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Darius Gant

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AI Pilots Are Out. Execution Is In

Latam-GPT Goes Live: What It Means for Local AI Jobs

Why it matters: The debut of Latam-GPT, the region’s first large language model (LLM) developed with a focus on Latin American languages, data, and context, marks a turning point in the global AI race. For local talent, it means more than a new tool, it’s a catalyst for job creation, workforce transformation, and regional competitiveness in the age of generative AI.

A Regional Milestone in AI

In June 2025, Latam-GPT went live, positioning itself as Latin America’s answer to OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Anthropic’s Claude. Unlike its global counterparts, Latam-GPT was trained with an emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese linguistic nuances, regional legal frameworks, cultural contexts, and industry-specific datasets from Latin America.

This milestone is more than symbolic. It’s a direct assertion that Latin America is not just a consumer of global AI technology, but a creator of frontier innovation. By anchoring development in regional priorities, Latam-GPT strengthens local autonomy and narrows dependency on U.S. and European AI labs.

Crucially, the model’s launch also underscores the rising public-private-academic coalitions in the region. Governments provided policy backing, local universities contributed datasets and research capacity, and private investors supplied the capital to scale. This collaboration reflects a maturing AI ecosystem that’s determined to build sovereign capabilities.

The Job Creation Ripple Effect

Whenever a new foundational model is launched, a wave of job creation and role transformation follows. Latam-GPT is no exception. Here’s where the most visible impacts are emerging:

  1. AI Engineering & Fine-Tuning Roles
    • Local startups, universities, and corporations will need AI engineers and ML specialists to fine-tune Latam-GPT for vertical-specific use cases like healthcare, logistics, and fintech.
    • This means rising demand for prompt engineers, data annotation specialists, and AI infrastructure managers who can adapt workflows to each industry.
  2. Content & Language Jobs
    • By supporting Latin American dialects and cultural references, Latam-GPT will create demand for linguists, sociologists, and content reviewers to ensure accuracy, inclusivity, and ethical use.
    • This offers opportunities for non-technical professionals to actively participate in the AI economy.
  3. Industry Transformation Specialists
    • Sectors like banking, customer service, and education will need AI adoption leads professionals who bridge technical expertise with industry workflows.
    • These hybrid roles will grow in importance as organizations seek to embed Latam-GPT across operations.
  4. AI Governance & Policy Roles
    • Governments and regulators will increasingly recruit for roles in AI ethics, compliance, and auditing, ensuring Latam-GPT’s deployments adhere to regional and global frameworks.
    • This adds another layer of professional opportunities for legal and policy experts.

Beyond Disruption: How Existing Jobs Will Change

While job creation is exciting, the bigger story lies in job transformation. Routine tasks from call center scripts to loan processing will increasingly be automated by Latam-GPT-powered assistants. But rather than eliminating roles, this will upskill and reposition talent:

  • Customer support agents will shift from repetitive Q&A to handling complex, human-centric issues, supported by AI-generated responses.
  • Teachers will use Latam-GPT as a co-pilot, focusing on mentorship, creativity, and student engagement rather than rote content delivery.
  • Financial analysts will rely on automated reporting, freeing them for scenario planning and strategic decision-making.
  • Healthcare professionals will use AI-assisted diagnostic tools to identify early signs of disease, allowing doctors to concentrate on treatment strategies and patient care.

The net effect: human workers move up the value chain, focusing on creativity, judgment, and collaboration.

Regional Advantage: Why LATAM Matters in the AI Talent Market

Latam-GPT also highlights why global companies are doubling down on hiring AI talent in Latin America. Three factors stand out:

  1. Time Zone Alignment

    With minimal time difference, U.S. and Latin American teams collaborate in real time running agile sprints, resolving incidents instantly, and fostering tight cultural integration.

  2. Cost Efficiency

    Hiring senior developers in Mexico, Colombia, or Brazil costs significantly less than in Silicon Valley, without sacrificing quality. This cost-effectiveness is especially attractive for AI startups under pressure to scale lean.

  3. Cultural and Linguistic Expertise

    Latin American engineers and linguists bring unique knowledge of local dialects, idioms, and contexts something global models often miss. In industries like healthcare, law, and education, this contextual intelligence is invaluable.

Together, these factors position Latin America not just as a deployment market, but as a strategic talent hub where global AI companies will increasingly recruit.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

The promise of Latam-GPT is immense, but so are the challenges. The region must navigate:

  • Infrastructure gaps: Cloud costs and GPU shortages remain hurdles for startups trying to scale AI services.
  • Brain drain risks: As global companies hunt for Latin American talent, retaining engineers locally will require competitive wages and meaningful projects.
  • Ethical safeguards: Ensuring Latam-GPT avoids biases and protects user privacy is essential to build public trust.
  • Talent alignment: Workforce training must keep pace with rapidly changing skills, requiring partnerships between universities, bootcamps, and employers.

