Contxto – SoftBank is on a roll. Earlier this week, the conglomerate announced its new partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank to further support Latin American startups. Now, it has revealed Ralf Wenzel as the CEO of its Latin American Tech Hub incubator.
This is the Japanese megabank’s latest move to foster deep-rooted connections with the regional startup ecosystem. In the opinion of the CEO of SoftBank Group International, Marcelo Claure, Ralf epitomizes entrepreneurship.
“Ralf has a proven track record of creating companies from scratch,” said Claure in a recent press release. “Taking them to new countries, and developing products used by millions of people around the world.”
Keeping this in mind, the forthcoming tech center will collaborate with SoftBank-backed companies to expand its Latin American reach. In fact, it aims to create over 50 new joint ventures and strategic partnerships over the next five years.
The epitome of entrepreneurship
Previously, Ralf created companies such as Foodpanda, a company that delivered food in about 40 countries. Eventually, it merged with Delivery Hero.
Other startups he founded include Skrill, the first European e-wallet company now part of Paysafe Group. He also founded Tocororo Ventures, a VC firm for early-stage ventures.
With his latest accomplishment, the professional is looking forward to beginning his new role as CEO of SoftBank Tech Hub.
I am excited to join the SoftBank ecosystem and work with its global portfolio to brings innovative business models to Latin America. The region has untapped potential with several sectors on the verge of disruption.
Ralf Wenzel
Geographically, Wenzel’s focus has always been on emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, in addition to Latin America.
SoftBank Tech Hub
Though still in the developmental stages, the upcoming SoftBank Tech Hub incubator aims to expedite startup growth throughout Latin America.
As a tech center for early-stage companies, not only will it work next to startups from SoftBank’s Latin American Innovation Fund, but it will also boost companies from its Vision Fund, too.
“We are delighted to help our companies from the Vision Fund portfolio to enter Latin America,” said Rajeev Misra, CEO of SoftBank Investment Advisers. “The technology center will give our companies access to great opportunities in this fast-growing region.”
-JA
