Argentina continues to build software brand in Atlanta’s tech ecosystem

A group of about 15 Argentinian visited software companies Atlanta in mid-April, gaining deep insight into an emerging technology market while showcasing their capabilities to potential partners.

Organized by the South American At the country’s Ministry of Commerce, the delegation represented expertise in emerging sectors such as financial technology, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and more.

It’s part of an effort to build Argentina’s brand in software in the same way that U.S. consumers associate wine and beef with excellence, said Marina Riparia coordinator from Argentina Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Worshipwho helped the group to the Atlanta Tech Village, ATDC, Tech Alpharetta and other local incubators.

“I think the authorities realize that we need to diversify,” Ms. Ripari said.

Members of the Argentine diaspora can often be found at the highest levels of Atlanta tech companies and Fortune 500s — including some who met the group — but that doesn’t always translate into respect for the education system that shaped them back home.

“This sector is really powerful. We have a lot of talent in Argentina,” says Ms. Ripari, noting that the problem here has more to do with awareness. “I think the United States needs to know that we are powerful and that they can rely on our people.”

The message is not new in Atlanta, where Argentina’s National Software Association has brought several delegations. Former ambassador in 2022 Jorge Arguello led a group here to get the Argentina delivers platform, a database of some 1,600 companies ready to work for offshore clients.

Argentina, as many have said, offers a highly skilled technology sector that is affordably priced, culturally savvy, and basically in the same era as the US.

Silvina Zublenaan environmental engineer and account manager Sheeta software-as-as-service platform that helps companies track their carbon emissions has moved to Alpharetta with her husband and found it a convenient place to expand into the US

Developed entirely in Argentina and with a presence across Latin America, Leaf is looking to make a deeper impact here as climate regulations tighten.

“We are at a moment where matters of climate change and climate action are shifting from being voluntary… to violence,” Ms. Zublena said.

Gustavo Sanabria, another Argentine transplant in the metropolitan area, said that while the “front door” to the US for Argentine companies still appears to be Miami, where this group will soon eMerge America conference, setting up shop in Alpharetta was a blessing for Captivatarwhich offers augmented reality solutions that allow companies to gamify soft skills training for new hires.

“We are a local company with Argentinian roots,” said Mr. Sanabria, noting that it was easy to network with similar companies after settling here.

Darwoftbased in the Argentinian city Cordobalooks less at Atlanta, less as an investment destination and more as a source of sales assistance in the US market.

Director Cecilia Mariani said the company is focused on digital transformation and helping both startups and established companies create minimum viable products to prove their business cases. Darwoft has had success working with hospitals in the US looking to streamline and interconnect their technology facilities, and has representatives in Oregon, Va and elsewhere. Atlanta could be next, Ms. Mariani said.

Other companies in the delegation focused on blockchain, artificial intelligence or other software niches, all waiting to be discovered by potential partners. Some, like G&L Groupwere looking for local startups to invest in.

For Ms. Zublena, Atlanta’s abundant trees and friendly people are a bonus for the Argentinians who find themselves here.

“I tell them to come back more often,” she said.

But she also hopes the trip will send a message in the other direction, telling the story of Argentina’s charms more clearly to audiences in Atlanta.

“We need to make everyone aware that our software is top-notch,” she says.

The Consulate General of Argentinaunder the leadership of consul general Alana Lomonaco Bustoorganized the route on site.

She and Deputy Consul General (and husband) Sebastian D’Alessio have now turned their attention to a delegation of sports technology companies planning to visit Atlanta on June 20, where Argentina will face off Canada in the CONMEBOL Copa America opening match of the football tournament Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

View the full list of Argentinian companies that attended the software delegation below:

Contact the consulate here.

Related