Addressing these challenges proactively will determine whether Latam-GPT sparks sustainable growth or creates dependency on external capital.

Tesoro AI’s Perspective

At Tesoro AI, we’ve already seen the ripple effects of Latam-GPT’s launch in our talent pipeline. Companies are no longer just asking for generic data scientists they’re seeking professionals who can:

  • Fine-tune models like Latam-GPT for specific industries.
  • Audit outputs for cultural sensitivity and ethical compliance.
  • Integrate LLMs into enterprise workflows at scale.

By deeply vetting AI engineers and connecting U.S. and LATAM firms with execution-ready professionals, we ensure this new phase of regional innovation is matched with the right human expertise.

Conclusion: From Importers to Innovators

Latam-GPT’s launch is a symbol of Latin America’s growing maturity in AI. It signals a shift from being importers of global AI products to becoming innovators in their own right. For talent, it means new roles, transformed workflows, and expanded opportunities to shape the global AI landscape.

This matters for three reasons:

  1. It proves Latin America can build world-class AI infrastructure tailored to its own needs.
  2. It accelerates the transformation of existing jobs, empowering professionals to take on higher-value roles.
  3. It positions the region as a strategic partner in the global AI economy, rather than just a market to be served.

For companies, the call to action is clear: invest in Latin American talent now. Those who do will not only benefit from cost-effective, highly skilled professionals but also gain an edge in creating culturally resonant AI solutions.

Latin America isn’t waiting for the future of AI it’s actively building it. And with tools like Latam-GPT and firms like Tesoro AI, the region is proving that the age of execution has truly arrived.

Sources

Bloomberg Línea. (2025, June). Latam-GPT launch marks milestone for AI in Latin America. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberglinea.com

Contxto. (2025). How Latam-GPT is reshaping the regional AI landscape. Retrieved from https://contxto.com

OECD. (2024). AI policy developments in Latin America. OECD Digital Economy Papers. Retrieved from https://oecd.org

World Bank. (2025). AI and the Future of Work in Latin America. Retrieved from https://worldbank.org

AI Pilots Are Out. Execution Is In

AI Pilots Are Out. Execution Is In: Latin America’s New Phase

For years, Latin America’s AI story has centered on pilots, small-scale experiments designed to test what machine learning could do. But in 2025, that narrative is changing. The region is entering a new phase: execution at scale. Governments, corporations, and startups are no longer content with proof-of-concept. They are embedding AI into the workflows that run economies, cities, and industries.

1. From Experimentation to Execution

In the past, many AI projects in Latin America ended as isolated demos. The problem wasn’t interest, it was infrastructure, funding, and integration. Now, those gaps are closing:

  • Cloud adoption has surged across Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.
  • Universities and startups are collaborating on industry-grade datasets.
  • Governments are publishing AI roadmaps, creating clarity for investment.

As a result, AI projects are moving out of labs and into logistics centers, hospitals, and financial institutions.

2. Cross-Sector Collaboration as a Catalyst

At Tesoro AI, we’ve observed how multi-stakeholder partnerships are fueling momentum:

  • Healthcare: AI is now used for diagnostics in public hospitals across Chile and Argentina.
  • Agriculture: Startups are embedding predictive analytics into farming co-ops, helping farmers anticipate weather and crop yields.
  • Finance: Banks like BBVA and Nubank are deploying AI for fraud detection and credit scoring, built with LATAM engineers.

This collaboration ensures that AI adoption isn’t siloed. It scales across entire sectors.

3. The Role of Talent

Execution depends on people as much as technology. Latin America’s tech talent pool has matured significantly:

  • Senior engineers are returning from Silicon Valley to lead local teams.
  • Universities are embedding AI into core curriculums.
  • Bootcamps and accelerators are upskilling mid-career professionals into AI roles.

The result is a workforce ready not just to test ideas but to own entire AI workflows.

4. Case Studies in Execution

  • Logistics: Mexican logistics firms now use AI to route trucks in real time, reducing delivery costs by 20 percent.
  • Healthcare: Colombian hospitals are rolling out AI triage systems, cutting patient wait times by half.
  • Energy: Brazilian utilities are deploying predictive maintenance AI to prevent outages before they occur.

These aren’t pilots. They are operational systems with measurable ROI.

Conclusion

The AI era in Latin America is maturing fast. Pilots were valuable because they built confidence and proved feasibility. But the future belongs to execution. What sets this new phase apart is not only the scaling of technology but also the intentional alignment between governments, corporations, and startups. The ecosystem is converging around common goals, from efficiency gains in healthcare and logistics to resilience in energy and finance.

