(Press Release) NXTP Labs and Ellas2 join the MIF in the first conference promoting female entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean in Miami on December 11-12, 2013

The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, today announced the launch of WeXchange, Latin America’s first conference showcasing women entrepreneurs, to be held in Miami on December 11-12, 2013. The conference, which is being organized in collaboration with NXTP Labs and Ellas2, is designed to connect female entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean with investors, mentors “We know that women comprise half the world’s population but as of today, the incredible power that women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean have through their innovative ideas and market solutions, have yet to be unleashed. WeXchange is a first step in the right direction,” said Susana Garcia-Robles, Principal in charge of the MIF Early Stage Equity Group.

“We know that women comprise half the world’s population but as of today, the incredible power that women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean have through their innovative ideas and market solutions, have yet to be unleashed. WeXchange is a first step in the right direction,” said Susana Garcia-Robles, Principal in charge of the MIF Early Stage Equity Group.

The conference will feature several renowned speakers, including Susana Garcia-Robles, MIF Principal Investment Officer; Marta Cruz, Co-Founder and Director at NXTP Labs and Nextperience; Bedy Yang, Venture Partner at 500 Startups; Bryan Pearce, Venture Capital Advisory Group of Ernst and Young and Americas Director of Entrepreneur of the Year; Helen Aguirre, Award-Winning Journalist and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Miami Dade College; Patricia Araque, Co-Founder and CEO of Ellas2; and Joan Lyman, Partner at LMG Corp and Co-founder of Secure Works.

“We are excited to kick off this ambitious and increasingly-relevant exchange featuring the best Latin American women entrepreneurs, as it strengthens a sector that is severely underrepresented in the region,” said Patricia Araque, Co-Founder and General Director of Ellas2.

The conference will also host a pitch competition where six top female startup entrepreneurs will present their businesses to a jury of entrepreneurs, investors and experts. The presentations will take place in a constructive and collaborative format designed to support, guide and inspire. The presenting companies were selected through Ellas Conectan “Especial Financiación,” an intense competition held during September and October between 44 participants from the region, who were in turn chosen from an original group of almost 100 applicants.

“We need to promote high impact female entrepreneurship in the region. Strengthening networking, providing tools to access financing and investing in women leaders in the region should be the commitment,” said Marta Cruz, Co-founder and Director of NXTP Labs.

Sponsors of the first WeXchange Conference include Miami Dade College, BBVA, Buenos Aires Ciudad and The LAB Miami. Vital Voices Argentina and Everlytic have also made important contributions to the event. The two-day conference will be held at The LAB Miami and Miami Dade College. To view the agenda and for registration information, please visit: www.wexchange.co.