MB

Mario Barra

Co-Founder @ VATES | Director @ ALAYA VC

Argentina

Invests in

Stages:

Locations:

  • Min Investment:

    $100,000.00
  • Max Investment:

    $5,000,000.00
  • Target Investment:

    $1,500,000.00

Work Experience

  • Director

    2010

  • Director

    2013

  • Technological Entrepreneurs & Business Intelligence Teacher

    1992

1991

  • Co-Founder & President

    1991

    Responsible for the growth plans and strategic business initiatives at VATES. We provide nearshore staff augmentation and custom software development services to clients all over the world. Our company has 600+ IT engineers and leaders building next-generation code for clients such as IBM, Intel, Thomson Reuters, Raymour & Flanigan, and more.

  • External Member - Board of Directors

    2017 - 2021

  • Vice President

    2007 - 2011

    I am proud to have co-founded Cluster and have held multiple prestigious roles within the organization. I served as the Secretary for 2 years and later took on the responsibility of being its President for nearly 5 years. Currently, I am the Vice-President. My connection with Cluster studies, particularly the teachings of Michael Porter, runs deep. I have had the privilege to teach about Clusters in the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba Postgraduate Innovation program. This commitment also includes giving talks centered around Clusters, specifically focusing on the CCT. Among my most notable achievements: I successfully persuaded the province of Córdoba to invest in our sector, which led to: The initiation of funds dedicated to quality plan investments. The landmark decision to recognize software as an industrial activity, making Córdoba the first province in Argentina to do so. The legal foundation of the Fundación Córdoba TIC. I was instrumental in the establishment of the Parque Tecnológico de Córdoba. This project received substantial support and funding from the government and the Bank of Córdoba, benefiting around 30 local SMEs. Furthermore, I've collaborated with other Clusters across Latin America, showcasing my commitment to regional development and cooperation.