“By opening the Fellowship to founders of Puerto Rican descent in New York City and Miami, we’re recognizing what we have always believed: Puerto Rican entrepreneurial talent is everywhere, and it deserves world-class support wherever it lives,” he said.
By NimB Staff
The Bravo Family Foundation has expanded its venture fellowship program beyond Puerto Rico for the first time, selecting two founders for its 2026 cohort and opening the effort to Puerto Rican entrepreneurs based in New York City and Miami.
The one-year Bravo Venture Fellowship provides equity investment, operational support and strategic mentorship to founders of Puerto Rican descent building high-growth companies. The foundation said the expansion reflects a broader view of where Puerto Rican entrepreneurs are building businesses, not only on the island but also in major business centers on the mainland.
This year’s fellows are Carlos Vázquez, founder and chief executive officer of GoSprout, and Nicole González, co-founder and chief technology officer of Raya Power.
GoSprout, based in Miami, develops software for managing apprenticeship programs. The company said its platform allows employers, schools and sponsors to oversee the full apprenticeship process in one system and has digitized more than 500,000 apprentice records.
Raya Power, which operates in Puerto Rico and California, develops plug-and-play solar systems designed for quick installation without roof modifications. The company is focused on expanding access to renewable energy for renters and lower-income households that are often left out of traditional rooftop solar systems.
“When we launched the Bravo Venture Fellowship, we knew Puerto Rico was just the beginning,” said Orlando Bravo, chairman and co-founder of the Bravo Family Foundation.
“By opening the Fellowship to founders of Puerto Rican descent in New York City and Miami, we’re recognizing what we have always believed: Puerto Rican entrepreneurial talent is everywhere, and it deserves world-class support wherever it lives,” he said.
The foundation said candidates were selected through a competitive process that included alumni of its Rising Entrepreneurs Program and founders from the broader Puerto Rican startup ecosystem in Puerto Rico, New York City and Miami. The criteria included growth potential, the strength of the business model and a commitment to economic progress in Puerto Rican communities.
The inaugural fellowship cohort in 2025 included BrainHi founder Emmanuel Oquendo and Skootel founder Juan Parra. The foundation said their progress during the program helped shape this year’s expansion.
“The first year of the Bravo Venture Fellowship exceeded our highest expectations,” said Blanca Santos, CEO of the Bravo Family Foundation. “We’re proud to champion a new era of Puerto Rican leadership and to partner with Carlos and Nicole as they begin their fellowship year.”
Founded in 2017, the nonprofit supports programs in entrepreneurship, technology and leadership development aimed at expanding economic opportunity for Puerto Ricans. Since 2020, its Rising Entrepreneurs Program has supported more than 140 founders across more than 80 companies in sectors including software, health care and consumer products.