From Uruguay to Silicon Valley: My Tech Journey

When I tell people I'm from Uruguay, the first question is usually "Where's that?" followed by "How did you end up in Silicon Valley?"

The answer isn't straightforward—because the path never is.

Starting in a Tech Desert

Uruguay in the early 2010s wasn't exactly a tech hub. We had:

Limited access to capital
Few tech role models
No established startup ecosystem
Time zone challenges with US clients

But we also had something special: hunger.

The First Company: Learning by Failing

At 22, I founded my first tech company. It failed spectacularly. But I learned:

Product-market fit isn't optional
Cash flow kills more startups than competition
Team matters more than the idea

These lessons cost me $50k and 18 months. Worth every penny.

Building a Bridge

Instead of immediately trying to relocate, I built a bridge:

Phase 1: Remote First (2015-2018)

Worked with US clients from Uruguay
Built a reputation in niche markets
Saved aggressively
Studied the Silicon Valley playbook

Phase 2: Frequent Visits (2018-2020)

3-month stints in SF
Built a network
Understood the culture
Found the gaps I could fill

Phase 3: The Leap (2021)

Moved permanently
Already had connections
Understood the game
Ready to play at the highest level

What Uruguay Taught Me

Coming from a small market gave me superpowers:

1. Resourcefulness

When you can't raise $5M seed rounds, you learn to build with $5k.

2. Global Thinking

Small local market = think globally from day one.

3. Relationship Value

In a small ecosystem, burning bridges isn't an option.

4. Technical Depth

No huge teams means wearing all the hats.

The Silicon Valley Reality Check

The Valley isn't what Twitter makes it seem:

The Good:

Unmatched ambition density
Capital availability
Network effects
Learning velocity

The Challenging:

Brutal competition
High burn rates
Echo chamber effects
Lifestyle costs

Advice for International Founders

If you're thinking of making a similar journey:

1. Build Before You Move

Have clients/users
Save runway
Create connections
Prove your value

2. Understand the Culture

Speed > Perfection
Network > Resume
Execution > Ideas
Growth > Profit (initially)

3. Keep Your Edge

Your different perspective is your superpower. Don't lose it trying to fit in.

The Unexpected Benefits

The journey gave me perspectives I couldn't have gained otherwise:

Empathy for international users/customers
Ability to build global teams
Understanding of different markets
Resilience from the harder path

Looking Forward

Today, I'm building my third company. The lessons from Uruguay still guide me:

Stay hungry
Be resourceful
Think globally
Value relationships

The tech world is flattening. You don't need to be in Silicon Valley to build great things. But if you choose to come, bring your unique perspective—it's more valuable than you think.

From Montevideo to Mountain View, still building. Where's your journey taking you?