Medellín: A Startup Hub with a Heart
The usual suspects always seemed to come up when I'd mention my trip to Colombia: danger, cocaine, coffee, salsa, plastic surgery, and beautiful women. It was like a broken record, playing the same tune over and over. I started to dread conversations about my travel plans, feeling like I was trapped in a loop of tired stereotypes. It was as if people had a one-track mind, refusing to see beyond surface-level clichés. My issue is around pervasive stereotypes and the impacts to both a country and its people. So, I stopped discussing my travel plans with people.
Four days after deciding on a whim to visit Colombia, I found myself touching down in Medellín. Based on my research, the city seemed like a perfect fit for my entrepreneurial spirit, and I was buzzing with anticipation. Stepping off the plane, I was eager to dive headfirst into this new adventure.
As a seasoned traveller, I always prioritise getting a local SIM card ASAP, but I'd made the rookie mistake of not doing my homework. Turns out, you can easily pick up a SIM card at the airport shops. These are not the traditional sim carts or phone shops; quite literally any shop! Luckily, the airport WiFi saved the day.
A quick Uber ride and I was settling into my new summer home. Thankfully, I'd double-checked the address because navigating a foreign city, especially after a long flight, can be a challenge.
I was instantly struck by the warmth and kindness of the people in Colombia. It was a welcome departure from the energy of people in Europe. I chose to stay in an area called Sabaneta. Not well known for tourists but came highly recommended by the Airbnb host. When I choose a place to stay in a new country, I look for two things: a good view and an aesthetically pleasing apartment within my budget. This is exactly what my new little piece of heaven offered.
Sabaneta is about 15km from the popular Laurales & La Pobaldo areas. I would go as far as to call it a hidden treasure of Medellin. There is a small, quaint, typical Colombian barrio (town) tucked away just south of Medellin. It is beautiful, fitness-focused, hugely family-oriented, walkable (with some crazy hills) and not as touristy part of Medellin. Honestly, I was probably the only tourist there. Almost no one speaks English, except for a few kids who are learning in school.
I started boxing at a super local club, located at Zona Sur Indesa Sabaneta, a sporting centre for the community. Fun fact, I have become a polyglot in boxing. Joining this club was a great way to connect with people in the community. I was boxing five days a week and was able to meet many different people. It was a wonderful experience.
My next favourite part about Medellin, after the amazing weather, people and energy of this city is the startup ecosystem. I found it really easy to connect with people here. As there are so many events and interesting things happening. My first connection to the ecosystem was the Parceros Community. I signed up for a coworking Friday session and met several people at my first session. Isabella Wuman, the brilliant mind behind this thriving community, curates a series of exceptional events. This network served as a fantastic launching pad for delving deeper into Medellin's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The next step was to explore the different coworking spaces, and there are so many to choose from that it’s almost overwhelming. Some of the best coworking spaces are those that have strong communities attached. My personal favourites were:
Mantra Coworking Sabaneta - a very local coworking space. Nice if you wish to connect with local remote workers.
Vibrante Cafe Sebaneta - although it is a cafe it is really well positioned for coworking and has a frequent community.
Anamaste Boutique Cafe - amazing for female entrepreneurs, has so many great events every week. I loved this space so much that I wrote an entire blog on the owners.
Mosaico Experience | Rooftop Bar Café, Coworking & Showroom -another great location holding many events, has a whatsapp group and is just a vibe.
If you want something a little more formal and designed just for working:
Wework has many locations across Medellin.
Selina is particularly busy with foreigners or digital nomads.
Bloom Coworiking Space a really nice space full of nature, yoga and great food.
Outside of Medellin, cities such as Bogota and Barranquilla offer great infrastructure and lifestyle. Both are great options if you are looking for longer-term stays and to change up your scenery from Medellin. I did try to work from Cartagena and Santa Marta, but, well, it was just too much of a vibe to spend more than a few hours on my laptop before sunrise. So if you are looking for pure enjoyment these are the kinds of places you want to visit.
