El Salvador is about to play host to a major shift in the startup ecosystem.
CoreNest Capital, a global venture capital firm with a track record of backing some of the world’s most groundbreaking companies, has officially launched operations in the country.
And it’s not just about setting up an office — it’s about creating a long-term platform for innovation.
Tokenized Fund with Big Ambitions
At the heart of this move is a $25 million tokenized venture capital fund, legally based in El Salvador and built on the Coreum blockchain.
The fund is paired with a startup accelerator that plans to nurture 300 startups over the next five years.
To make the initiative even more impactful, a $100 million follow-on fund has been set aside to help scale the most promising ventures across Latin America.
Investment and Acceleration Opportunities
Each selected startup will secure $125,000 in equity funding, along with entry into a 12-week in-person acceleration program.
This comes with global mentorship, networking opportunities with seasoned investors, and connections to corporate partners ready to test real-world solutions.
It’s not just funding — it’s a structured path to growth and visibility.
First Cohort and Global Demo Day
The first batch of startups will begin in February 2026.
By May, they’ll showcase their progress in a global Demo Day, attracting investors, media, and key stakeholders from across the innovation ecosystem.
This is more than a showcase; it’s an entry point for startups to gain traction and secure future rounds from institutional investors and corporate venture arms.
A Soft Landing for Global Founders
CoreNest isn’t only targeting local talent — it’s opening doors for global founders too.
The firm will provide a soft landing program that includes tax benefits, visa support, and access to collaborative workspaces.
For entrepreneurs looking to expand into Latin America, this could be the launchpad they’ve been waiting for.
Focus Areas for Innovation
Led by José Roberto Rodríguez, CoreNest’s El Salvador accelerator is zeroing in on key sectors such as AI, fintech, Web3, SaaS, e-commerce, and telecommunications.
These areas are expected to define the next wave of digital transformation in the region.
Backed by Global Expertise
Behind the scenes, Bob Ras, General Partner and Co-Founder of CoreNest Capital, brings deep experience in scaling technologies across frontier industries like AI, robotics, medtech, fintech, and Web3.
The firm prides itself on providing more than just capital — it offers operating expertise and unmatched ecosystem access to help startups grow at every stage.
Portfolio That Speaks for Itself
CoreNest isn’t new to betting on bold ideas.
Its portfolio already features heavyweights like OpenAI, xAI, SpaceX, Neuralink, and Safe Superintelligence (SSI).
This history of investing in high-impact ventures signals what founders in Latin America can expect: global vision matched with serious execution.
What Comes Next?
With the accelerator set to kick off in 2026, all eyes are now on El Salvador.
If successful, this initiative could establish the country — and the broader region — as a thriving hub for next-generation startups.
For founders, investors, and innovators, CoreNest’s move may just mark the beginning of Latin America’s boldest chapter in tech.