The Next Wave of AI Companies in Latin America | Tako Founder on The a16z Show

About this video

Sebastian Mejia cofounded Rappi and scaled it into nine countries before stepping away to start Tako, an AI company taking on Brazil's labor and tax complexity. Angela Strange and Gabriel Vasquez speak with him about building durable companies in hostile markets, and what it will take for Latin America to produce global AI winners. Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro 01:24 — Growing Up in Colombia 5:50 — From Europe to New York 10:02 — Building Rappi 17:49 — Starting Tako 22:53 — Recruiting World-Class Talent 36:37 — The AI Opportunity in Latin America 56:28 — Advice for Future Founders Resources: Follow Sebastián Mejía on X: https://twitter.com/mejiasebas Follow Angela Strange on X: https://x.com/astrange Follow Gabriel Vasquez on X: https://x.com/GEVS94 Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends! Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX Listen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711 Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see http://a16z.com/disclosures.