After investing$200,000 in four companies over the past year, he plans to increase his investment in 2026, further strengthening his ties to Uruguay’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“I realized that where I added the most value wasn’t in day-to-day operations, but in strategy. That allowed me to seek out new opportunities.”
When strategy takes precedence over execution
Elías began his career in software development, but as his company grew, his role evolved. The technical team became more independent, and he shifted his focus to strategic decisions, marketing, and the business model.
“As a programmer analyst, you can advance by developing software, leading technology initiatives, or managing teams. In my case, the team was already in place, so I began to contribute more from a strategic perspective,” he notes.
That transition was key to making the leap into investing: fewer hours spent on day-to-day operations and more focus on identifying opportunities, analyzing digital businesses, and supporting entrepreneurs.
What an angel investor looks for
When it comes to investing, Elías is clear: not all ideas have the same chance of succeeding. That’s why he prioritizes indicators that reduce risk.
The first factor is the team. A good team can adapt the product, pivot, and keep trying until it works.
The second major filter is business validation.
“The hardest part is turning an idea into something people are willing to pay for. I prefer to get involved once that validation has already taken place.”
That’s why he invests primarily in B2B SaaS and niche digital products—business models he’s familiar with and considers more predictable when it comes to scaling.
Investments focused on scalable digital businesses
Among the companies in which he has invested are software projects, online education initiatives, and digital platforms with a regional reach. They all share a common approach: clear business models, proven traction, and growth potential.
The plan for 2026 is to continue along those lines. “I’m going to keep focusing on B2B SaaS and online education in specific niches, with the goal of matching last year’s investment and increasing it.”
Strategic and personalized support
His role as an investor goes beyond simply providing funding. Elías actively participates in the growth of the companies he invests in, through weekly meetings, analysis of metrics, business strategy, and the identification of growth drivers.
I focus a lot on growth, marketing, and strategy, but also on the human side of things. Entrepreneurship is very stressful, and it’s not all about the technical aspects.
In some cases, it even buys shares from the founders. “After years of failing to recoup the investment, the strain is enormous. Buying a portion of those shares can greatly alleviate that pressure.”
Artificial Intelligence and the New Role of the Data Analyst
In addition to his role as an investor, Elías has a very clear perspective on how artificial intelligence is transforming the role of the programmer-analyst.
The role doesn't disappear; it evolves. The software analyst becomes a sort of chief technology officer for multiple artificial intelligence systems.
As he explains, today a developer can orchestrate AI agents that program, test, design, and deploy products in a timeframe that was unthinkable until recently.
“In a week, you can accomplish what used to take a year. But to do that, you have to understand the product, the requirements, and how to coordinate those tools.”
The future, he says, lies less in writing code line by line and more in providing technical leadership for complex products—a role similar to that of a Technical Lead or Product Manager.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem and regional perspective
With strong ties to the local ecosystem, Elías is actively involved in organizations such as the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ingenio, URUCAP, and Endeavor.
“Uruguay has a wealth of talent. My strategy today is to expand from Uruguay into Latin America: same language, large markets, and very strong teams.”
A journey that has just begun
Ten years after his first business venture, which didn't take off, Elías is approaching this new phase with a fresh perspective.
“Entrepreneurship means failing. The important thing is to keep trying until something works.”
Today, as an angel investor, his goal is clear: to support digital talent, strengthen the ecosystem, and foster more scalable tech businesses in Uruguay and throughout the region.
I'm just starting out on this journey. You learn something new every day, but the time is now.
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