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Serasa Experian launches the second edition of the “Impulsiona Startups” program to promote innovative solutions in financial health

Due to the success of the first edition, which boosted financial health solutions for 6 startups, Serasa Experian, the market-leading data tech company, opens today, October 16th, registrations for the second wave of "Impulsiona Startups," an acceleration program that aims to scale positive social impact through innovative businesses and solutions. It is possible to register throughlinkto participate until November 17th.

The datatech's ESG initiative, which has Ace Cortex as a partner, will select eight Brazilian startups, which will undergo a consultative journey of up to 6 months, also including equity-free investment for the development of solutions and the possibility of using Serasa's services and products free of charge.

The program will be divided into 2 phases. In the first, the goal is to provide the development of prototypes or the evolution of existing solutions, that is, short-term projects that demonstrate the potential and scalability capacity of the entrepreneurs.

After this initial phase, four startups will be selected based on the best projects and results to undergo 4 months of acceleration with experts from Ace Cortex, executive mentors from Serasa Experian, and will also receive a equity-free investment – which does not require any equity obligation. To stay informed, check the official website. Registrations can be made until November 17 through the link:

https://www.serasaexperian.com.br/impulsiona-startups

Startups from different segments with maturity in the validation or traction stage and with solutions that fit the following focuses may participate in the Initiative:

· New ways of granting credit.

· Access to credit for SMEs.

·Support for those in debt.

·Reduction in default.

According to Paulo Gustavo Gomes, head of Sustainability & ESG at Serasa Experian, "we want to continue scaling the reach of our positive social impact through startups and entrepreneurs who, like us, want to create a better future through their innovative proposals and solutions." Many of these businesses just need a boost to reach more Brazilians.

ACE Cortex, a partner of the program and one of the most renowned innovation consultancies in Latin America, will guide the startups during Impulsiona Startups, offering each one, in a customized way, diagnostics, analyses, guidance, mentoring and support in the implementation of growth techniques.

“This is a relevant initiative for the innovation ecosystem that is aligned with the commitment to promote access to credit, reduce defaults and support innovative and scalable solutions with social impact. We share the commitment to transform the market and believe in the power of innovation to solve the biggest financial challenges faced by Brazilians. To this end, we will use our expertise in acceleration to guide the selected startups, offering personalized support, from in-depth diagnostics to practical mentoring. Together with Serasa Experian, we have the goal of creating a more inclusive and financially healthy future for the country”, comments Milena Fonseca, CEO of ACE Cortex.

The acceleration program created by Serasa Experian, now in its second edition, boosted six startups in its first round. The accelerated, which represented the states of São Paulo, Federal District, Paraná, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro, identified relevant results regarding improvements in audience reach and revenue indicators, for example.

What will this new journey of Impulsiona startups be like?

With the end of the registration period and the selection process that will choose the eight participating startups, the companies will receive the first equity-free investment of R$ 30,000, which should be used over two months for the development of a prototype. With this, four of the best proposals will be selected and will go through the acceleration process, which includes individual mentoring, workshops, free access to Serasa Experian products, and a new equity-free investment of R$ 120,000 to scale the business.

Black Friday: E-commerce is expected to generate R$7.93 billion in revenue in 2024, according to ABComm

Eu Entrego expects a 30% increase in sales volume during Black Friday 2024. Black Friday, scheduled for November 29, is expected to reach an impressive R$ 7.93 billion in e-commerce revenue, representing a 10.18% growth compared to R$ 7.2 billion recorded in 2023. The estimate is from the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm), which considers the period from the start of Black Friday week until Cyber Monday, on December 2nd. This year, the average ticket for purchases is expected to rise to R$ 738, with an expectation of 10.7 million orders during the event. Compared to 2023, the average ticket was R$ 705, and the total number of orders reached 10.2 million.

The expectation is that, during the week of the event, adding traditional purchases, e-commerce will reach the mark of R$11.63 billion in revenue, a value almost 3 times higher than a traditional week of online sales.

In addition to the main categories such as Electronics, Appliances, and Fashion, the Beauty and Health segment is among the fastest-growing in search volume in recent months. "We hope that this year's Black Friday exceeds expectations with greater consumer engagement. This scenario reflects confidence in the offers that the event provides," says Mauricio Salvador, president of ABComm.

