Brazil's Unicorn Founders Unite to Launch B55 Institute for SMEs

SAO PAULO – March 02, 2026 – Three of Brazil's most influential entrepreneurs—André Street of Stone, David Vélez of Nubank, and Guilherme Benchimol of XP—have joined forces to launch B55, a landmark non-profit institute aimed at revitalizing the country's small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. The initiative, led by co-founder and CEO Cristhiano Faé, will focus on supporting established businesses that have navigated the initial startup phase but now face hurdles to further growth.

The launch marks a significant moment for Brazilian entrepreneurship, bringing together the founders of three of the nation's most successful fintech and financial services companies. B55's mission is to address a critical "growth gap" where promising companies often stagnate, by providing a unique ecosystem built on mentorship, community, and practical knowledge rather than just capital infusion.

A Philanthropic Power Play

The collaboration represents a convergence of not only immense entrepreneurial success but also a growing commitment to philanthropy among Brazil's new generation of business leaders. David Vélez, co-founder of the digital banking giant Nubank, is a signatory of the Giving Pledge, having committed the majority of his wealth to social causes through his VelezReyes+ platform, which focuses on education and entrepreneurship in Latin America. Similarly, Guilherme Benchimol, founder of the financial services powerhouse XP Inc., has championed educational initiatives through the XP Institute, which aims to provide free education to millions of Brazilians.

Their involvement lends B55 an unprecedented level of credibility and resources. The institute is born from the direct experience of founders who have scaled businesses from inception to industry-leading titans in a challenging market. They aim to distill these hard-won lessons into a structured, supportive program for the next wave of entrepreneurs.

"It's not due to a lack of talent or will," explained André Street, co-founder of payments company Stone, referencing the high rate of business stagnation in the country. "Although the market is strong, it lacks genuine connections, tangible exchanges and shared experiences. This involves bringing together the three key ingredients on which we focus: applied knowledge, methodology and a support network. We have a unique opportunity to truly transform entrepreneurs and their companies, thereby driving the growth of our country."

Tackling Brazil's SME Stagnation Crisis

B55's mission directly confronts a pervasive issue in the Brazilian economy. While the nation boasts 47 million entrepreneurs, Street notes that over 70% of businesses are currently experiencing a plateau. This stagnation is often a result of systemic challenges that emerge after the initial excitement of a startup wears off. Research indicates that Brazilian SMEs grapple with a notoriously complex bureaucracy and one of the world's most convoluted tax systems, which stifles agility and drains resources.

Furthermore, access to affordable capital remains a significant barrier. With high interest rates and stringent collateral requirements, many growing businesses find themselves unable to secure the financing needed to innovate or expand. This "growth gap" creates a landscape where many companies survive but fail to thrive, limiting their potential contribution to job creation and economic output. SMEs are the backbone of the Brazilian economy, accounting for approximately 30% of GDP and 62% of total employment, making their health a matter of national importance.

B55 aims to address these issues not by lobbying for policy changes, but by empowering the entrepreneurs themselves. The institute is designed for businesses that have already proven their model and are ready for the next stage, providing them with the tools and network to navigate these complexities.

Beyond Capital: A Focus on Human Connection

At the heart of B55's philosophy is a deliberate shift away from the traditional accelerator model that often prioritizes rapid, capital-fueled growth. Instead, the institute is built on four pillars: Education and Development; Community and Networking; Journey and Acceleration; and a physical Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. The emphasis is on building "human capital."

Cristhiano Faé, an Endeavor Global Entrepreneur with a history of founding and advising multiple companies, will steer this vision as CEO. "Having gone through every stage of the journey, I understand what entrepreneurs experience and what they truly need: an environment that supports their day-to-day growth, people who stand by their side, and a community that helps them sustain their journey," Faé affirmed.

This sentiment is echoed by the other founders. "Entrepreneurship is cyclical; it never ends, and entrepreneurs need to be part of an environment that continuously helps them break through barriers and consolidate their progress," noted David Vélez. He emphasized that B55 will provide ongoing, practical guidance by connecting entrepreneurs with high-impact peers.

Guilherme Benchimol further distinguished B55's approach from superficial offerings. "Our goal is not just to sell weekend courses or hand out certificates. We want to provide a safe and comfortable space where people can openly discuss their vulnerabilities and engage in conversations that can have a tangible impact on their businesses," he stated. The plan includes a large physical campus, with a location currently under discussion, to serve as a tangible home for this community, fostering the informal interactions that often spark the most significant breakthroughs.

The curriculum will consist of courses and training programs created by individuals who have built and managed their own successful businesses, ensuring the knowledge shared is practical and applicable. The acceleration component will support select companies with mentorship and capital, but it is positioned as just one part of a more holistic, community-driven journey.

An Accessible Vision and Phased Rollout

B55 is committed to making its resources widely available. The institute is structuring its products to cater to entrepreneurs at various stages of development, with the first program scheduled for release in early March. According to Faé, the goal is to have affordable options available for all audiences by the end of the year, alongside free initiatives designed to broaden the institute's reach.

"The idea is to bring as many people as possible into the community as members of the hub — that is what will strengthen the ecosystem's dynamics and vitality," Faé concluded. This inclusive strategy aims to build a large, diverse, and self-sustaining network. By focusing on the often-overlooked segment of established SMEs and prioritizing a community of trust and shared experience, B55's founders are placing a multi-billion-dollar bet that the key to unlocking Brazil's economic potential lies not just in creating new startups, but in nurturing the ones that are ready to grow.