@misc{37783,
title = {Assessment of the Innovative Entrepreneurship and Early-Stage Investment Ecosystem in Bolivia},
author = {Salazar, Juan Carlos and Corzo, Oscar and Villa, Rafael and Naranjo, Melissa and Marion, Corina and Román, Francisco Javier},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.18235/0013942},
abstract = {This study provides a comprehensive, evidence-based, and action-oriented analysis of Bolivias innovative entrepreneurship and early-stage investment ecosystem and its recent evolution. In a context of economic transition, macroeconomic constraints, and institutional reconfiguration, the report examines how Bolivian startups have developed capacities for adaptation, professionalization, and the pursuit of new growth models, even in a challenging environment.
The objective of the report is to assess the ecosystems level of maturity, identify structural gaps in human capital, financing, support services, science and technology, and propose strategic intervention pathways to build a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable environment. The study is based on a mixed-methods approach that combines more than 230 surveys, 62 semi-structured interviews, social network analysis, and international benchmarking against peer countries such as Jamaica, Peru, and Uruguay.
The findings show that Bolivia remains classified as an emerging ecosystem, with significant gaps in regulation, early-stage financing, public-private coordination, and linkages with science and research. However, clear signs of maturation have emerged between 2022 and 2025, including greater professionalization among active startups, the emergence of local venture capital funds, growth in angel investment activity, and stronger support from accelerators and universities.
Based on these findings, the study proposes four strategic pillars aimed at strengthening public-sector governance, entrepreneurial capabilities, scale-up financing, and the connection between entrepreneurship and science, with the goal of advancing toward a more developed and dynamic ecosystem.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.18235/0013942}
}