Is Peru 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.

Peru 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 Peru 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 Peru

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Peru 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.

Peru's early-stage funding environment is developing, with increasing activity from local and international investors. Notable VC firms active in the space include Angel Ventures Peru, Salkantay Ventures, and Ataria. The government also plays a role through initiatives like Startup Peru and ProInnóvate, offering grants and support to early ventures. Angel networks like the PAD Angel Investors Network and QAPU Ventures also support founders. Despite positive trends like stable funding levels from 2023 to 2024 and growing local investor participation, challenges remain. Access to early-stage funding can still be a hurdle, particularly outside of established sectors like fintech, which attracts a significant portion of investment. There's also a recognized gap in growth-stage financing needed for startups to scale effectively.

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  

Peru 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.

Peru has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem with a strong entrepreneurial culture. Lima is a central hub, but other cities are also developing their ecosystems. Coworking spaces are present, particularly in Lima, offering flexible workspaces for entrepreneurs and startups. The country hosts various tech events and conferences, fostering networking and knowledge sharing. Entrepreneurial activity is high, with many Peruvians willing to start businesses. Government initiatives like StartUp Perú and ProInnóvate provide support, including grants and funding for early-stage ventures. Accelerators and incubators also cater to startups at different stages, from ideation to launch and scaling, offering mentorship and resources. While standardized programs exist, there are also entities providing tailored support and connections. Access to financing remains a key challenge for many entrepreneurs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Peru 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 Peru, 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 Peru 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.

Peru has a growing pool of talent for startups, supported by its educational institutions and increasing focus on technology. Universities like Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos are key in producing skilled professionals, particularly in tech fields like software engineering, data science, AI, and cybersecurity. The government's "Startup Peru" initiative and investment in Science and Technology Parks also foster innovation and talent development. Peruvian professionals are noted for their adaptability and problem-solving skills. Key talent hubs include Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo, with growing expertise in areas like IT, engineering, and even agriculture technology. This local talent supports entrepreneurial growth by providing a skilled workforce for emerging sectors like fintech, edtech, and e-commerce.

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 Peru 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

Peru 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.

Peru's startup ecosystem is growing, supported by various infrastructure and support systems. Incubators and accelerators like UTEC Ventures, Endeavor Peru, and Wayra Peru provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Funding is available through local and regional VCs, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms. Government initiatives play a crucial role. Programs like Innóvate Perú and StartUp Perú, managed by the Ministry of Production, offer grants, training, and funding to innovative businesses. These resources help startups develop, scale, and contribute to Peru's economic diversification and growth.

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 Peru. 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 Peru Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Peru 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 Peru face several hurdles. Competition exists, though the ecosystem is still developing compared to regional leaders. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy present significant challenges, with processes for starting a business and navigating legal requirements often being time-consuming and complex. While the cost of living in Lima can be lower than major global tech hubs, the cost of highly skilled labor can be disproportionately high due to demand. Access to early-stage funding can also be scarce.

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 Peru or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Peru 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