In Latin America, Colombia is a dynamic startup hub thanks to its strategic location and talented workforce. The young, tech-savvy population, with a median age of 30, is skilled in technology and innovation. I wanted to fully understand what was happening. What kind of businesses are people building locally, not just the nomads who pop in and out of this beautiful city. Before jumping in I wanted to showcase some cool and sustainable things that Colombia is doing.
Hydropowered Energy in Colombia
Colombia is a country blessed with abundant natural resources. Seventy percent of Colombia's power generation comes from hydroelectric power. These plants play a significant role in meeting the country's energy demands and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. Colombia exports its hydropower to neighbouring countries such as, Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela and Brazil. Renewable Energy in Colombia is a rapidly emerging industry and Colombia is a pioneer in the clean energy transition, showcasing a remarkable commitment to climate action despite its status as a fossil fuel-producing nation.
Love Bottles: A Recycling Initiative
Love Bottles is a creative and sustainable initiative that aims to reduce plastic waste in Colombia. The project encourages people to collect plastic bottles and fill them with other recyclable materials, such as paper or cardboard. These filled bottles are then used as a base for constructing eco-friendly bricks. By repurposing plastic waste, Love Bottles helps to protect the environment and promote a more sustainable future.
Green Pathways: Promoting Urban Greenery
Green Pathways is an initiative focused on creating green spaces and promoting sustainable urban development in Colombia. The project involves planting trees, creating parks, and implementing green infrastructure solutions in cities and towns across the country. Green Pathways aims to improve air quality, reduce pollution, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Pick-a-Plack: A Traffic Restriction Measure
Pick-a-Plack is a traffic management system implemented in Medellín, Colombia. Under this system, vehicles are classified into different categories based on their license plate number. On certain days of the week, vehicles in specific categories are restricted from driving within the city limits. This measure helps to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote sustainable transportation.
Okay, so now we have learnt a little about the cool things that Colombia is doing. What else are they doing? What about startups? Well, they have a lot going on. The categories which are growing aggressively in Colombia are as follows:
Technology: This includes software development, e-commerce, fintech, and mobile applications.
Biotechnology and healthcare: Colombia has a growing number of startups in this sector, focusing on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services.
Agrotech: Given Colombia's agricultural importance, agrotech startups are gaining traction, developing innovative solutions for farmers and the food industry.
Energy: With a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency, Colombia is seeing a rise in energy-related startups.
Logistics and transportation: Colombia's strategic location has led to a growing number of startups in the logistics and transportation sector.
Fashion and Cosmetics: Colombia are a well-dressed country. This vibrant and growing industry is known for its unique blend of traditional styles, modern designs, and high-quality craftsmanship.
One of my favourite events that I attended was Colombia Moda aka Fashion Week held in Medellin this year. Colombiamoda, Colombia's premier fashion trade show, is more than just a runway event. It's a vibrant platform that celebrates the country's rich fashion heritage and showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of its designers.
Held annually in Medellín, Colombiamoda brings together designers, buyers, and industry professionals from around the world. The event features runway shows, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a valuable platform for Colombian designers to showcase their latest collections and connect with international markets. Which I may or may not have been posing as an international buyer to get into some amazing runway shows.
One of the most striking aspects of Colombiamoda was the diversity of the designs on display. From traditional Colombian styles to contemporary fashion trends, the event offers a glimpse into the country's vibrant fashion scene. The designers participating in Colombiamoda are often entrepreneurs who have faced numerous challenges but have persevered in their passion for fashion. Their creativity, resilience, and dedication to their craft are inspiring and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Colombia.
Beyond the runway shows, Colombiamoda is also a hub for networking and business opportunities. That week in Colombia was filled with so many events which were amazing opportunities to connect designers, buyers, suppliers, and industry experts. This aspect of the event highlights the entrepreneurial side of the fashion industry, demonstrating how designers can use their creativity to build successful businesses while having a lot of fun.
Colombia has been an incredible journey, offering a refreshing alternative to the Silicon Valley mentality. My experience in Medellín was transformative, showcasing the city's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to sustainability, and unique blend of tradition and modernity. Colombia's diversity and the warmth of its people make it a must-visit destination. Don't let language barriers deter you. With an open mind, you'll discover valuable lessons, even if they're communicated in Spanglish.