This matters for two reasons. First, it signals that Latin America is ready to play a more assertive role in the global AI economy, moving from consumer to producer of scalable AI solutions. Second, it demonstrates that AI is no longer a speculative investment here. It is becoming a foundational tool that businesses, policymakers, and communities rely on daily.

For companies, this is the moment to lean in. Those who wait risk falling behind, while those who embrace this execution wave will not only innovate but help define the region’s AI-driven future. At Tesoro AI, we are proud to be part of this movement, helping organizations scale beyond pilots and realize the transformative power of execution-ready AI talent.

Looking for execution-ready AI talent? Partner with Tesoro AI to scale your workflows today.

Sources

Hi Ventures. (2025). Latin America’s AI shift: From pilots to execution. Hi Ventures Report.

Nubank. (2025). AI for financial inclusion in Latin America. Retrieved from https://nubank.com

BBVA. (2025). Fraud detection and AI applications in LATAM banking. Retrieved from https://bbva.com

ProColombia. (2025). AI adoption across sectors in Colombia. Government of Colombia.

Frank Cohen, Clever Moe

From Plumbing Disaster to Tech Disruptor: The Story Behind CleverMoe

Every homeowner knows the feeling. A pipe bursts, a circuit trips, or a roof leaks, and you’re suddenly thrown into the chaotic world of finding a reliable contractor. You scroll through lead-generation sites, make endless calls, and hope the person you hire is trustworthy. For Frank El-Masry, a seasoned engineering leader with a background at Intel and Cisco, this wasn’t just an inconvenience it was a broken system he was determined to fix.

In a recent episode of the Tesoro AI Podcast, Frank sat down with host Darius Gant to share the personal story of the plumbing disaster that led him to create CleverMoe, an innovative platform built to restore trust and transparency to the home services industry.

The “Aha!” Moment in a Flooded Home

Frank’s journey from a corporate career to a startup founder began with a catastrophe. While on a family vacation, he received a call that a pipe had burst in his home, flooding the first floor. The disaster that followed was a masterclass in the failures of the modern contracting system.

“You’re calling people and you’re at their mercy,” Frank explained. “They tell you, ‘I’ll be there in three hours,’ and they don’t show up. It was a nightmare.”

He found himself dealing with contractors who were unreliable, and a system where he had no control or transparency. After a frustrating and expensive experience, a friend asked him a simple question: “You’re a problem solver. Why don’t you do something about this?”

That question sparked the idea for CleverMoe.

Fixing a Broken System

Frank realized that popular platforms like Angi, Yelp, and Thumbtack weren’t solving the core problem. They are primarily lead-generation tools, where contractors pay for leads, and homeowners are flooded with calls from unvetted strangers.

“The business model is broken,” Frank stated. “It’s a race to the bottom. The person who gets the lead is the fastest finger, not necessarily the best person for the job.”

This system creates a transactional, low-trust environment that fails both the homeowner and the skilled tradesperson. CleverMoe was designed to be the antidote.

The CleverMoe Difference: Quality Over Quantity

CleverMoe flips the script by focusing on trust, quality, and relationships.

 

The Old Way (Lead-Gen Sites) The CleverMoe Way
Contractors pay per lead. Contractors pay a flat subscription fee.
Homeowners are spammed with calls. Homeowners receive a curated list of vetted professionals.
Focus is on speed and volume. Focus is on quality, licensing, and insurance.
Creates a transactional relationship. Fosters a community of trusted “problem-solvers.”

 

“We don’t call them contractors; we call them problem-solvers,” Frank emphasized. By thoroughly vetting every professional on the platform verifying licenses, insurance, and background checks CleverMoe ensures that homeowners are connected with people who are qualified to do the job right.

The Future is AI-Powered

As the name suggests, CleverMoe is built on intelligent technology. The platform already uses AI to match homeowners with the right professionals based on their specific needs. But Frank’s vision goes much further.

He plans to build a “digital twin” of a home, using AI to analyze photos and videos uploaded by the homeowner to provide accurate, upfront quotes. This would eliminate the guesswork and surprise costs that plague the industry.

“You take a picture of your problem… and we’ve trained our models to tell you, ‘Hey, that’s a five-inch crack. It’s going to cost you X,'” he explained.

The Loneliness of the Founder

Frank’s story is not just one of innovation, but also of resilience. He spoke candidly about the “lonely” journey of a founder and the importance of having a strong “why” to push through the challenges. For him, it’s the burning desire to solve a problem that affects millions of people every day.

Frank El-Masry’s journey with CleverMoe is a testament to how personal frustration can fuel groundbreaking innovation. It’s a story about challenging a broken system and rebuilding it with trust, technology, and a deep-seated desire to help people.

