Latest News / Brazilian LiveWIRE companies shine at leading international tech gathering

TechCrunch Disrupt 2014, San Francisco

Two technology start ups supported by Shell Iniciativa Jovem have recently represented Brazil at one of the world’s leading technology events in San Francisco.

The two companies, AKDminha and N2N Virtual, were selected by the national micro and small business support service Sebrae to participate in the ‘Brazilian Pavilion’ at TechCrunch Disrupt 2014. As one of the world’s leading networking events for the disruptive technology sector, TechCrunch is the ideal place for technology start ups to attract investment, develop new markets, collaborate with other high growth businesses, secure media exposure, and develop influential contacts.

One of the businesses, AKDminha has revolutionised the fitness industry by ensuring people don’t have to leave the house to exercise. AKDminha provides its customers with their own fitness equipment within a portable gym stepper and uses online software to connect clients with a personal fitness coach. The coach can set the fitness regime, with access to more than three thousand fitness exercises, and monitor and encourage the client’s performance and well being. In its first four months, the business has attracted over 120 users, has established 11 franchises, and achieved a turnover of US $40,500.

Commenting on the opportunity to showcase his business at TechCrunch, Marcos Bortolato of AKDminha said, “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to see entrepreneurship in a global perspective and enabled us to talk to potential investors from around the world. It was a unique experience to learn from other technology entrepreneurs and to gain feedback and inspiration for our business. For AKDminha, the greatest legacy is that we now know we can be a global business, whilst maintaining our Brazilian roots.”

Erica Castilho of N2N Virtual is also delighted by the outcome of her attendance at TechCrunch saying, “It enabled us to both launch and validate our idea around the world. In particular, we secured valuable information on the US market and developed important relationships with the potential clients and partners we need in order to gain a foothold in the US.”

N2N Virtual provides SMEs with an online marketplace platform to build their own e-commerce presence at low cost and with all the technological support they require.

Commenting on the participation of two Shell Iniciativa Jovem supported businesses at the prestigious TechCrunch event, Leo Filardi of the programme said, “Both N2N Virtual and AKDminha are shining examples of the high quality, sustainable, game-changing businesses that benefit from Shell Iniciativa Jovem each year.

“Their selection to represent innovative Brazilian start ups at TechCrunch is a great endorsement of the programme, and has enabled them to secure the backing and contacts to develop exciting new market opportunities.”