From Latin America to the United States: Inspiring Immigrant Entrepreneur Success Stories
At our immigration law firm, we witness daily the transformative power of opportunity, innovation, and hard work. Immigrants from all over the world including many from Latin America have come to the United States to build thriving businesses that shape our economy, inspire others, and prove that success knows no borders.
Below are several remarkable entrepreneurs of Latin American origin who not only entered the U.S. market but also made a significant impact within it. Their stories remind us that with the right guidance, resources, and legal support, today’s newcomers can become tomorrow’s industry leaders.
Andres Moreno (Colombia) – Open English
Background & Success: Colombian-born Andres Moreno founded Open English with a clear vision in mind: to make high-quality English-language learning accessible to Spanish speakers worldwide.
Launched in 2007, the platform quickly found its footing among Latin American students eager to improve their language skills, but its impact in the U.S. soon became unmistakable as well.
Moreno’s model combined live classes with native English-speaking instructors and flexible online scheduling, meeting the needs of busy professionals and learners around the globe.
Through strategic rounds of venture capital funding and a focus on excellent customer experience, Open English grew exponentially. Over the years, it has served millions of students, employed thousands of instructors, and expanded into multiple countries becoming a recognized leader in online education. Moreno’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies how passion for education and cultural understanding can evolve into a cross-border business success.
Karla Gallardo (Ecuador) – Cuyana
Background & Success: Ecuadorian-born Karla Gallardo co-founded Cuyana with an ethos that stands in stark contrast to the fast-fashion model dominating the industry. Together with her co-founder, Gallardo embraced the philosophy of “fewer, better” product pieces made with premium materials, timeless design, and responsible manufacturing processes.
From its headquarters in San Francisco, Cuyana built a strong online presence and a devoted customer base. Its collections of minimalist apparel, luxurious leather handbags, and versatile accessories resonate with consumers eager for quality over quantity.
Under Gallardo’s leadership, Cuyana partnered with family-owned workshops in Italy, Turkey, and beyond, ensuring the brand’s supply chain upheld sustainable and ethical standards.
The company’s success is reflected not only in robust sales and loyal customers but also in positive media coverage and partnerships with leading retailers. For Gallardo, it’s proof that an Ecuadorian entrepreneur can influence American style and consumer values by blending international craftsmanship with an American platform.
Bismarck Lepe (Mexico) – Ooyala
Background & Success: Born in Mexico, Bismarck Lepe co-founded Ooyala, a video technology startup that revolutionized how media companies and brands deliver and analyze online video content.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in California, Ooyala offered innovative tools for video distribution, analytics, and monetization at a time when streaming was poised to reshape media consumption.
Under Lepe’s guidance, Ooyala expanded rapidly, attracting major corporate clients including some of the world’s largest broadcasters, and securing substantial venture capital. Its sophisticated analytics allowed clients to understand viewer behavior, optimize advertising strategies, and create more engaging content.
Ultimately, Ooyala’s success caught the attention of Australian telecommunications giant Telstra, which acquired the startup for hundreds of millions of dollars. Lepe’s journey from a Mexican immigrant to the founder of a cutting-edge, game-changing tech company speaks to the power of innovation in a globalized digital market.
Oskar Hjertonsson, Daniel Undurraga, and Juan Pablo Cuevas (Chile) – Cornershop
Background & Success: These three Chilean entrepreneurs Hjertonsson, Undurraga, and Cuevas combined their talents to launch Cornershop, a grocery-delivery startup that quickly captured Latin American markets before making inroads into the United States.
Initially operating in Chile and Mexico, Cornershop leveraged user-friendly technology, reliable delivery networks, and strategic partnerships with local retailers to offer on-demand grocery shopping.
As Cornershop refined its platform and user experience, its growth caught the eye of global tech leaders. Ultimately, Uber acquired a majority stake, propelling this trio of Chilean founders onto the international stage. Their story underlines the point that innovative ideas born in Latin America can find enthusiastic audiences and substantial investments in the U.S. market.
Marcelo Claure (Bolivia) – Brightstar Corp., Claure Capital
Background & Success: Bolivian-born Marcelo Claure’s entrepreneurial journey began with Brightstar Corp., a venture he founded in Miami in 1997. Starting as a small distributor of mobile phones to Latin American countries, Brightstar grew into a global force in wireless device distribution and supply chain solutions.
Its international success led to a major acquisition by SoftBank Group, one of the world’s leading tech conglomerates.
Claure’s leadership talents were further recognized when he served as CEO of Sprint, navigating the company through a significant turnaround period before its eventual merger with T-Mobile. He also held the role of COO at SoftBank Group, overseeing a wide range of investments in the technology sector.
Today, Claure spearheads Claure Capital, investing in diverse industries and mentoring the next generation of innovators. His trajectory from a Bolivian immigrant entrepreneur to a top executive in some of the most influential U.S.-based tech and telecom businesses shows how determination, vision, and adaptability can open doors at the highest levels of American industry.
Silvina Moschini (Argentina) – TransparentBusiness, SheWorks!
Background & Success: Argentine entrepreneur Silvina Moschini is a pioneer in remote workforce solutions and an advocate for women’s economic empowerment. She co-founded TransparentBusiness, a platform designed to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency in remote work environments well before widespread remote work became a global necessity.
This forward-thinking approach positioned TransparentBusiness to help companies adapt quickly to the digital workspace.
Moschini furthered her mission through SheWorks!, a platform that connects talented women—many of whom face employment barriers due to caregiving responsibilities or geographic constraints—with flexible, professional opportunities around the globe.
By leveraging technology to remove traditional obstacles to employment, Moschini’s companies support not only economic growth but also social progress. Her achievements highlight how an Argentine entrepreneur can influence American and global business culture, championing a future of work that includes everyone.
The Pathway to Opportunity
The stories of these Latin American entrepreneurs underscore several key points for aspiring business leaders and innovators:
Global Ideas, U.S. Markets: The United States remains a magnet for global talent and investment. Entrepreneurs from Latin America and beyond find a fertile environment for launching and scaling businesses, thanks to access to capital, mentorship, infrastructure, and a large consumer base.
Legal Guidance is Key: Navigating immigration laws, securing the right visas, and understanding corporate structures are critical steps on the entrepreneurial journey. Partnering with experienced immigration attorneys can help entrepreneurs move seamlessly from idea to implementation, ensuring they comply with U.S. regulations and maximize their chances of success.
Diverse Perspectives, Lasting Impact: The distinct cultural backgrounds and regional insights of these entrepreneurs translate into innovative business models. By blending Latin American influences with U.S. market demands, they produce offerings that resonate with a wide variety of consumers ultimately strengthening both economies.
If you’re ready to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams in the United States, our experienced immigration legal team is here to guide you. We offer strategic advice on visa options, corporate formations, and long-term planning, helping you transform your vision into a thriving U.S. venture. With the right support, you could become the next chapter in this inspiring story of Latin American entrepreneurial success on American soil.