To further boost revenue, ABComm recommends that retailers use paid digital channels, social media, email marketing, and WhatsApp messages, among other strategies for promoting and selling products. Meanwhile, the promotional season also raises alerts about possible frauds. The entity, in collaboration with market experts, emphasizes that consumers should be wary of extremely low prices and always prioritize trustworthy websites.

“We are confident that this year’s Black Friday will be a success, reflecting the resilience of e-commerce and consumers’ willingness to take advantage of offers,” concludes Salvador.

Eu Entrego expects to see a 30% increase in sales volume on Black Friday 2024

Eu Entrego projects a 30% growth in delivery volume during this year's period compared to 2023. The company bets that the clothing and electronics sectors will be the main highlights of the shopping season.

The preparation started several months in advance. Technology professionals monitor platform data daily and collaborate with the operations department to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that operations are more efficient during peak demand periods.

The company has created an exclusive system that uses an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geolocation algorithm, standing out as the only one in the market capable of optimizing routes in real time by leveraging constantly updated data analysis. This allows for more efficient routing, considering dynamic factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and fluctuations in demand. Developing and maintaining the system internally ensures the flexibility needed to adjust its functionalities to urgent needs, such as during seasonal dates.

Eu Entrego, a logtech that connects retailers to the largest network of autonomous delivery drivers in Brazil, completed 12 million deliveries in the first half of 2024. According to the CEO and co-founder, Vinicius Pessin, the company has over 1 million delivery drivers across the country.

“Our exclusive system, based on Artificial Intelligence, guarantees real-time optimization of routes, which allows us to offer an agile and efficient service, even during periods of greatest demand, such as Black Friday. We are confident that our efforts will yield exceptional results this year,” shares Pessin.

How to prepare for Black Friday 2024

Black Friday sales in 2024 are expected to increase by 10% compared to last year, reaching up to R$ 7.6 billion, according to Haus, the marketing platform of the Stefanini Group. It is a promising scenario for retail, and it is expected that retailers will implement strategies to attract the increasingly demanding audience.

For Bruno de Oliveira, CEO ofEcommerce in Practiceand VP of Education Nuvemshop, Black Friday is one of the dates that moves the retail sector the most, which is already quite busy: from January to July this year alone, online sales grew 18.7%, representing R$ 160.3 billion, according to the 50th edition of thereportWebshoppers, produced by NIQ Ebit.

The specialist's recommendation is to use the entire month to sell (the so-called Black November), to avoid competing for consumers' attention in just one day. For Oliveira, the best is to use the strategy of offering differentiated promotions each week or even progressive ones, providing more sales opportunities and more offers.

"Black Friday is undoubtedly one of the most important dates for retail, and companies need to dedicate themselves and make the most of it. By working on the Black Friday strategy and post-sale, it is also possible to extend the results to Christmas, boosting year-end sales," he highlights.

Thinking about how to improve the consumer experience and sell more on one of the most anticipated dates of the year, we gathered tips from some experts. Check it out!

Technology integration

For Juliana Giovanini, CEO ofNexas, retail tech specialized in retail solutions, the integration of online and offline channels are strong allies for the date, as they are transforming the analysis of consumer behavior.

“These tools allow the collection and processing of large volumes of data, and based on this information, they offer much more accurate product recommendations. Their use increases the likelihood of conversion and makes the consumer feel valued,” he comments.

However, she emphasizes that it is necessary to prepare for Black Friday, not just wait for it to happen. "In addition to seeking a significant increase in transactions, merchants also need to strengthen their relationship with consumers, ensuring a personalized and seamless experience. All of this must come with prior planning, strategic organization of deliveries, and the adoption of technological innovations," he explains.

Payment methods

The moment of completing the purchase is one of the most critical points in the journey. The checkout, as it is called the moment when the customer fills in the details and makes the payment, needs to work well to ensure a positive experience. The expectation of consumers, new and old, is that everything is instant.

"The customer expects online shopping to be quick and hassle-free. When you frustrate this user, they can become a detractor of your brand, and no one wants that. Therefore, special dates with high transaction volumes require preparation and better support," says Ticiana Amorim, partner and founder of Aarin, the first tech-fin hub specialized in Pix and embedded finance.

For the specialist, e-commerce, marketplaces, and online stores must go beyond. "It is necessary to provide a unique experience for this customer, with the greatest number of payment methods possible, within the purchase journey, avoiding taking them off the platform to complete the transaction," he emphasizes.  

