Why did you decide to work at SP Ventures?
At SPV, I found the perfect intersection of two of my greatest passions—agribusiness and entrepreneurship. The firm fosters innovation and technology across emerging markets, creating opportunities to develop big ideas and build an ecosystem that embraces new perspectives and remains open to opportunities. In addition, SPV’s strong portfolio track record and a team that brings together energy, excellence, and productivity make it a truly unique place to be.
How do you see your previous experience as an agronomist adding value to the SP Ventures team and portfolio?
My background as an agronomist, combined with my experience in other venture capital firms, enables me to bring a broader and more diversified perspective to investment analysis and decision-making. This diversity of viewpoints enriches the team, strengthens SPV’s position as a leading investment firm in the agri-food value chain, and supports the creation of innovative and impactful journeys for our portfolio companies.
Which theses excite you the most, and how do you forecast which innovations will take place in the next few years?
From a thematic perspective, I see strong potential in LATAM for technologies in: biologicals such as soil health, IPM, next-generation biotech; fintechs; circularity, both at the farm level with waste management and in the industrial Food & Beverages segment; traceability of products and inputs, and the development of Active Ingredients for F&B, besides the great wellness boom that will increase following the healthy life style trend.
To forecast market trends, I follow industry news daily through specialized outlets and stay closely connected with other VCs and the broader ecosystem. In addition, I maintain a strong relationship with ESALQ, where I graduated, which gives me access to privileged discussions about emerging themes and how agriculture is evolving.
I also keep a close eye on more developed markets to learn from trends abroad, and I regularly exchange insights with entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Moreover, within SP Ventures, our ongoing discussions and Deep Dives allow us to explore in depth the themes we believe hold the greatest disruptive potential.
Finally, to broaden my perspective, I look at technologies developed in adjacent sectors. And to wrap it up, I like to keep myself updated in two ways I highly recommend: for lighter and more dynamic content, I follow @vini.talks on TikTok for daily insights on tech and startups, and for more technical, sector-specific perspectives, I listen to the Momento Agrícola podcast.
How would you advise a founder who is fundraising to succeed in their journey? What do you look for when analyzing a startup?
Fundraising is one of the most important and admirable skills an entrepreneur can develop. It reflects how deeply you are connected to your life’s purpose, your vision, and your ability to translate complex operational knowledge into a simple yet meaningful narrative. My advice would be to stay resilient and focused. Doors open through persistence, and even the failed attempts build valuable bridges, relationships, and learnings that compound along the entrepreneurial journey.
When analyzing a startup, I always start with the team. For me, the team is the heart and soul of the business, the people who imagined, built, and will ultimately execute the vision. I pay close attention to their strengths, complementarities, and especially their fundraising profile, as this energy is what propels the idea forward. Beyond the team, adaptability is another key factor: the company’s ability to reshape itself, whether by refining the product, shifting the target market, or expanding innovation, is what ultimately determines long-term success.
Do you have a personal quote that guides your life?
Yes, it’s a poem by Fernando Pessoa: “Para sê grande, sê inteiro.”
Highly recommended 🙂
Do you have any hobbies that bring you joy?
Absolutely! I love playing tennis, spending time with friends & family, and exploring new culinary experiences- I’m a super foodie person!
Interview conducted with Beatriz Bonetto
Beatriz Bonetto is an Analyst at SP Ventures, São Paulo, Brazil.