@antonio.figueroaBuilt a vertical-AI and data business in LATAM, planning the US move, would love your advice
Hi all, first post here. I run Raken AI Labs. Over the last couple of years we built a vertical-AI and data business serving large CPG, retail and manufacturing companies across Latin America. We build production-grade AI agents and data platforms that automate real business decisions, pricing, demand, promotions and expansion, and we run several of them as managed services, so a meaningful part of our revenue is recurring.
A bit of proof: pricing models that lifted margin, expansion models with a high hit-rate, and managed analytics cells embedded inside enterprise clients. We deliver with senior nearshore LATAM talent and partner with Snowflake, Qlik, Dataiku and Google.
Now I want to expand into the United States. I think our specialized AI capability and our CPG, retail and manufacturing track record travel well to US corporate and mid-market. To do it right, part of the plan likely needs growth capital or a strategic investor or partner who can open US doors, not just write a check. I want to get the approach right before I run at it.
Where I would really value advice from this group:
For a LATAM-based, founder-led company that mixes services and IP, what is the most credible path to enter the US?
Capital versus strategic partner for US expansion specifically: what worked for you, what would you avoid?
How do you build enough US proof and pipeline before, or without, a big raise?
Happy to trade notes with anyone who has walked this path. Thanks.