To hear Frank’s full story, his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and his vision for the future of home services, listen to the complete conversation on the Tesoro AI Podcast. Follow us for more inspiring stories from the founders and innovators building the future of technology.

 

DeShuna Spencer, Kweli TV

From Trauma to Triumph: How DeShuna Spencer Built Kweli TV, A Global Home for Authentic Black Diaspora Stories

In the world of media, a dark mantra often dictates the headlines: “If it bleeds, it leads.” For a young DeShuna Spencer, working as a daily news journalist, this wasn’t just a phrase—it was a traumatizing reality. Tasked with reporting on crime, she found herself on the front lines of tragedy, a position that ultimately forced her to question the very nature of her profession.

In a recent episode of the Build Tech Stack Equity Podcast, Spencer sat down with host Darius Grant to share the powerful story of how a heartbreaking moment as a reporter became the catalyst for building Kweli TV, a global streaming platform dedicated to authentic Black stories.

The Breaking Point

As a young journalist, Spencer’s days were filled with covering the grim realities of crime. The turning point came during a call to the mother of a murder victim, a call she was pushed to make by her editor.

“I said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m Deshawna. I’m with Oakland Tribune, I’m sorry for your loss,'” Spencer recalled. “And they were like, ‘Sorry for your loss? We just left the hospital that says she was still alive.’ And then the woman starts crying hysterically.”

In that moment, Spencer realized she wasn’t just reporting the news; she was an instrument of trauma. “I realized that I was a part of a problem,” she said. “I wasn’t impacting my community through storytelling.”

Building a Home for the Global Black Community

That experience ignited a new mission: to create a space that celebrated the vast, diverse, and nuanced reality of the Black experience, free from the stereotypes and trauma-porn that dominate mainstream media.

That vision became Kweli TV (Kweli means “truth” in Swahili).

“From day one, it’s all about the Black people from around the world,” Spencer explained. Today, Kweli TV hosts over 800 titles, featuring stories from the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. It’s a platform built on a few core principles:

  • Authenticity: Telling stories that are true to the culture they represent.
  • A Safe Space: Creating a platform where the community won’t be bombarded with traumatic content. There is a strict “no reality TV” policy.
  • Representation for All: A significant focus is on children’s programming, ensuring Black children can see themselves represented authentically on screen.

The Unfiltered Reality of a Non-Technical Founder

DeShuna’s journey was far from easy. As a non-technical founder, she faced a steep learning curve. After winning a $20,000 journalism competition, she hired a developer to build the first version of the platform.

“He was about 90% done,” she recalled, “and I never heard from him again.”

Left with an unfinished product and no technical co-founder, Spencer was inspired by a quote from the co-founder of LinkedIn: “If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you launched too late.” She decided to release the buggy, 90%-done beta to the world.

For nearly three years, she ran the platform through sheer will, manually resetting user passwords via email and learning from a constant stream of customer feedback. “It was horrible,” she admitted, “but it’s the joys of being a startup.”

Taking Control of Her Destiny

Tired of waiting for a technical savior or VC funding that rarely materializes for Black female founders, Spencer decided to take matters into her own hands. She entered a pitch competition at Harvard Business School and won, providing the capital needed to partner with a professional third-party tech vendor.

This shift was crucial. Spencer learned that even giants like Netflix don’t build everything in-house. Her advice to other founders is to find a tech partner who believes in your mission and can grow with you.

“I decided to not rely on other people to dictate my destiny,” she stated. “How do we allow our community to keep ourselves alive versus relying on someone in Silicon Valley?”

DeShuna Spencer’s story is a masterclass in resilience, mission-driven entrepreneurship, and the power of creating the change you want to see in the world.

To hear her full, inspiring journey and learn more about her advice for non-technical founders, listen to the complete conversation on the Build Tech Stack Equity Podcast. Follow us for more stories of the incredible entrepreneurs and investors shaping the future of technology.

 

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A Nation on the Rise: Why Colombia Tech Week 2025 is the Most Important Tech Event in Latin America

The global technology landscape is turning its eyes to Latin America, and for two weeks this August, its focal point will be Colombia. From August 18-30, Colombia Tech Week 2025 will transform Bogotá and Medellín into a vibrant nexus of innovation, capital, and talent. Building on the breakout success of previous years, the 2025 edition is set to shatter records, with over 15,000 attendees, 300+ global investment funds, and an ambitious goal of mobilizing over $50 million for the region’s startups. For tech leaders, innovators, and investors, this is more than a conference, it’s a front-row seat to the future of a digital powerhouse.

