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Start for freeFrom Humble Beginnings to Tech Stardom
The story of Victor Lazarte and Enrique Dubugras epitomizes the classic tale of entrepreneurial spirit meeting opportunity. Victor, a general partner at Benchmark, began his journey with Wildlife Studios, transforming it from a bootstrap startup to Latin America's largest gaming company with around four billion downloads. His early investments in Brex, where Enrique serves as co-founder and COO, also highlight his keen eye for potential.
The Evolution of Brex
Founded in 2017 by Enrique Dubugras and Pedro Peski, Brex has revolutionized the corporate finance sector. Integrating AI-powered systems for corporate cards, expense management, payments, and travel solutions under one platform, Brex now serves tens of thousands of customers including high-profile names like DoorDash and Coinbase.
The Mentorship Bond
Victor's mentorship role in Enrique's life extends beyond professional guidance; it includes personal milestones such as celebrating Enrique's 18th birthday at a nightclub. This anecdote not only illustrates their close relationship but also underscores the importance of mentorship in shaping leaders.
The Birth of Wildlife Studios
Victor recounted the inception of Wildlife Studios back in 2011 when app stores were just beginning to flourish. Despite facing numerous rejections from investors, he and his brother bootstrapped their way to success by moving back to their parents' place and handling everything from coding to graphic design themselves.
Breakthrough with 'Racing Penguin'
Their second game, 'Racing Penguin,' was launched for free—a revolutionary concept at that time—which drastically changed their fortunes. At one point, 50% of iPhones in Brazil had this game installed. This pivotal moment was crucial for Wildlife Studios' trajectory towards becoming a major player in the global gaming industry.
Insights on Venture Capital Investment
Transitioning from an entrepreneur to a venture capitalist at Benchmark allowed Victor to engage with different facets of technology startups. He emphasized the importance of aligning with knowledgeable partners who can provide more than just capital—valuable advice that can steer a company towards success.
The Importance of Trust and Community in Silicon Valley
The ecosystem's trust-based nature facilitates interactions among entrepreneurs and investors which is vital for nurturing startups. Victor highlighted how this culture significantly differs from his initial experiences where isolation seemed safer but was ultimately less beneficial.
Future Prospects for Brazilian Entrepreneurs
The potential for Brazilian entrepreneurs remains high especially with advancements like AI shaping new opportunities. Victor remains optimistic about Brazil’s talent pool contributing significantly both locally and globally.
The narrative shared by these tech luminaries not only sheds light on their personal journeys but also provides invaluable lessons on resilience, innovation, mentorship, and strategic investment—elements crucial for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the tech world.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VkHDFIyIEA
