In partnership with

Aida is not just a platform, it’s an AI-powered partner for microbusinesses, designed to revolutionize the way microbusiness ooperate, scale, and thrive in the digital economy.

By combining advanced conversational AI with practical, easy-to-use tools, Aida empowers micro-entrepreneurs to simplify their operations and unlock new income streams, all within the familiar accessibility of WhatsApp.

From creating AI-driven sales growth agents to digital storefronts and all in one payment links, Aida offers an ecosystem of tools that are intuitive, powerful, and focused on just one thing “Sales”.

The platform focuses on meeting the specific needs of micro businesses, which often struggle with scalability and sales. By providing user-friendly, plug-and-play solutions, Aida aims to bridge the gap between traditional business operations and modern technological advancements.

“For us, it’s about being more than a tool; it’s about being a partner in growth for these small businesses,” Erick added.

Aida’s Inception Story

Aida’s inception stemmed from Erick’s firsthand experience with microbusinesses during his time at DAPP, a QR payment network. While building a network of 20,000 merchants, Erick observed that many microbusinesses faced challenges far beyond payments. 

This led him and his co-founder to explore solutions addressing broader operational and sales difficulties, culminating in the creation of Aida.

Initially envisioned as a conversational banking platform within WhatsApp, Aida’s focus shifted after realizing that its resources were better suited for building scalable tools aimed at increasing sales. 

This pivot was informed by customer feedback and a deep understanding of the microbusiness market.

“The moment we launched the personal WhatsApp POS and saw how it resonated with users was our aha moment. It showed us that the core challenge wasn’t just payments but empowering sales growth.” - Erick Padilla

How Aida Works?

Aida eliminates the complexity of starting and running a digital business by offering intuitive, AI-powered tools that allow micro-entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business.

1. Quick Registration: An account can be created on WhatsApp in under five minutes, enabling immediate access to Aida’s tools.

2. Customizable Tools: Easily add logos, products, and services without any technical expertise, allowing businesses to personalize their digital storefronts effortlessly and share all in one payment links.

3. Customize your AI Sales Agent: Aida features an AI-powered virtual sales agent that handles the entire sales process, from prospecting potential customers, closing, payment and shipping. The AI sales agent can initiate conversations, answer inquiries, provide personalized product recommendations, and guide customers through the purchase journey—all automatically. 

4. Real-Time Insights: Receive instant notifications for every sale and access comprehensive analytics to track business performance, helping entrepreneurs make data-driven decisions.

Aida simplifies digital business operations, offering a user-friendly solution for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and simplicity all at a reach of a chat.

Founders

Erick Padilla & Borja Gavica

Traction

To date, Aida currently supports 500 recurring microbusinesses and four corporate customers through its white-label solution, achieving an impressive 35% MoM growth.

The company aims to scale to 22,000 businesses by 2025, driving its mission to empower digital commerce.

Funding

2023, 170k, (Angels and FF Round)

Currently Raising Pre Seed

Aida’s Roadmap

Aida’s growth strategy is anchored in continuously evolving its offerings to meet the dynamic needs of microbusinesses. With the rise of automation and AI, the team envisions Aida as a lifeline for entrepreneurs adapting to a tech-driven economy.

“As new platforms and tools emerge, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that Aida remains indispensable to micro-entrepreneurs.” - Erick Padilla 

Future plans include expanding Aida’s ecosystem of tools and exploring partnerships that can further extend its reach. By leveraging data insights and user feedback, Aida intends to refine its offerings and scale its impact across underserved markets.

“Our goal isn’t just growth in numbers; it’s about creating meaningful impact by enabling microbusinesses to thrive in a competitive landscape,” Erick emphasized.

Product Growth Initiatives include:

1. Enhanced Toolset: Developing advanced AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics for inventory and sales forecasting, tailored to the unique challenges of micro-entrepreneurs.

2. Global Reach: Expanding into new markets across Latin America, where the need for accessible, tech-driven business solutions is on the rise. Erick said, "Scaling Aida into neighboring markets allows us to tap into similar pain points but adapt locally for cultural and economic contexts."

3. Strategic Partnerships: Building alliances with fintech providers, e-commerce platforms, and logistics companies to create an integrated ecosystem for micro-businesses.

4. Focus on Education: Offering training modules to empower users, helping them maximize the potential of Aida’s tools and adopt emerging technologies effectively.

5. AI and Automation: Staying at the forefront of AI trends by integrating cutting-edge technologies while ensuring solutions remain affordable and user-friendly.

“We’re not just building a product; we’re helping redefine how micro-businesses operate in a rapidly changing world.”- Erick Padilla

Challenges and Misconceptions

While Aida has made significant strides, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One major obstacle has been the potential increase in costs for AI services and the risk of regulatory hurdles that could impact scalability.

“The scalability of AI-driven solutions comes with its own set of risks, especially if service providers decide to increase their prices,” Erick pointed out.

Another challenge lies in misconceptions about AI and automation among microbusiness owners. Many view these technologies as complex or inaccessible, which Aida actively works to demystify.

“Our biggest challenge is convincing micro-entrepreneurs that these tools aren’t just for big businesses. We’re here to show them that AI can be simple, affordable, and transformative.” - Erick Padilla (Co-Founder Aida)

Despite these hurdles, Erick remains optimistic, citing the strength of Aida’s community and its adaptability as key defenses against potential competitors and market fluctuations.

“Challenges will always exist, but our commitment to listening to our users and evolving with their needs gives us the edge to overcome them,” he concluded.

Market Opportunity

Mexico’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is experiencing significant growth, expected to reach $2.7 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 28.52%, leading to a market size of $12.5 billion by 2030 [Statista]. This expansion highlights the increasing reliance on AI-driven solutions across industries, fueled by the region’s digital transformation and the need for efficient, scalable tools.

Aida’s focus on supporting microbusinesses to integrate AI aligns with this trend. These small enterprises are a cornerstone of the economy and represent a growing demand for AI-powered tools that simplify their operations. As Erick Padilla puts it: 

“Microbusinesses for us are the future of the economy. Because either you're going to be a part-time micro business or you're going to be a full-time micro business.”

By providing accessible solutions through platforms like WhatsApp, Aida empowers entrepreneurs to streamline their businesses and adapt to the changing economic landscape, making it a key contributor to the evolving AI ecosystem in the region.

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