María Julia Bearzi is an administrator, entrepreneur, and specialist in scaling companies, currently serving as Executive Director of the Endeavor Foundation, described as “the world’s largest community of high-impact entrepreneurs.” The Argentine executive has been part of the foundation for more than twenty years, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial development.
According to Endeavor, the foundation contributes to entrepreneurial growth through economic influence and job creation. Bearzi has worked there for over two decades and has served as its CEO since 2016. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of La Plata, completed an MBA at the University of San Andrés, and later specialized in Growing Companies at Harvard University.
Entrepreneurship in Argentina according to Bearzi
With more than two decades in a foundation that promotes entrepreneurial impact globally, Bearzi is a widely consulted voice in the field. In several interviews she emphasized that entrepreneurship in Argentina does not depend on “perfect timing,” arguing that “Argentine entrepreneurs never waited for anything from a government,” describing this as a defining paradigm of local business leadership.
Regarding Endeavor, she stated that “it focuses on technology-based entrepreneurs with aspirations to scale beyond borders.” Bearzi also referred to the so-called “unicorns,” startups that reach a valuation of one billion dollars during their growth process—a term first introduced in 2013 to describe companies that achieved rapid and extraordinary success.
“We can say that in Argentina, unicorns act as beacons for the next generations of entrepreneurs. They have done so and continue to do so,” she explained, highlighting that several of these emblematic companies emerged locally in the 2000s. For Bearzi, unicorns clearly demonstrate that investment is possible in the country.
She acknowledges that Argentina lacks elements and conditions that would make the context more favorable, yet she views the country as “a pioneer” for having “older” unicorns and a total of thirteen. She considers adversity a defining—though unfavorable—aspect of the entrepreneurial landscape in Argentina.
Bearzi does not limit her view of potential industries to fintech. In another interview she pointed out that Argentina “is growing substantially” and that the agricultural and biotechnology sectors are gaining prominence within the ecosystem.
María Julia Bearzi’s advice for entrepreneurs
The Harvard-trained executive consistently highlights the importance of “opportunity” beyond personal desire. What does she mean by this? Bearzi emphasizes that entrepreneurs must detect and seize opportunities that solve long-term needs rather than short-term impulses. She also stresses the importance of “thinking big,” tying this to Argentina’s thirteen unicorns as clear examples.
Regarding context and trends, she notes that since 2020 consumer behavior has transformed in every direction. Customers have become more demanding and expect greater personalization. Consumption habits have shifted, and companies must recognize these movements to avoid losing relevance in supply and demand.
Within the technological sector, Bearzi stressed that “having a digital profile—being able to show, sell, and charge digitally—is absolutely essential today.” This reflects the post-2020 shift in public expectations, where work, payment systems, services, and multiple industries digitalized or became more flexible.
She also highlights Endeavor’s internal social development work. For entrepreneurs and startups she recommends “teamwork” to build an “essential community” and underscores the role of an “empathetic leader” to achieve synergy across departments and areas.
A consolidated voice in the entrepreneurial world
María Julia Bearzi is a highly respected and established figure in the world of entrepreneurial development. With more than twenty years at the Endeavor Foundation—and CEO since 2016—she advises and encourages future Argentine entrepreneurs to invest in the country, drawing inspiration from the unicorns that overcame adversity and consolidated years ago.
Today, startups that reach billion-dollar valuations are often linked to the tech sector, considered essential by Bearzi, who also observes significant growth in agriculture and biotechnology in Argentina.
