Andres Barreto

Andres Barreto is the Managing Director of Techstars Miami, an accelerator program powered by J.P. Morgan that aims to help startup founders achieve product-market fit more efficiently. He has been in this role since March 2022 and previously served as the Managing Director for Techstars Boulder. Barreto is recognized for his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, having co-founded several companies, including Grooveshark and Onswipe, and established his own investment firm, Socialatom Group.14

Professional Background

Barreto's career began in 2005 when he founded Socialatom Group, which has evolved from a product development firm into an impact investment firm focused on Latin America. He has invested in over 135 startups, providing mentorship and funding to early-stage companies. His approach emphasizes the importance of understanding customer pain points and executing quickly, which he considers crucial for startup success.23

Contributions to Techstars

At Techstars Miami, Barreto customizes the accelerator program to address the immediate challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The program offers support in fundraising, talent acquisition, and growth strategies, aiming to compress what typically takes years into a focused three-month experience. He actively seeks founders who demonstrate a deep understanding of their customers and the ability to rapidly implement solutions.145

Vision and Impact

Barreto is passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem. He believes that providing equitable access to resources for underrepresented founders can lead to significant community reinvestment and innovation. His leadership at Techstars Miami reflects a commitment to creating opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs across the Americas.14

Overall, Andres Barreto's role at Techstars Miami positions him as a key figure in supporting and accelerating the growth of startups, particularly those led by diverse founders, across various industries.