In this article, they share what they’ve learned, their impressions, and how this experience has shaped their career paths.
An opportunity that came from all sides
The three engineers learned about the Puentes program through various channels: social media, the media, and personal contacts. The initiative, launched by Antigravity Capital, offered them the chance to immerse themselves in San Francisco’s startup ecosystem, and to apply, they had to record a video presenting a project of their own.
Fernando presented an AI-powered blog-writing assistant . Franco chose to talk about his own startup, Metria, which specializes in automating back-office processes. Meanwhile, Marcel presented his thesis, a building management platform.
A week in the mecca of innovation
During an intense week in San Francisco, they shared a house with other participants and attended daily meetings with industry leaders. Among them, Guillermo Rauch, the Argentine founder of Vercel, was one of the most inspiring figures, as was Nicolás Loeff, an artificial intelligence specialist.
In addition to hearing stories and advice, everyone had job interviews with local companies. Although they received job offers, they decided to return to Uruguay, motivated to apply what they had learned here.
What happens in Silicon Valley spreads
Franco highlighted the collaborative culture and access to contacts that, within just a few days, connected them with leaders, investors, and other founders. Fernando emphasized the intensity of the environment: "People there work with passion. They live for the startup." Marcel, for his part, emphasized the speed of execution and people’s commitment: "There, on a Saturday at noon, you see cafes full of people coding."
All three agreed on the contrast between the Latin American startup ecosystem and that of Silicon Valley. According to the students, in San Francisco there is greater tolerance for failure, access to funding is easier, and ideas—even ambitious ones—quickly find support.
Come back with a different mindset
Although Fernando didn't have his own startup, he returned convinced that entrepreneurship could be a real possibility. Franco reaffirmed his decision to fully commit to Metria. Meanwhile, Marcel, still a student, felt a sense of vocational confirmation: "Being there made me realize that this is my path."
“We came back changed,” they said. With new ideas, greater clarity about their future, and a network of contacts that remains active, the experience at Puentes wasn’t just a trip—it was a turning point.
A message for those who dream of this opportunity
All three agreed that it’s not just about luck. You have to pave the way: think out loud, show what you’re doing, and share it. That’s how opportunities arise. They also emphasized the importance of taking the plunge:“Even if it’s risky, if an opportunity like this comes along, you have to seize it without hesitation,” Marcel concluded.
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