FGV startup accelerator achieves significant number and increases impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem

The startup accelerator FGV Ventures reached in November 2025 the mark of 101 accelerated startups, a result that reinforces its role in strengthening academic entrepreneurship in the country. Since its inception, the program has supported entrepreneurs in validating business models, structuring essential processes, and connecting with investors, mentors, and strategic partners. 

Over 19 completed batches, the program records a survival rate of 64 percent among accelerated businesses. Together, the startups account for over 600 million reais in valuation and approximately 220 million reais raised. For Luciana Cualheta, director of FGV Ventures, these numbers represent only a part of the generated impact. 

According to her, each accelerated startup symbolizes a transformative journey, sustained by method, knowledge, and networking that allow entrepreneurs to advance with security and speed. The director emphasizes that the achievement of 101 startups reflects a collective effort that strengthens the construction of a sustainable and collaborative ecosystem. 

The impact is also expressed in the diversity and purpose of the supported businesses. Nearly 40 percent of the accelerated startups are led by women, and a significant portion of them works with initiatives aimed at social inclusion, sustainability, and innovation in strategic sectors. One of the selection criteria requires businesses to maintain practices aligned with ethical principles and generate minimal negative externalities, reinforcing the view that entrepreneurship can be a tool for positive transformation. 

Highlighted cases include Movêu, which surpassed 5 million reais in revenue after participating in the program, IMBR Agro, recognized on the Forbes Under 30 list, and iWaste, which expanded its operations to all five regions of Brazil with sustainable waste management solutions. For Luciana Cualheta, stories like these demonstrate the program's potential to transform ideas into scalable and consistent businesses. 

With applications open for Batch 20 until January 11, 2026, the program is expanding its activities with a new fully online cycle, offering workshops, mentoring, and strategic connections for entrepreneurs throughout the country. To participate, startups must have a validated MVP with real customers and present a functional first version of the product. The businesses must also demonstrate social and environmental responsibility, have diverse and complementary teams, and have at least one partner dedicated exclusively. 

The director states that the accelerator's commitment is to continue training startups that grow with impact and leave a legacy for the Brazilian entrepreneurial ecosystem. For her, the future of national entrepreneurship will be driven by initiatives that integrate innovation, responsibility, and collaboration. 

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