Taboola Launches Abby, the First Generative AI Specialized in Ad Campaigns

According to industry data, nearly 91% of advertisers are already using or considering implementing Generative AI technology. The adoption of this technology by advertisers has increased dramatically recently, as a result of their desire to improve efficiency, boost sales, and increase return on investment – 81% of advertisers believe that Generative AI can increase sales in their organizations.

Abby is based on over a decade of learning from successful advertiser campaigns through Taboola and enables advertisers to launch effective campaigns in minutes on a network of premium and trusted publishing sites reaching over 600 million active users daily. In tests, advertiser campaigns launched with Abby became active 75% faster than manually configured campaigns.

Abby builds and manages all aspects of advertisers' media plans, asking simple questions that automatically generate media plans based on any marketing goal. Advertisers can focus on goals such as increasing purchases, expanding brand awareness, or generating leads, as well as setting budget allocation between desktop and mobile, among others.

Abby also offers advanced Generative AI creation features, enabling advertisers to use the same conversational approach to create and modify images. Advertisers can edit backgrounds, call-to-actions (CTAs), and create relevant captions without the need for software or image editing experience.

"Abby redefines what is possible for advertisers of all sizes, eliminating uncertainties and time demands in launching campaigns," said Adam Singolda, CEO of Taboola. "Abby democratizes access to advertising so that anyone can create their campaigns, just as they would speak with an experienced advertising executive. Advertisers can 'talk' to Abby in simple, relaxed language and relax while she acts as a campaign expert. Abby combines the best of Generative AI with our unique data and best practices to help advertisers succeed. This is another step in our journey to drive advertiser success with Taboola."

Food sector stands out in the growth of e-commerce in Brazil

Brazilian e-commerce continues to show rapid growth, and the food sector is one of the main protagonists of this expansion. According to data from Nielsen, the world's leading consumer intelligence company, e-commerce revenue in Brazil grew by 18.7%, reaching R$ 160.3 billion in the first half of 2024. Among the highlights of this increase is the food category, which recorded an 18.4% growth in gross revenue, driven by the rising demand for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Nielsen's research revealed that baskets composed of Food, Beverages, and Perfumery and Cosmetics were the main drivers of growth in e-commerce, accounting for a combined 51% of total orders. The shopping experience and the convenience of the payment and delivery process have been key factors for customer satisfaction, further increasing consumer confidence in this shopping channel.

In this context, Vapza, a company specialized in vacuum-packed ready-to-eat foods, is one of the sector players that has stood out in e-commerce, with the company recording a 39% increase in e-commerce in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, consolidating its position in the digital market. "Vapza's e-commerce is constantly growing, a result of various strategies and technical improvements. We expect the same level of growth in the second half of 2024, as in August, we experienced a 24.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This progress reflects consumer behavior, which seeks convenience, healthiness, and safety when shopping online," comments Vapza's CEO, Enrico Milani.

Innovative strategies

To support this growth trend, Vapza is betting on a set of innovative strategies. The company has been investing in partnerships with digital influencers and promotional campaigns focused on holidays, such as Black Friday and Christmas, with the aim of attracting and retaining new customers. One of Vapza's main differentiators in e-commerce is the Vapza Lovers Club, a loyalty program that offers immediate cashback in the shopping cart. The Vapza Lovers Club was created as a strategy to value our customers. The more they buy and refer, the more points they accumulate and can use, providing a real and direct benefit, explains Milani.

With clients across Brazil and in 14 other countries, Vapza has been especially prominent in the South and Southeast regions. Furthermore, according to the Head of Marketing, Liza Schefer, the company faces challenges in the digital environment, such as the constant improvement of the shopping experience and adaptation to new market demands. "E-commerce in Brazil is only growing, and we see this reflected in Vapza's sales. In this context, we are attentive to consumer needs and always seeking new ways to improve our online operation to reach our audience, composed of consumers who seek practicality without sacrificing quality and healthiness," reinforces Liza.

Vapza Alimentos celebrated 30 years in the market in 2024. Founded in 1994, Welinton Milani joined the company's board in 1998 and, in 2007, with a solid vision of growth potential, acquired 100% of the industry and made the brand a pioneer in the vacuum-packed and steam-cooked food market in Brazil.