The Evolution of a Tech Powerhouse

What began as a grassroots movement has evolved into a juggernaut. The leap from 11,000 attendees in 2024 to an expected 15,000+ this year is a testament to the unstoppable momentum of Colombia’s tech ecosystem. This growth isn’t just in numbers, but in scope. The event now spans two major cities and features a mature program designed to facilitate high-stakes investment, deep knowledge sharing, and invaluable cross-border connections.

The Titans of Tech and Capital: Who to Watch

The heart of any great event is its people, and Colombia Tech Week has attracted the best. This year’s speaker lineup features the architects of Latin America’s tech success. Expect to hear from visionaries like José Vélez, the founder of FinTech unicorn Bold; Simón Borrero, the co-founder and CEO of the continent-spanning super-app Rappi; Alfonso de los Ríos, founder of logistics leader Nowports; and Freddy Vega, the influential founder of the massive online learning platform Platzi.

Beyond the stage, the real power lies in the connections. Over 300 global investment funds will be present, with delegations from as far as the United Arab Emirates, all searching for the next breakout star. Their presence signals a clear message: the world is ready to invest in Colombian and Latin American innovation.

A Deeper Look at the Agenda: More Than Just Meetings

Forget endless panels in stuffy conference rooms. The 13-day agenda is a dynamic mix of over 200 events catering to every interest. The schedule includes:

  • High-Stakes Investment Roundtables: Curated sessions connecting pre-vetted startups with active VCs.
  • Hands-On Workshops: Deep dives into practical skills, from AI implementation to growth hacking.
  • Strategic Networking: A host of experiences, from gastronomic tours to sports activities, designed to foster genuine relationships.

The crown jewel of this year’s agenda is the inaugural Colombia Tech Fest. Taking place on August 21 and 22 in Bogotá, this open-air festival will redefine the tech conference experience. With over 50 global speakers, dedicated AI and Web3 zones, and a vibrant festival atmosphere, it’s designed to spark creativity and collaboration.

Deep Dive: The Emerging Trends and Opportunities

Colombia Tech Week will be a microcosm of the key trends shaping our digital future.

  • Artificial Intelligence: This will be the dominant conversation. With Colombia set to implement a national AI policy for 2025-2030, discussions will move past theory into the practicalities of governance, ethics, and, most importantly, talent. How do we build the teams capable of harnessing AI’s power responsibly?
  • The FinTech Frontier: As a regional leader in financial technology, the event will explore the next wave of innovation. Topics will include the role of blockchain in finance, the expansion of credit access through new data models, and the ongoing battle for digital banking supremacy.
  • Diversifying the Digital Economy: The conference will showcase the maturity of Colombia’s ecosystem beyond FinTech. Expect a strong presence from the SaaS, HealthTech, and EdTech sectors. These industries are not only solving critical regional challenges but are also building global-ready products, proving the depth and versatility of the local talent pool.

Tesoro AI at Colombia Tech Week: Leading the AI Talent Revolution

At Tesoro AI, we believe that world-changing ideas are powered by world-class teams. We are coming to Colombia Tech Week with a clear mission: to lead the conversation on building the elite AI talent required to fuel this wave of innovation. Our team will be on the ground to share our expertise in identifying, vetting, and assembling top-tier AI and machine learning teams. We will be hosting private roundtables for tech leaders and investors focused on scaling AI capabilities and mitigating talent risks.

The Future is Here

Colombia Tech Week 2025 is a declaration. It’s a statement that Latin America is not just a participant in the global tech economy, but a leader. For anyone serious about the future of technology, being there is non-negotiable.

Tesoro AI is ready to build the future with you. Let’s connect in Colombia.

References

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The New Rules of Raising Capital: Why Your AI Strategy and Global Team are Your Biggest Assets

The landscape of fundraising is in constant flux. For entrepreneurs, what worked five years ago may not be enough to secure the capital needed to scale in today’s competitive environment. In a recent Power Hour discussion, private equity expert and Tesoro AI founder Darius Grant broke down the new fundamentals for raising capital, emphasizing that an integrated AI strategy and a global mindset are no longer optional—they are essential.

Here are the key insights from the conversation that every founder needs to know.

The Fundraising Ladder: Know Your Stage and Your Investor

Raising capital isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The first rule is to understand what type of capital is right for your business stage and model. Venture Capital (VC) firms, for example, are looking for businesses that can achieve a billion-dollar valuation to offset the many losses in their portfolio. If you run a service-based business, a VC is likely not the right fit.

“If you’re approaching a venture capitalist with a real estate or a services type of business, they’re not gonna be excited,” Darius explained. “Not because it’s not a good company, but because that’s not how they invest.”

