By Brazil Stock Guide – Guilherme Benchimol, from XP Investimentos, André Street, from Stone, and David Vélez, from Nubank, have launched the B55 Institute, a non-profit initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Brazil that have moved beyond the survival phase but face difficulties scaling their operations.
The institute received an initial capital contribution from the three founders, though the amount was not disclosed. Its first program will be presented on March 5, with activities involving selected entrepreneurs expected to begin in April. The operation will be led by Cristhiano Faé, founder of Accera and former investor and board adviser to companies including Neogrid, D1 and Seedz.
According to Faé, the project is based on the assessment that Brazil has high entrepreneurial activity but limited capacity to turn small businesses into scaled, sustainable companies. The B55 Institute will focus on SMEs in the real economy, including transport, healthcare, services, retail and software companies that already generate recurring revenue but face challenges related to management, execution and access to practical expertise.
B55 does not position itself as a traditional educational institution. Its model combines applied content, mentoring, acceleration programs and the creation of a structured community of entrepreneurs. The institute is organized around four pillars: education, acceleration, community, and the development of a physical innovation hub, which is still under evaluation.
Operations will initially be based in São Paulo, with a team of around ten people. Despite its non-profit structure, the institute aims to reach financial self-sufficiency within its first year of operation.