Wake up to the revolution: How data and AI are transforming business

In a market where digital is no longer a promise but a reality, it is surprising to see how many companies still resist adopting a truly customer-centric strategy. We are in a unique moment, where technology has advanced significantly and data is more accessible than ever. It means one thing: the time to capture the value that has always been on the table – and was wasted – is now.

The new reality: digital is already the present

Digital already dominates the way we do business. Although physical interactions still exist, most of the purchase journeys and customer relationships occur in the digital environment. This means that a customer-centered strategy is no longer optional but essential for any company that wants to thrive. The modern consumer expects personalization and relevance, and this can only be achieved with accurate and real-time data.

Surprisingly, many companies still do not make the most of the data they already have. With each interaction, a vast amount of information is generated. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), processing and interpreting this data has become easier than ever. Now, companies have a clear opportunity to capture the value that was previously lost.

The Power of Data: Recovering Lost Opportunities

Data is the new gold. They are at the core of any effective customer-centric strategy. However, merely having data is not enough. The challenge is to organize and use them intelligently to generate insights that create real value for both customers and companies.

Tools such as Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and Customer Master Data (CMDs) are essential for centralizing all customer interactions and behaviors in a single location. This allows for scalable customization and, most importantly, the recovery of revenue that was being wasted.

Companies that can use data efficiently can increase their revenue in several ways:

  • Precise customization: Understanding customer behaviors and preferences allows you to offer highly relevant products and services, increasing the chances of conversion.
  • Churn prevention: With AI and predictive analytics, you can identify which customers are about to churn and take action before that happens.
  • Increase in average ticket: By analyzing purchasing patterns, companies can create offers that encourage higher-value purchases.

Artificial intelligence as the key to the future

AI is already revolutionizing the way companies use data to improve the customer experience. AI-based tools, such as those integrated into CDPs and CMDs, help predict customer behavior, personalize offers in real time, and automate processes with precision. This is no longer optional – it's what the customer expects.

The automation and personalization offered by AI allow companies to recover revenue that would otherwise be wasted due to lack of tools or strategic vision. The truth is that companies that do not adapt to this new digital reality, customer-centric and data-driven, will lose ground in the market.

Every day without a clear data strategy is a missed opportunity. The market has already moved – and the question is: is your company ready to keep up with this movement or will it continue leaving money on the table.

70% of mobile traffic in Latin America is generated by three platforms, reveals a GSMA report

In the context of the fair share debate, the GSMA today presents 'Use of mobile networks in Latin America, the first in a series of reports to contribute to the regional discussion with data and evidence. This initial report provides a snapshot of mobile traffic in the region up to May 2024, by company and content type, at an aggregated level and by subregion and/or country. The most conclusive finding of the study is that three companies — Meta, Alphabet (Google), and TikTok — generate more than 70% of mobile download traffic in Latin America. Meta accounts for nearly 50%; Alphabet totals 14% and TikTok, 8%.

The report also examines mobile traffic by type of use, with social media access (41%), web browsing (29%), and streaming (19%) leading the list. This podium repeats throughout the region, with some variations. In Central America and Mexico, for example, the order remains the same, but social media accounts for nearly 60% of the total. In Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, streaming is above web browsing. In the Andean Region, streaming becomes the most popular type, accounting for 38% of the total. In Brazil, social media accounts for 40%, web browsing 30%, and streaming represents the same percentage as messaging services (10%).

The common denominator in the three cases is the intensive use of video, in short or long format. The demand for data from this content will continue to increase with the advancement of resolutions (from HD to 4K, and eventually 8K) and the expansion of live-streamed events. Audiovisual content is one of the main drivers of sustained mobile traffic growth, which, between 2016 and 2023, multiplied by 14. Only the annual growth in 2023 was greater than the total traffic volume in the region five years earlier, in 2018. By 2030, annual traffic is expected to grow by 22 exabytes (22 billion gigabytes) compared to the previous year, nearly double the annual growth recorded in 2023, which was 12 exabytes. This increase will put even more pressure on the capacity of mobile networks.

When we see 70% of mobile traffic concentrated in three companies, it can be thought of as just a reflection of user choice. But a considerable part of this traffic is unsolicited, such as the ads we see when opening our apps or videos in resolutions far higher than those we can enjoy on our devices.", points out Lucas Gallitto, Director for Latin America, GSMA.Today, platforms do not pay for the costs of this traffic they monetize, which has a negative impact on user experience, network capacity, and the environment. This highlights the need for fair share: a market mechanism through which large traffic generators contribute to the financing of networks, encouraging more efficient use of this resource that belongs to everyone.

