateral, received the prestigious GEN Founder Award, recognizing her leadership and contribution to entrepreneurship.

Connecting Peruvian startups to global markets

Since 2019, GEN Peru has connected Peruvian entrepreneurs to international investors, mentors, and markets through the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), the world's largest startup competition. The national competition is led by USIL Ventures, a member of GEN's Global Business Angels Network (GBAN), providing Peruvian startups with a pathway to compete on the global stage.

Peruvian startups have consistently distinguished themselves through the competition. Global finalists have included Ecobuildnext, Le Qara, Sommos, Eco Building Technology, CAOPACK, and Fitia, showcasing Peruvian innovation across sectors including sustainable construction, consumer technology, circular economy, food systems, and health.

Peruvian leadership across the GEN network

Under the coordination of Romina Díaz, GEN's Peru chapter has been guided by leaders including Inés Temple, Rosario Bazán (Danper), and Azucena Gutiérrez, reflecting the broad coalition of business and ecosystem leaders supporting entrepreneurship throughout the country.

Peru's contributions also extend across GEN's global leadership community. Jeff Hoffman, Chairman of GEN's Board, has visited Peru in support of the country's Global Entrepreneurship Week campaign. Meanwhile, Peruvian entrepreneur Alejandra Molina serves as Global Vice President of GEN Invest, GEN's worldwide community of investors working to expand entrepreneurial finance, particularly in underserved markets. Recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 USA Class of 2026, Alejandra leads GEN's global investor partnerships and funding initiatives, helping connect entrepreneurs—including Peruvian founders—to international sources of capital and opportunity.