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the stages:

 

Stage Description Ideal For
Family & Friends Capital from your personal network, based on trust. Idea-phase concepts.
Pre-Seed / Seed Early-stage funding, often for developing a prototype and gaining initial traction. Startups with an MVP and early signs of a market.
Series A, B, C… Increasingly mature funding rounds where investors expect to see significant traction, revenue, and a clear path to scale. Growing companies with proven product-market fit.
Growth Equity For established companies, typically in tech, that are growing fast and need capital to expand. Businesses with significant revenue and strong metrics.
Private Equity Focuses on acquiring mature businesses, often with revenues of $10 million or more. Established, profitable companies looking for a buyout or large-scale expansion.

 

For service-based businesses, alternative models like revenue-based financing are a better fit, where investors provide capital structured like debt with a payback schedule tied to your revenue growth.

The AI Imperative: Efficiency is the New Currency

In 2025, investors are looking critically at how companies are leveraging Artificial Intelligence. This isn’t just about having an “AI product”; it’s about operational efficiency.

Darius put it bluntly: “If you’re the only one that’s not using AI to run a more efficient business, then theoretically the other businesses have higher margins. And so if I’m the investor, I would prefer to invest in the business that has higher margins.”

AI can dramatically change a company’s financial health by:

  • Improving Margins: Automating workflows reduces operational costs.
  • Enhancing Product Value: Integrating AI can make a product more valuable and “sticky,” reducing price sensitivity.

The message is clear: businesses that use AI to operate more efficiently are fundamentally more attractive investments.

Beyond the Money: Smart Capital and Global Talent

One of the biggest mistakes founders make is thinking they just need money. More often, they need expertise and a sustainable operational model. This is where “smart money” and a global talent strategy come into play.

1. Attract “Smart Money” Smart money comes from investors who understand your industry and can provide more than just capital. They can open doors to new customers, offer technical guidance, and provide strategic advice because they are aligned with your mission. Don’t “spray and pray”; research and target investors who have a history of investing in your space.

2. Leverage a Global Talent Pool Talent is often the biggest expense for a growing business. Darius argues that one of the most effective ways to manage your burn rate—and postpone or even prevent the need to raise capital—is to adopt a nearshore or global talent model.

“How can you think about talent in a way that will actually postpone the necessity to raise capital?” Darius asked. “That’s where I believe that the nearshore model becomes important.”

By hiring high-quality, lower-cost talent from regions like Latin America, companies can achieve the same objectives at a fraction of the cost. This allows you to extend your runway, build your product, and reach profitability faster, making you a far more attractive prospect to any investor. Your best first investor, Darius notes, is often your own W-2 job, and your second-best investor is an efficient, globally-distributed team.

Time Stamps

  • [00:00:00] – Welcome to the Power Hour & Introduction
  • [00:02:20] – Guest Introduction: Who is Darius Gant?
  • [00:07:30] – The Process of Raising Capital Explained
  • [00:10:45] – Understanding the Stages of Fundraising (Family & Friends, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, etc.)
  • [00:16:45] – Advice for Service-Based Businesses Looking for Capital
  • [00:20:30] – What VCs Look for: Credibility and The Team
  • [00:28:30] – Attracting “Smart Money”: Finding the Right Investor
  • [00:32:15] – The Critical Role of AI in Securing Investment
  • [00:35:00] – The Challenges and Drawbacks of Raising Capital
  • [00:36:50] – A Key Strategy: Leveraging Global Talent to Reduce Burn Rate
  • [00:39:40] – Using Brokers and Getting a Business Valuation
  • [00:42:20] – Practical Fundraising Advice for Service Providers
  • [00:49:15] – Do You Need Patents Before Seeking Investment?
  • [00:49:45] – Final Advice: Why You Need to Learn AI Now
  • [00:51:00] – Final Words and Wrap-up

 

 

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Latam-GPT Beta Testing Begins: A New Era for AI in Latin America

A new era for artificial intelligence in Latin America is dawning with the beta testing of Latam-GPT, a large language model specifically designed for the region. This ambitious open-source project, led by the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) in Chile, involves a collaboration of over 30 institutions and 60 experts from 12 Latin American countries. The initiative aims to create an AI model that truly reflects the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of Latin America, a significant step towards technological sovereignty and digital inclusion for the region.

The development of Latam-GPT, which began in early 2023, is a direct response to the limitations of existing large language models. While models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT have impressive capabilities, they are predominantly trained on English-language data and often fail to capture the nuances of Latin American culture, history, and language. This can lead to inaccurate or culturally insensitive responses, highlighting the need for a model trained on local data.

Latam-GPT is being built using Meta’s LLaMA 3 architecture and trained on a vast dataset of regionally sourced text, including information from local schools, libraries, and historical documents. The first version of the model will include around 70 billion tokens in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, with a strong focus on local idioms, expressions, and even Indigenous languages. This will allow Latam-GPT to provide more accurate and culturally relevant responses than its global counterparts.

