Is Chile a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Chile has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Chile gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Chile

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Chile offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Chile has a developing early-stage funding environment for startups, significantly bolstered by government initiatives. Start-Up Chile, a public accelerator by CORFO, is a key player, offering equity-free grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 USD and providing acceleration support and networking opportunities. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include Manutara Ventures, Chile Ventures, and Fen Ventures. Angel networks like ChileGlobal Angels and Atacama Angels also support local founders. Despite this support, challenges remain, such as the tendency for startups to focus on the relatively small local market rather than international expansion. While startup funding remained stable from 2023 to 2024, attracting sufficient capital, particularly at the seed stage, and a perceived lack of investment culture in traditional VC remain hurdles.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Chile has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Chile has a vibrant startup and innovation culture, significantly boosted by government initiatives like Start-Up Chile, a globally recognized public accelerator. This program provides equity-free funding, visas, and networking opportunities, attracting both local and international entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial activity is high, with a notable percentage of adults involved in early-stage businesses. The ecosystem features numerous coworking spaces, particularly in Santiago, fostering community and providing resources for startups and established businesses. There are also many tech events and conferences, facilitating networking and knowledge sharing. While standardized programs like Start-Up Chile are prominent and offer structured support including mentorship and resources, there are also initiatives catering specifically to early-stage founders and niche groups like female founders, suggesting a mix of support mechanisms. The focus appears to be on fostering a broad entrepreneurial mindset and providing platforms for growth across different stages.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Chile can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Chile, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Chile is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Chile has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by strong educational institutions. Universities like Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile offer top-tier programs in computer science and engineering, producing skilled graduates. Annually, Chile produces a significant number of engineers. In-demand industry skills include cloud computing, data analysis, cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and mobile app development. Chilean developers are recognized for their skills in areas like statistical programming and software development. High English proficiency among professionals, particularly in Santiago, also facilitates international collaboration. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a vibrant ecosystem fostered by government initiatives like Start-Up Chile, which attracts and mentors entrepreneurs. This creates a favorable environment for innovation and expansion, contributing to Chile's position as a regional leader in entrepreneurship.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Chile can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Chile boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Chile offers a strong ecosystem for startups, featuring robust infrastructure and support systems. Key resources include co-working spaces, private incubators, and accelerators like Incubatec and Magical Startups. The government plays a significant role, primarily through the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO). A flagship initiative is Start-Up Chile, a government-backed accelerator providing equity-free funding, mentorship, networking, and visa support for international entrepreneurs. This program, along with others like Sercotec's Capital Semilla and Capital Abeja, helps businesses secure crucial early-stage funding and access resources. These combined efforts foster innovation and help startups scale within Chile and expand into the Latin American market.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Chile. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Chile Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Chile provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Chile face several hurdles. Competition is high, partly due to open trade policies attracting international businesses and a relatively small local market. While some sources mention a low cost of living, others indicate Santiago can be expensive compared to other Latin American tech hubs, impacting operational costs. Regulatory issues present a significant challenge, with a complex atmosphere, delays in paperwork, and intricate processes for permits, taxation, and labor laws. Navigating these regulations can be particularly difficult for smaller businesses with limited resources.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Chile or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Chile offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash