Experts from Top Global VC Firms Announce Outstanding Startups won at Burning Heroes Startup Awards LATAM
The Burning Heroes StartUp Awards has once again proven to be one of the main events highlighting the hidden gems anong early-stage startups. This year’s awards celebrated entering Latin America with showcasing Preauth, Presto LatAm, and Bionirs taking top honors in their respective categories.
“Latin America’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem and diverse talent pool is becoming increasingly attractive for global venture capital. The region offers untapped markets and a supportive regulatory environment, creating significant opportunities for driving economic growth and addressing societal challenges. At Burning Heroes, we are happy to participate in fostering these ecosystems and facilitating global connections.” – Anna Deynego, Founder of Burning Heroes Founders Association.
The event provided a platform for fostering connections between venture capitalists and high-potential startups. Every participating startup had the chance to gain visibility. Selected top-12 startups got the opportunity to pitch in front of investors from leading VC firms, including Khosla Ventures, Flourish Ventures, Startup Wise Guys and others. The final on-line pitch panel took place on June 4, 2024. Participants competed in three categories: Best Startup, Best Product, and Best Business Model.
Best Startup: Preauth
Preauth was awarded the Best Startup category, recognized for its innovative guarantee management service. Preauth has revolutionized how businesses handle guarantees by utilizing credit card preauthorizations and other assets as collateral. This technology empowers merchants and individuals to retain available credit lines on their customers’ credit cards, helping them manage deferred payment promises or other guarantee needs.
Luis Chau, CEO at Preauth, winner of Burning Heroes Startup Awards LATAM’24
Best Product: Bionirs
The Best Product award went to Bionirs for their pioneering work in early breast cancer detection. Bionirs developed MamoRef, a cost-effective, light-based solution that is both non-invasive and woman-friendly. This innovative product leverages advanced technology to detect breast cancer at an early stage, providing a more accessible and less intimidating option for women. MamoRef has the potential to significantly reduce the number of breast biopsies and to make life-saving medical solutions accessible to a broader population.
Pamela Pardini, PhD, CEO at Bioniris, Winner in the ‘Best Product’ Cetegory of Burning Heroes Startup Awards LATAM’24
Best Business Model: Presto LatAm
Presto LatAm won the Best Business Model category for its groundbreaking approach to credit in LatAm countries with low penetration of credit cards. Presto LatAm addresses the financial needs of those who may not have access to traditional banking products. Starting in Bolivia in 2024 Presto became the most issued credit card in the country with 13% monthly growth.
Presto Team, Winners in the ‘Best Business Model’ Cetegory of Burning Heroes Startup Awards LATAM’24
The Startup Awards Latam is part of a global series of pitch events hosted by Burning Heroes, a global non-profit association founded in 2022, is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups, investors, and IT talents. Since its inception, the association has organized 12 events including online startup awards, industry contests, offline pitch competitions, and a conference, spanning the USA, UK, EU, APAC, Africa, and LATAM.
