StartCo 2026 in Medellín: Latin America's Largest Live Startup Auction – April 16 & 17 at Plaza Mayor

StartCo is the flagship event of Colombia's startup ecosystem and has become the largest live startup auction in Latin America. Founded in Medellín, it connects founders, investors, corporates, and mentors in an intensive two-day format that combines live pitching, a real-time auction, keynote talks, workshops, and high-level networking.

The 2026 edition expects over 5,000 attendees and 350+ startups competing for investment and visibility. The event has been instrumental in channeling millions of dollars in funding across multiple sectors including fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, and sustainability.

Dates: Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17, 2026.

Venue: Plaza Mayor Medellín – Convenciones y Exposiciones, located on Calle 41 #55-80 in the heart of the city.

How to get there: Plaza Mayor is approximately 45–60 minutes from José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) via the Las Palmas highway, and about 15 minutes from El Poblado, Medellín's main hotel district.

Tickets: General admission starts at COP $450,000. Early-bird pricing and group packages may be available through StartCo's official channels.

Format: Two full days of live startup auction, keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and structured networking sessions.

StartCo 2026 features a powerful lineup of speakers bridging entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation:

Guenther Steiner – Former Haas F1 Team Principal and Netflix *Drive to Survive* star. Known for his unfiltered leadership style and operational excellence under extreme pressure, Steiner will share insights on building high-performance teams.

Marlene Garayzar – Renowned Mexican entrepreneur and innovation strategist. A recognized voice in Latin America's startup ecosystem, she brings deep expertise in scaling businesses across the region.

Dusko Kelez – Serial entrepreneur and venture capital figure with extensive experience in Latin American markets. His track record includes multiple successful exits and investments in early-stage companies.

Hernán Corral – Colombian entrepreneur and ecosystem builder who has been instrumental in connecting startups with corporate innovation programs across the Andean region.

The centerpiece of StartCo is its live startup auction, a unique format where selected startups pitch on stage and investors bid in real time. Here's how the process works:

1. Application & Selection. Hundreds of startups apply; a curating committee selects the most promising ventures based on innovation, traction, team, and scalability.

2. On-Stage Pitch. Each selected startup delivers a concise pitch to a live audience of investors, corporates, and fellow founders.

3. Real-Time Bidding. Accredited investors place live bids, creating a transparent and dynamic investment environment.

4. Deal Closing. Winning bids are formalized post-event, with StartCo facilitating due diligence and connection.

This format has made StartCo the go-to event for early-stage deal flow in Latin America.

StartCo is designed for a diverse audience within the innovation economy:

Startup founders looking for investment, mentorship, and visibility.

Angel investors and VCs seeking curated deal flow in Latin America's fastest-growing markets.

Corporate innovation leaders exploring partnerships, acquisitions, or intrapreneurship models.

Government and ecosystem builders aiming to strengthen the entrepreneurial infrastructure.

Executives and professionals interested in emerging trends in technology, sustainability, and business models.

Whether you are raising your seed round or scouting the next unicorn, StartCo offers a concentrated, high-impact environment.

Transportes Ejecutivos provides comprehensive transportation for StartCo attendees in Medellín. Our services include José María Córdova Airport (MDE) – Plaza Mayor transfers, all-day hourly disposition service, and hotel-to-venue transportation. We have permanent operations in Medellín with deep knowledge of local traffic patterns and the most efficient routes via the Las Palmas highway and Aburrá Valley corridors. Our executive fleet features sedans, SUVs, and vans — ideal for founders, investors, and corporate delegations who need reliable, professional mobility during the event.