Meet Andres Cano | Startup Accelerator Founder & GP

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andres Cano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andres, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process in starting my own businesses, particularly Pygma, stemmed from a desire to create meaningful support networks for Latin founders and foster growth in underserved markets. I recognized early on the unique challenges that Latin American founders face, from limited access to capital and mentorship to the hurdles of entering global markets. This motivated me to establish Pygma as an accelerator and community platform where founders could not only access resources but also build connections with investors and experts who understand their context.

I wanted to go beyond the typical accelerator model by creating events and spaces—both in Latin America and New York—where founders, investors, and ecosystem builders could network and collaborate. By developing Pygma and Colectivo, my goal was to bridge gaps between LatAm and U.S. markets and provide founders with a pathway to scale their impact. Alongside this, my work in investing and furthering my education in venture capital has been part of a broader vision: to empower Latinx founders to transform industries and drive innovation on a global stage.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Pygma, is a startup accelerator focused on supporting Latin founders in both Latin America and the U.S. We’re not just about funding; we’re about building a community and platform that provides deep support, mentorship, and access to networks that Latin founders often struggle to tap into. What sets us apart is that we’ve built Pygma as a bridge—a way to connect founders from Latin America with the opportunities, mentorship, and capital they need to scale globally. Our portfolio now includes 74 startups, and we’re proud of a community that’s both resilient and innovative.

Getting here wasn’t easy. In the early days, there were countless hurdles—access to capital, limited connections, and even the challenge of building trust in an ecosystem where resources for startups can be scarce. We overcame these by focusing on relationships, building partnerships with organizations like AWS, SVB, and Zendesk, and staying consistent in our mission to uplift founders. One of the biggest challenges was navigating the cultural and structural differences between Latin American and U.S. startup ecosystems, but by keeping our mission clear and adapting our approach as needed, we started gaining momentum.

The journey taught me invaluable lessons: that consistency builds trust, that community is our biggest asset, and that resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential to thrive in this space. I’ve also learned the importance of humility and continuous learning; my executive program in Venture Capital and Private Equity at Columbia University, for instance, has been a key part of my ongoing growth.

What I want the world to know about Pygma is that we’re here to make a difference. We’re not just another accelerator; we’re a force for bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and empowering the next generation of Latin innovators to transform industries. We’re helping founders write their stories, and in doing so, we’re writing our own—a story of community, ambition, and positive impact.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: South Beach & Ocean Drive, dinner at Pastis Miami.
Day 2: Wynwood Walls, art galleries, rooftop drinks at Astra.
Day 3: Little Havana, live music at Ball & Chain, dinner at Café La Trova.
Day 4: Design District shopping, ICA museum, dine at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.
Day 5: Coconut Grove gardens, beach in Key Biscayne, dinner at Glass & Vine.
Day 6: Brickell for Perez Art Museum & shopping, dinner at Komodo.
Day 7: Everglades airboat tour, relax at South Pointe Park, farewell dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, my co-founder Daniel Ospina. From day one, he’s been more than just a business partner. We connected over a shared vision of empowering Latin founders, and he’s been instrumental in pushing Pygma forward, bringing not only his expertise but also a sense of grounded purpose to our work. We’ve built this platform together, and I couldn’t have done it without him.

I’d also like to recognize the Latin startup community—everyone from founders to the investors, mentors, and ecosystem builders who make up the backbone of what we’re doing. This community is what inspired me to start, and it’s what keeps me motivated every day. The drive and resilience I see in Latin founders, often working through difficult circumstances, has been deeply inspiring and energizing. The Colectivo community in NYC has been a special space to connect with like-minded people and fuel a sense of unity and collaboration.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my mother and wife for their unwavering support, especially during those intense early days. The values they instilled in me and their encouragement have been my foundation. I also want to acknowledge the books and mentors who have greatly influenced my mindset and strategic thinking. Notably, “Zero to One,” “The Minimalist Entrepreneur,” “Fundraising,” and “Venture Deals” have all played a significant role in shaping my approach. These readings challenged me to look beyond incremental improvements and strive to create something truly transformative.

So much of my success is thanks to these people and communities. I’m grateful every day for the roles they play in my story and Pygma’s journey.

Website: https://www.pygma.co

Instagram: acanof

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acanof/