Open Call for Future Builders!

We are looking for ambitious entrepreneurs who want to transform LatAm.

Start here
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Start here
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Are you a purpose-driven innovator
looking to launch your next startup?

Do you have an idea of how to revolutionize the work and life of the construction and maintenance trades in
Mexico and Latam? We want to create a startup with you.

Apply and receive support and initial funding from Fundamental.

Trabajador de la construcción

Fundamental invites you to apply for Future Builders

At Fundamental we don't just build startups - we co-found them with ambitious entrepreneurs. We are looking for an entrepreneur to launch a new venture in Mexico, focused on one of the following opportunities:

Future of skilled trades work: Innovations that modernize, create employment or improve productivity.

Green transition: Sustainable solutions that benefit tradesworkers and communities.

Inclusion of youth and women: Models that connect youth and women with trades opportunities.

Benefits for winning solutions

Selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to build their startup with Fundamental's support,
and will receive access to the following unique benefits:

Start as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence

In 6 months, you will work with 15+ studio experts in product tech, strategy, recruiting, finance and go-to-market for your startup.

Receive funding to pilot your solution 

You will receive up to $400k MXN to develop a first version of your solution and validate your initial vision during a 3-month pilot.

Launch your company with a first seed funding

‍Once the pilot is validated, you will receive up to $6M MXN in seed funding to grow the company, with the proven Fundamental playbook 

Become a co-founder

You will lead the execution of the startup, building your own operation with the support of your co-founding partner, Fundamental. 

The challenges that drive us

In Mexico, we all depend on millions of essential - yet almost invisible - trades and services to live and work. Yet the sector still lacks sufficient solutions to empower small trades businesses. Growing cities, aging infrastructure, new technology and climate change are redefining the rules - and represent an opportunity to create businesses, jobs and solutions for today and tomorrow.

8.5M

people in Mexico work in construction trades; 80% informally, without digital tools or access to financing.

45%

of the energy produced in Mexico will come from renewable sources by 2030; but the market lacks necessary labor.

50%

of unemployed people in Mexico are under 30 years old.

Fundamental supports those who see in informality an urgent opportunity, in fragmentation a space to re-design, and in the lack of digitalization a competitive advantage.

What does the winning
idea look like?

We are looking for early stage solutions (idea and/or initial testing) that connect to one of the 3 identified opportunities, and that have the following elements:

Market: Significant market potential ($1B+ USD). Mexico to launch, but scaling vision to LATAM.
Impact: New jobs, increased income or social mobility for trades micro-businesses, youth or women.
Pilot Potential: Can be implemented as a pilot and demonstrate results within 3-4 months.
Tech: Leverages technology components to enable future scaling.
Un equipo de trabajadores aprendiendo

Selection process

June 13

Call for applications closes: The call for applications will be open until 11:59 pm the same day in Mexico City.

June 20

Notification of the 10 selected finalists: Finalists will be notified by June 20.

Pitch session: The 10 finalists will present their solutions to the Selection Committee.

July 4

Final decision: The winning solution(s) will be announced.

Do you have any questions?

Questions related to this call for proposals can be sent to hannah@fundamental.lat.

The selection committee is composed of members of the venture studio. Fundamental believes strongly in equity, inclusion and respect for diversity. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that all people have equal access to this opportunity, without distinction.

Who are we looking for?

Great ideas come from diverse backgrounds.

Working alongside four current entrepreneurs in the studio, we know that the most powerful factors for success are the intrinsic ones.

  • Unstoppable execution: Testing, creating, and iterating is your comfort zone. You focus on identifying the key success drivers for your model from day one.
  • Humility: Business comes before ego: you are proactive in learning from failures and seeking feedback.
  • Impact focus: You´re not just building a solution that works - but that transforms the lives and businesses of your users.

How do you apply?

Your application consists of two key elements: A pitch deck of your idea and vision, and a short application in JotForm.

For the pitch deck, we suggest you include the following:

  • The opportunity: Tell us about the problem you'll solve, and the business and impact opportunity it presents. Why now?
  • The solution: How does the solution / product you envision work?
  • The go-to-market: How will you find your first users? How will you test your idea with them?
  • The impact: How does your model drive social and/or environmental change (jobs, inclusion, sustainability, etc.)?
  • Differentiation: How is your solution different? Tell us about the competitive advantage that sets your model apart.
  • The entrepreneur: Tell us about yourself, your experience, and why you are the right person for this opportunity.
Let’s build together!
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Let’s build together!
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