CARLOS FELIPE TROYANO

I’m Felipe Troyano, an Industrial Designer from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, with complementary studies in Product Design at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in Argentina. For over 17 years, I’ve been driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for building purpose-driven, sustainable companies that innovate through technology, design, and social impact.

From an early stage in my career, I immersed myself in the startup world, continuously training in entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, business model development, and corporate crisis management. I firmly believe that every challenge is an opportunity to reinvent, and this philosophy has guided me across every venture I’ve led.

In 2008, I founded my first company, RenderEfex, a pioneering 3D visualization firm that brought together a talented and multidisciplinary team serving clients across Latin America. That early experience taught me the foundations of leadership, resilience, and creative problem-solving. After growing the company and leading several successful projects, I exited the business to explore new opportunities.

Shortly after, I co-founded and led Wideplas RFX, a manufacturing company specializing in food-grade plastic packaging solutions. Over 13 years, I held multiple strategic roles — Plant Director, New Business Director, and CEO. Under my leadership, annual revenues grew from $1 million to over $5 million USD, and I managed a team of more than 50 people, including employees, consultants, and external advisors.

One of the most significant transformations I spearheaded at Wideplas was the shift toward sustainability and technological modernization. We invested in state-of-the-art machinery, the most advanced in the region at the time, and began producing biodegradable packaging made from corn, soy, and palm — materials that radically changed our environmental footprint. This move not only future-proofed the business but also positioned Wideplas as a regional leader in sustainable manufacturing, contributing to the circular economy and raising awareness about environmentally responsible industrial practices in Colombia.

Alongside my leadership roles, I became a certified SAP S/4HANA consultant, further expanding my technical and strategic capabilities to design efficient, tech-powered, scalable solutions for industrial processes. I’ve always believed that the fusion of technology, sustainability, and business strategy is the cornerstone of any successful venture in today’s world.

After selling my stake in Wideplas, I founded AIRA Cosmetics, inspired by a deeply personal experience. My daughter Leah, who is the love of my life, suffered from severe skin irritation caused by traditional bath products. That problem became the spark behind AIRA — a natural cosmetics brand developed through in-depth research on scalp and skin conditions, focused on organic coconut-based formulations and clean beauty principles.

AIRA goes beyond cosmetics — it’s a platform for community empowerment and sustainability. We collaborate directly with local communities on Colombia’s Pacific Coast, supporting the sustainable cultivation of coconut while creating inclusive employment opportunities. Our initiatives include working with women caregivers of young children, helping them develop skills, generate income, and balance family life through dignity-driven economic inclusion.

Today, AIRA is redefining what organic beauty means in Latin America — blending ancestral knowledge, scientific innovation, and ethical sourcing to deliver high-performance products that are kind to both the skin and the planet. Through AIRA, I’ve learned that true innovation starts with empathy.

Now, as I continue this journey with my wife Ana María and daughter Leah by my side, my mission is clear: to build sustainable, socially conscious companies that leave a lasting mark. I bring with me a deep understanding of entrepreneurship, crisis management, organizational growth, and sustainability — and I apply these tools every day to create businesses that are resilient, responsible, and future-ready.