Developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for the Latin American Venture Capital Association (LAVCA) and the Venture Capital Development Network of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF)
This inaugural scorecard on the private equity and venture capital environment in 11 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries marks a pioneering effort to identify regional strengths and weaknesses. The scorecard covers Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. To facilitate extra-regional comparisons, it also provides scores for Israel, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
The 2006 Scorecard reveals the potential for growing private equity and venture capital in the region. Subsequent scorecards will mark new developments and likely new scores for many ranked countries, as ongoing efforts to improve local business environments continue. In recent years several LAC countries have pursued promising legislation and targeted programs aimed at bolstering the private equity and venture capital industry, and investors seem to be taking note. Fundraising for the region has increased from a low of US $417 million in 2003, to just over $1 billion in 2004 and an estimated $2 billion in 2005. However, further improvements are clearly needed to enhance growth. This scorecard is intended to serve as a guide to encourage reform and track changes over time.