The Mind Behind DLocal: Emiliano Balagué's Vision for Unlocking Global Sports Talent
— The story of Emiliano Fernández Balagué is a testament to how one leader's vision can transform industries and empower people.
If there is one name that encapsulates the success story of Latin American Fintech, it is Emiliano Fernández Balagué. This Uruguayan entrepreneur was instrumental in the creation of AstroPay and DLocal, two companies that brought financial inclusion to millions. Far from resting on his laurels, Emiliano is now applying his proven model of innovation to new fields: Sports Business, athlete management, and strategic Real Estate developments in the U.S.
In this exclusive conversation, Emiliano shares the roadmap that connects digital payments and financial inclusion with sports entrepreneurship through transformative initiatives like Sport Summa and the Sports Performance Hub (SPH).
What is the Common Thread Between Fintech and Investment in Sports?
Emiliano explains that his journey, from AstroPay (payments pioneer) to co-founder of DLocal, has always been about solving major gaps in emerging markets.
"What I learned in Fintech—the need to innovate, create accessibility, and have the capacity to scale—are the same principles we apply to sports," he comments. "With Sport Summa and SPH, the goal is not just business; it is to democratize professional structure and world-class opportunities for talent, especially those coming from Latin America."
The Role of Sport Summa: More Than an Agency, a Career Partner
Sport Summa, co-founded with tennis legends Juan “Pico” Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta, operates as a comprehensive platform dedicated to the athlete's career and life:
- Complete sports career management.
- Sports Marketing and Branding strategies.
- Long-term planning for professional growth and transition.
By connecting athletes, international brands, and strategic partners, Sport Summa establishes itself as a leader that humanizes sports management.
SPH in Miami: Why is it the Athlete Development Center of the Americas?
The Sports Performance Hub (SPH), located in Miami-Dade, Florida, is a direct response to the need for elite infrastructure. It is designed to be the most advanced complex, combining:
- Latest-generation performance facilities.
- Comprehensive sports science and wellness.
- Technology and education at the forefront.
With Miami consolidated as a global sports capital and a host of the 2026 World Cup, SPH is the new convergence point for athletes, equipment brands, investors, and technology developers.
"SPH is not just a gym; it's where the high-performance mindset meets business opportunity in sports," says Emiliano Balagué.
How Do Ferbal Capital and USHI Outdoors Fit Into This Future Vision?
Through Ferbal Capital, his investment office, Emiliano invests in projects that seek economic growth balanced with social impact and quality of life:
- Investments in the next generation of Fintech.
- Key Real Estate developments in Miami, Brooklyn, and Port St. Lucie.
- Lifestyle brands like USHI Outdoors, focused on premium outdoor experiences and sustainability.
All ventures share a common factor: innovation as the engine for elevating the quality of life.
The Impact That Transcends: What Legacy is He Building?
For Emiliano Fernández Balagué, the ultimate goal is to connect opportunities and build robust ecosystems:
- From global financial inclusion (via Fintech).
- To infrastructure and talent management in sports.
- Creating communities and platforms that empower people.
The story of Emiliano Fernández Balagué, from AstroPay and DLocal to the creation of Sport Summa and SPH, is a testament to how one leader's vision can transform industries, empower people, and ensure a lasting global impact.
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