The project is a testament to the power of pan-regional collaboration. It brings together experts from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay, with support from institutions in the United States and Spain. The infrastructure is hosted in Chile, with data contributed by various countries, and the project has received support from the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The beta testing phase is a crucial step in the development of Latam-GPT. It will allow developers to identify and correct errors, measure the value of the collected information, and refine the model’s performance. The full release is expected in September 2025, with an open-access deployment that will allow developers and researchers to tailor applications to regional requirements.

The potential applications of Latam-GPT are vast. It could be used to improve public policy analysis, environmental research, and economic studies. It could also be a valuable tool for education, helping to preserve Indigenous languages and enhance educational tools. By providing a more accurate and culturally relevant AI model, Latam-GPT has the potential to be a transformative force, empowering Latin American nations to leverage AI for their unique needs and secure their place in the global technological future.

The Importance of Cultural Context in AI

The development of Latam-GPT underscores a critical issue in the field of artificial intelligence: the importance of cultural context. AI models are only as good as the data they are trained on, and when that data is not representative of the diversity of human experience, the resulting models can perpetuate biases and stereotypes.

This has been a significant problem with many of the large language models currently in use. Trained primarily on data from the “global North,” these models often have a limited understanding of other cultures and can produce responses that are inaccurate, incomplete, or even offensive. For example, when asked about Latin American literature, ChatGPT’s response was heavily skewed towards the work of a single Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, and even included non-existent books.

Latam-GPT aims to address this problem by creating a model that is “of the region, by the region, and for the region.” By training the model on data that reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity of Latin America, the developers hope to create an AI that is more accurate, more relevant, and more useful for the people of the region.

This is not just a technical challenge; it is also a political and social one. The development of Latam-GPT is a declaration of technological sovereignty, a refusal to be dependent on AI models developed elsewhere. It is an assertion of the value of Latin American culture and a commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive digital future.

The success of Latam-GPT could have a significant impact on the AI industry. It could pave the way for the development of other regional AI models, each tailored to the specific needs and cultures of its users. This would not only lead to better AI but also to a more diverse and vibrant AI ecosystem.

What this means for Tesoro AI

The development of Latam-GPT presents a significant opportunity for Tesoro AI. As a talent acquisition firm specializing in AI in the Americas, we are uniquely positioned to support this and other similar initiatives. By connecting our clients with the talented individuals who are building the future of AI in Latin America, we can help to accelerate the development of this exciting new field.

We can also play a role in promoting the use of culturally relevant AI. By educating our clients about the importance of using AI that is tailored to their specific needs and by connecting them with the tools and resources they need to do so, we can help to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all.

The launch of Latam-GPT is a landmark moment for AI in Latin America. It is a testament to the talent, creativity, and determination of the people of the region, and it is a sign of great things to come. We at Tesoro AI look forward to seeing the amazing things that will be accomplished with this groundbreaking new technology.

References

Quantum

From Potential to Powerhouse: The Transformative Journeys of Yanilson and Valeria at Quantum Academy

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and the skills required to succeed are evolving just as quickly. At the forefront of this transformation is the intersection of talent and technology, a space where Quantum Academy is not just participating but actively changing the game.

Through our intensive, hands-on program, we’re empowering the next generation of AI-driven professionals. The stories of Yanilson and Valeria, two of our fellows, are a testament to the transformative power of this vision.

The Alchemist of Automation: Yanilson’s Journey

Yanilson arrived at Quantum Academy with a quiet determination and a nascent portfolio of self-taught automation projects. His passion for RPA and his hunger to grow were evident, but it was within the high-intensity, high-support environment of the academy that his potential truly ignited.

The program’s curriculum, a blend of 50% learning and 50% application, provided the perfect incubator for Yanilson’s skills. He dove headfirst into a personalized learning path, mastering not just the “how” but the “why” behind cutting-edge AI tools. His focus on strategic automation and data-driven marketing saw him conducting in-depth comparative analyses of automation platforms and building a sophisticated Marketing Analytics Reviewer from the ground up.

A key part of his development was a significant improvement in his professional English. This growth enabled him to not only build and document complex APIs but also to create a custom GPT to clearly explain his work to a global audience. Yanilson’s evolution from a solo builder to a collaborative powerhouse highlights our core philosophy: we don’t just teach skills; we cultivate a mindset of building, teaching, and leading in a global marketplace.

The Architect of Impact: Valeria’s Transformation

Valeria’s path to Quantum Academy was different, but no less impressive. With a background in environmental research, she brought a unique analytical perspective and a desire to bridge the gap between science and technology. Her motivation letter spoke of a passion for using technology to drive meaningful solutions, a passion we were eager to fuel.

