Emiliano Fernandez Balague

Is a Uruguayan entrepreneur and investor recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Latin American innovation and fintech ecosystem. With a career that blends strategic vision, international experience, and a deep commitment to social impact, he has co-founded and scaled technology companies with global reach. One of his most remarkable achievements is the co-founding of DLocal, the first Uruguayan unicorn and a company now listed on Nasdaq, revolutionizing payment processing in emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He also co-founded AstroPay, a leading digital payments platform that provides secure, efficient, and accessible solutions for millions of users. Through Ferbal Capital, his international investment holding with operations in the Americas and Europe, Fernández Balagué drives high-impact initiatives in sectors such as technology, real estate, education, and sports. His approach focuses on sustainable innovation, long-term value creation, and fostering opportunities in emerging markets. In sports, he co-founded Sport Summa alongside tennis legends Juan “Pico” Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta, an athlete management agency that supports holistic athlete development. He also leads the creation of SPH – Sports Performance Hub, a state-of-the-art training center in Miami-Dade, designed to position South Florida as a global hub for elite sports performance. In real estate, he co-founded Rext, a blockchain-powered platform that leverages tokenization to democratize property investment, allowing smaller investors to access opportunities traditionally reserved for institutional capital. More than just a business leader, Fernández Balagué represents a new generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs, combining economic success with positive social and environmental impact. His vision connects Latin America and the United States, proving that innovation, inclusion, and sustainability can shape the future of business.