In this episode of the Funded Now What podcast, host Andrew Lee Miller interviews David Tafur, the founder of Yavendió!, a startup revolutionizing e-commerce in Latin America through AI agents that autonomously sell products via WhatsApp. They discuss the challenges of fundraising in the region, the importance of networking with other founders, and the strategies Yavendió! employs to acquire customers and drive sales. David shares insights on the company's growth plans and the role of influencers in the e-commerce landscape, emphasizing the need for a strong business case and proof of concept when seeking investment. In this conversation, Andrew and David discuss various strategies for building a successful startup, focusing on community engagement, outbound marketing, partnerships, and the importance of PR. They explore how to leverage social media and innovative lead generation techniques to attract larger clients and build long-term relationships. The discussion emphasizes the significance of trust and personal connections in business, particularly in the Latin American market, and offers practical advice on creating a marketing mega list to enhance outreach efforts.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Outbound marketing strategies can be automated for efficiency.

✅ Partnerships with complementary businesses can drive growth.

✅ Targeting larger clients can lead to long-term success and stability.

✅ Innovative lead generation methods can enhance customer acquisition.

✅ In-person connections are crucial for building trust in business.

✅ Utilizing PR effectively can boost brand awareness and credibility.

✅ Creating a marketing mega list can streamline outreach efforts.

✅ Social media can be a powerful tool for direct engagement with potential clients.

✅ Understanding the local market dynamics is essential for success.

What You Should Focus On:

00:00 Introduction to Yavendió! and Its Mission

02:58 The Functionality of AI Agents in E-commerce

06:03 Customer Segmentation and Business Model

08:56 Navigating Fundraising in Latin America

11:55 The Journey from Concept to Cash Flow

14:56 Plans for Growth and Product Development

17:59 Customer Acquisition Strategies and Insights

20:47 Engagement Through Community Building

22:43 Leveraging Outbound Marketing Strategies

24:12 Partnerships and Collaborations for Growth

26:26 Targeting Larger Clients for Long-Term Success

30:36 Innovative Approaches to Lead Generation

32:49 Building Trust Through In-Person Connections

35:15 Utilizing PR and Media for Brand Awareness

39:34 Creating a Marketing Mega List

Learn more about how Andrew and the GrowthExpertz team help startups scale with fractional support in Marketing, Sales, Business Development and Partnership at www.growthexpertz.com

Connect with Andrew: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewstartups

Learn more about YaVendió! https://www.yavendio.com/en/