WeXchange was founded in 2013 as an initiative of IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), with the aim of unleashing the growth potential of women entrepreneurs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2012, IDB Lab’s Early Stage Financing team decided to promote women’s entrepreneurship as part of its new mission for creating the future of entrepreneurship.

After countless phone calls with entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and other industry experts in the region, the key problem area became clear: women entrepreneurs needed stronger network of contacts and mentoring.

WeXchange was hence born to bring women entrepreneurs of different communities together to one place and time, with two main objectives:

• Recognize and strengthen women entrepreneurs.
• Connect women entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, role models and other successful entrepreneurs.

With more than 20 years of experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America and the Caribbean, IDB Lab’s Early Stage Financing team could utilize its vast range of international contacts to bring WeXchange to life. In partnership with NXTPLabs and Ellas2, the team launched the first eddition of WeXchange in Miami in 2013, which has since then taken place every year.

• Women STEMentrepreneurs pioneering innovative businesses with high growth potential, focused on Latin America and/or the Caribbean and looking to accelerate the growth of their companies.
• Investors interested in the region.
• Mentors experienced in advising businesses in the region.
• Experts in the entrepreneurial world.
• Socially Responsible Businesses and Institutions interested in backing the development of innovative businesses spearheaded by women.

As an entrepreneur, you will:

• Have the opportunity to present your business to investors and key players in the innovation ecosystem of Latin America and the Caribbean at the GET Forum: Global Entrepreneurship and Technology for Latin America and the Caribbean, an IDB Group Innovation for Impact Platform.  
• Receive visibility, press, and dissemination opportunities for your company.   
• Support to connect with venture capital investors.

As an investor or ecosystem player, you will be able to 

• Discover investment-worthy projects.
• Learn about the latest technological trends and innovative business models.
• Meet the startups that will become the region’s next success stories.
• Join the movement comprised of talent contributing to the region’s wealth and social well-being.

WeXchange Through Time

Since its first edition, WeXchange has brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across Latin America and beyond. Here's a look at where the forum has taken place over the years:

• 2013–2014 — Miami, United States
• 2015 — Monterrey, Mexico
• 2016 — Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 2017 — Santiago, Chile
• 2018 — Lima, Peru
• 2019 — Asunción, Paraguay
• 2020–2021 — Virtual Forum
• 2022 — Miami, United States
• 2023 — Bogotá, Colombia
• 2024 — Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 2025 — San Salvador, El Salvador
• 2026 — Quito, Ecuador