Intro
Startup Academy is an international EdTech initiative brougth by Y [ Education ] that empowers pre-teens (ages 7-12) and teenagers (ages 13-17) with entrepreneurial, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Designed as a hybrid (online/in-person) entrepreneurial program, it blends online learning, real-world simulations, and venture creation to prepare the next generation of startup founders, innovators, and business leaders.
Why This Matters for Crecimiento?
Crecimiento is committed to accelerating Argentina’s startup ecosystem and driving global Web3 adoption. Startup Academy aligns perfectly with this vision by building a long-term talent pipeline, fostering entrepreneurship at an early stage, and strengthening Argentina’s innovation landscape.
This partnership will culminate in the Startup Academy Demo Day at Aleph, where students will pitch their real-world startup ventures - including LemonAid Ventures , a blockchain-powered social enterprise built by young founders.
This initiative will:
- Increase Argentina’s startup density by introducing a continuous flow of young entrepreneurs.
- Showcase Argentina as a leader in Web3, crypto, and youth-led innovation.
- Expand Crecimiento’s impact by integrating a new generation of founders and investors into the movement.
1. Team
Sergio Argento – CEO & Founder, Y Education | Startup Academy /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergioargento
Andrea Rua Espada – Co-Founder, Y Education | Startup Academy (Latam) / https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-rua-espada-5534987
Relevant Experience & Expertise
Sergio Argento brings decades of experience in startup acceleration, and ecosystem building, having worked across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Silicon Valley.
He is an early co-founder and now partner of Finoverse - the initiator and official organizer of the Hong Kong FinTech Week since 2015 (Tracks: FinTech, AI, Web3, DeFi. 30K Plus delegates from all over the world https://www.fintechweek.hk ).
Sergio is also a keynote speaker, adviser and ecosystem builder (Hong Kong, Singapore, Georgia): Sergio Argento / Events
Andrea Rua Espada is an international media and marketing professional and also specializes in media production, education, and startup mentorship.
Andrea is a founder and general director of The American Television Agency, she has been working with international brands and media since 2007: www.americantvagency.com
Andrea is also a co-founder of BeFast Media - a Silicon Valley / Hong Kong based media production and event marketing agency (Covered 800+ tech events, including TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, Slush, SXSW): https://befast.media
Why Our Team?
Proven track record – Built successful EdTech and entrepreneurship programs worldwide.
Strong industry network – Access to founders, investors, and corporate partners.
Perfect alignment with Crecimiento – Committed to scaling Argentina’s startup ecosystem and Web3 adoption.
2. Program Goal and Alignment with Crecimiento
Primary Objective:
To develop Argentina’s next generation of entrepreneurs by equipping pre-teens and teenagers with real-world startup training, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
Alignment with Crecimiento’s Goals
Accelerating Argentina’s Startup & Web3 Ecosystem → Creating a pipeline of young startup founders.
Hosting medium and large-scale events → Integrating Startup Academy into Crecimiento’s Pop-Up City
Increasing Investment & Corporate Involvement → Connecting young entrepreneurs with local and international investors, and corporates.
Expanding Web3 & Blockchain Adoption → LemonAid Ventures is Argentina’s first children-led blockchain startup, setting a precedent for crypto-powered youth entrepreneurship.
How This Strengthens Crecimiento’s Ecosystem
Builds a Future Talent Pipeline → Ensuring continuous startup growth for Argentina’s tech ecosystem.
Attracts Global Attention → Positions Argentina as a global leader in youth entrepreneurship and Web3 education.
Bridges the Education Gap → Replaces outdated models with real-world startup training for young entrepreneurs.
3. Expected Impact
Key Outcomes & Milestones
50+ students will participate in Crecimiento x Startup Academy Web3 Program by the end of 2025
Young founders will pitch real-world startup ventures to investors.
Crecimiento’s brand will gain exposure through media coverage of Argentina’s youth startup movement.
Argentina’s startup funnel will expand, securing long-term growth for the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Success Metrics
Number of student-led startups launched post-program.
Investor engagement & funding secured for young founders.
Media coverage & Crecimiento’s visibility in global Web3 & startup circles.
Increase in long-term participation in future Y? Education programs.
4. Required Support
Types of Support Needed from Crecimiento
Venue and for Startup Academy Classes and Demo Days.
Marketing & Promotion – Exposure through Crecimiento’s, community networks and social media.
Mentorship & Guidance – Connecting students with founders, investors, and business mentors.
Networking & Partnerships – Introductions to accelerators, VC firms, and Web3 startups for expansion.
Potential Corporate Sponsorships – Funding for scholarships, venture incubation, and Web3 startup grants.
How Crecimiento Benefits
Expands its reach into youth entrepreneurship, EdTech, and startup talent development.
Increases Argentina’s visibility as a global startup hub for young founders.
Strengthens investor confidence in Argentina’s startup and Web3 ecosystem.
5. Timeline
Program Duration & Phases
February 2025 – Crecimiento x Startup Academy Initiative announced
First cohort finalizes their module.
Online learning, startup workshops, and business simulations commence.
22 February 2025 – Startup Academy Demo Day One at Crecimiento Aleph Hub
Young founders pitch real-world startup ideas to investors and mentors.
Networking and funding opportunities secured for student ventures.
LemonAid Ventures officially launches, setting a precedent for crypto-powered youth startups.
March 2025 – Next Cohort is formed the program is confirmed, classes begin.
March > December 2025 – Expansion of Crecimiento x Startup Academy Initiative
Annual Startup Camp in Argentina.
New international partnerships established.
Risk Mitigation
Limited Awareness → Marketing campaign via Crecimiento’s press, social media, and partner networks .
Low Investor Engagement → Strategic outreach to VCs, accelerators, and blockchain investors .
Logistical Challenges → Early coordination for venue, event tech, and speaker lineup .