I build bridges between large companies and the startup ecosystem.

Corporate innovation, corporate venturing and the energy transition in Chile and Latin America.

Let's talk
See my background
Large company Startup ecosystem OperationsScaleRegulationCustomers StartupsVC fundsUniversitiesAccelerators listen, translate, sustain
OperationsScaleCustomers StartupsVC fundsUniversities

1

Listen

Before proposing anything, I get to understand what's hurting operations and what the ecosystem is already solving.

2

Translate

A startup and a large company move at different speeds. I help them understand each other on timelines, risk and language.

3

Sustain

A pilot isn't a relationship. I stay with the collaboration when it gets hard, which is exactly when it starts to be worth it.

Organizations I've worked with

  • Enel
  • ICARE
  • CIP
  • Brinca
  • ACVC
  • Civlac
  • Start-Up Chile
  • Universidad del Desarrollo
  • Universidad San Sebastián

What people say about working with me

“Hernán is a remarkable intrapreneur who, from inside a large company, has spent years building win-win relationships between startups and corporations, helping shift cultures so they open up to new opportunities and ways of working.” (Translated from Spanish)

Rocío Fonseca

Rocío Fonseca
Former Head of Innovation at Corfo, Director of Emprende Tu Mente

“Hernán and I have been working for quite some time to strengthen the innovation ecosystem around the energy transition in Latin America, building a meaningful map of opportunities and ventures that can create impact.” (Translated from Spanish)

Eduardo Amadeo

Eduardo Amadeo
Venture Partner at Overboost VC

“Hernán has been able to lead and mobilize innovation initiatives with great drive, bringing together the diverse needs and perspectives of his industry while taking an active part in the startup ecosystem.” (Translated from Spanish)

Javier Cueto

Javier Cueto
Managing Partner & GP at Imagine Ventures

Hernán Acuña Gamboa

Hi, I'm Hernán.

I work from inside a large energy company so that startups stop being an isolated experiment and become a real part of how the organization innovates. I've evaluated more than a thousand startups in Chile and closed more than ten collaborations with operations. What I'm after is always the same: more sustainable businesses and a better experience for the people who use what gets built.

Background

Enel Innovation HubFrom Chile to Latin America: connecting operations with startups and funds.

Diploma in Venture CapitalUniversidad Adolfo Ibáñez and ACVC.

ICARE Innovation CircleProductivity Working Group.

Tutor, dLab DiplomaUniversidad del Desarrollo.

How I can help

Always focused on the energy transition and on results that last.

Let's talk

Open innovation and corporate venturing

I design programs that connect startups with a large company's operations, so innovation stops being an isolated pilot.

Connecting with the ecosystem

I help you find the right startups, venture capital funds and partners to solve concrete business challenges.

Talks and panels

Conversations on corporate innovation, the startup ecosystem and the energy transition, for events and teams.

Reflections and more

See all reflections

Background

Talks, panels and press

Keynotes, panels and interviews in Chile and Latin America on open innovation, corporate venturing and the startup ecosystem.

See all

Let's talk.

If you're thinking about how to bring your company closer to the startup ecosystem, drop me a line.

LinkedInXSantiago, Chile


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