At the academy, Valeria’s quest was to master the art of multimedia and workflow efficiency. She plunged into the world of podcast production, video editing, and content automation, learning to wield tools like Descript and TypeScript with precision and creativity. Her work was not confined to theoretical exercises. She was tasked with creating real-world assets, from producing high-quality video reels to developing a compelling new introduction for the Quantum Academy itself.

Like all our fellows, Valeria’s journey included a strong focus on enhancing her English communication skills. This was crucial for our “show-your-work” culture, where regular presentations and project showcases helped her excel not just as a technician, but as a confident consultant and communicator. Her story is a powerful example of how we empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to become leaders in the AI-driven workforce.

More Than a Program, A Launchpad

The experiences of Yanilson and Valeria are not isolated success stories; they are the embodiment of our mission. Quantum Academy is more than a training program; it’s a launchpad for ambition and a catalyst for change. We are committed to democratizing access to the skills of the future, with a particular focus on nurturing talent in Latin America.

We are building a community of innovators, a network of professionals who are not just keeping pace with the AI revolution but are actively shaping it. By providing our fellows with the tools, mentorship, and real-world experience they need to thrive, we are not just filling a skills gap; we are unlocking human potential on a global scale.

Are you ready to be a part of the change?

 

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“The Future of Work is Here”: Darius Gant on the Quantum Academy

The age of AI is not a distant future, it’s right now. And according to Darius Gant, CEO of Tesoro AI, the Quantum Academy is designed to equip a new generation of professionals with the skills to lead in this new era.

In a recent interview, Darius shared the vision behind the Quantum Academy, a program born from the realization that artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the nature of work. “The traditional way of working has become inefficient,” he explained. “AI-powered employees are capable of becoming 10 times more productive than the existing workforce.”

The Quantum Academy is a direct response to this shift. It’s a three-month immersive program focused on practical, hands-on training in cutting-edge AI tools. The curriculum is designed to take participants “from scratch to AI competency,” with a focus on real-world applications in areas like marketing, productivity, and automation.

But the Quantum Academy is more than just a training program. It’s a mission-driven initiative with a strong focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in Latin America. “Part of our underlying mission is to ensure that underrepresented people have this opportunity to participate in this fourth industrial revolution,” Darius stated.

Ready to see the full picture?

Hear more from Darius Gant in the full interview and learn how the Quantum Academy is shaping the future of work.

 

 

 

Quantum

Unleashing Human Potential: The Quantum Academy and the Future of Work

The world of work is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the transformative power of artificial intelligence. In this new landscape, the skills of today will not be the skills of tomorrow. To not only navigate but to lead in this new era, a new kind of professional is required: the AI-empowered employee. This is the core mission of the Quantum Academy, a revolutionary program designed to unlock human potential and prepare a new generation of talent for the future of work.

More Than a Program: A Launchpad for Ambition

Quantum Academy is not just another training program; it’s a launchpad for ambition, growth, and future impact. This three-month, full-time immersive experience is designed to identify and cultivate world-class talent, with a particular focus on underrepresented communities in Latin America. We believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Quantum Academy exists to bridge that gap.

Our vision is to equip individuals with the skills and mindset to thrive in the high-impact sectors of AI automation and data center infrastructure. We are not just teaching for the sake of knowledge; we are building the workforce of the future, a workforce capable of being ten times more productive than the current standard.

From Potential to Mastery: The Quantum Academy Experience

The Quantum Academy is built on a foundation of practical, hands-on learning. We believe in learning by doing. Our curriculum is designed to take individuals from scratch to AI competency, focusing on the real-world application of cutting-edge tools and technologies.

Participants in the program will gain mastery of essential AI tools, including:

  • Programming and Automation: TypeScript and N8N form the backbone of our technical training, empowering participants to build robust automation workflows.
  • Large Language Models: A deep understanding of models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude is crucial for navigating the modern AI landscape.
  • Creative and Communication Tools: We also incorporate tools like Descript to ensure our graduates are not just technically proficient but also effective communicators.

The program is more than just a series of lectures. It is a high-intensity, high-support environment where participants work on real projects that matter. From AI-powered productivity and marketing outreach to podcast promotion and internal operations, our fellows gain invaluable experience that prepares them for the challenges of the modern workplace.

The Future is Now

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us, and with it comes a massive migration of wealth and opportunity. The Quantum Academy is our commitment to ensuring that everyone, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, has the opportunity to participate and thrive in this new era. For high-performing graduates, the program offers a direct pathway to full-time roles at Tesoro AI and a future at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Are you ready to build the future?

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