The report 'Mobile Network Usage in Latin America' is available for download in Portuguese, Spanish and Englishhere.

GLP Capital Partners completes sale of 13 logistics warehouses to BTG Pactual for R$1.77 billion

GLP Capital Partners (GCP), a global leader in alternative asset management, has concluded the sale of 13 logistics warehouses from its portfolio in Brazil for a total value of R$1.77 billion to BTG Pactual Logística FII (BTLG11), managed by BTG Gestora.

This is the largest transaction of logistics assets in the history of Real Estate Investment Funds (FII), according to data from real estate consultancy SiiLA.

GCP continues with its successful monetization strategy aimed at recycling capital for its investors. In the last four years, the company has led negotiations totaling over R$ 6 billion in assets sold.

The 13 real estate assets total 542,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), and the properties are mostly located within a 60 km radius of São Paulo city, as well as in the states of Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro.

"We are committed to generating value for our investors by optimizing returns through capital recycling. The sale of these assets demonstrates the quality of our investment platform and our ability to acquire, manage, and create value in the asset portfolio," says Mauro Dias, president of GLP Capital Partners in Brazil.

“Our capital recycling plan is aligned with the objectives of our investors and we have a track record of growth that has already been leading the Brazilian market for years. We are following our investment plans, which have already totaled approximately R$16 billion since the beginning of our operations in the country,” adds Ricardo Antoneli, Investment Director at GLP Capital Partners in Brazil.

Mecanizou launches business unit aimed at rental companies, fleet owners and insurance companies

Mechanized, a marketplace that connects auto repair shops to auto parts suppliers, announced its new business unit, Mecanizou Select, aimed at large accounts, such as rental companies, fleet operators and insurance companies.

The company wants to ensure that insurance companies see them as an indispensable partner, especially with Mecanizou's ability to provide original parts through dealerships. "We conducted some tests and now we see that insurance companies truly need our ecosystem to manage vehicle claims. We want to position Mecanizou Select as a premium service, offering benefits such as competitive prices, express logistics (delivery in less than 3 hours, and in some cases up to 55 minutes), and high-level customer service," says Ian Faria, co-founder and CEO of Mecanizou.

This new business unit is related to the expansion plan for the entire São Paulo region and the city of Guarulhos, announced by the company in May of this year.

Currently, Mecanizou has over 300 suppliers and 1 million parts in its database, and the platform registration is quick and 100% online. In addition to the mechanic, rental companies, fleet owners, and insurers will benefit from discounts, various installment options, and optimized delivery receipt processes.

Men's Day: Giuliana Flores projects 15% growth in orders

Giuliana Flores celebrates Men's Day, which takes place on November 19th, in grand style. The brand prepared a special selection in itse-commerce, with gifts for all profiles, from classic to modern, offering discounts of up to 30% throughout the month. Although the date is not yet traditional in Brazil, it has been gaining popularity among consumers, who take the opportunity to give gifts to friends and family. The company expects a 15% increase in orders compared to the same period in 2023. The items are available on the website, with prices ranging from R$ 64.90 to R$ 459.90.

The flowers are the highlight of the occasion. The expectation is that they will represent 50% of sales, followed by baskets (40%) and other items (10%).The company has more than 10 thousand items in itse-commerce, catering to men of all styles, such as decorative frames, games, and even drinks. The basketsgourmet are carefully assembled with selected products, including wines, beers, cheeses, chocolates and other delicacies, ideal for those who love gastronomic experiences.

Origin of the celebration

The date was created by the initiative of Mikhail Gorbachev's government in the Soviet Union to honor historical figures of the country, and it quickly became part of the calendar of other countries. In 1999, History professor Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago gave the date a new purpose: to raise awareness about men's health, which is often neglected.

Significant growth on special dates

In 2024, the company aims to make 800,000 deliveries and intends to boost its results with special holidays. Success is evidenced not only by impressive numbers but also by the dedication to offering a diversified product portfolio, excellent service, and fast deliveries. THEe-commerceserves the entire country and deliveries can be made in up to three hours, depending on the location.

“Our mission is to create memorable moments for our customers, especially on special dates. Men’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate someone special and giving gifts is one of the best ways to express love and affection,” highlights Clóvis Souza, CEO of Giuliana Flores.

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