FEATURE: EL SALVADOR
The accelerator’ s first cohort is scheduled to launch in February 2026, with around 20 – 25 startups. Applications will open later this year and demand is expected to be high given the scarcity of structured early-stage capital in the region. powerful signal to founders and investors alike: promising startups won’ t just survive, they’ ll scale.
Why El Salvador, why now?
Verticals of focus include AI, fintech, Web3, SaaS, e-commerce and telecommunications – sectors where Latin America is acknowledged as having massive untapped potential and where Digital Transformation is rapidly accelerating.
US $ 100 million follow-on fund
Seed capital alone is not enough to create globally competitive companies. Recognizing this, CoreNest has also structured a US $ 100 million follow-on fund dedicated to scaling startups that prove traction.
This second pool of capital will allow CoreNest to bridge the notorious‘ Series A gap’ in Latin America where many startups stall due to a lack of institutional funding beyond the seed stage. By committing follow-on funding, CoreNest says it is sending a
The timing of CoreNest’ s arrival is not accidental. El Salvador’ s transformation in the last five years has been dramatic.
• Macroeconomic Stability: Dollarization, Bitcoin adoption and strong fiscal management have positioned El Salvador as an unexpected safe haven for international capital
• Public Safety: Once plagued by high crime rates, El Salvador now boasts some of the lowest crime statistics in Latin America thanks to sweeping security reforms
• Government Partnerships: Bukele’ s administration has actively courted blockchain, fintech and AI projects, offering tax incentives and regulatory clarity
• Geographic Advantage: Proximity to the US and connectivity to the rest of Latin America make it an ideal regional hub www. intelligentcio. com INTELLIGENTCIO LATAM 37