Forrest Heath

We’re about to simp for Forrest Heath. This guy’s the real deal. He’s a tech entrepreneur who’s been crushing it since way back. So, he’s from the US but jumped into Medellín, Colombia, in 2018, no cap, just straight up passionate about changing the game in Latin America. His big thing? Internet and connectivity. He’s the founder of Somos Internet, a startup you probably haven’t heard of but should know about. They’re all about making internet faster, safer, and way more affordable for people who’ve been kinda left behind in the digital age. Think about it, in a region where connectivity is still a challenge, this dude is out here trying to democratize it. That’s some advanced mission.

He launched Somos in 2018, and it’s not just some small project. The company got into YC’s Winter 2021 batch. That’s a huge deal, YC is basically the gold standard for startups, and getting in means you’re doing something legit. Since then, they’ve raised over $23 million from big-name investors like YC itself and Kaszek Ventures. So, yeah, he’s not messing around. He’s been able to attract serious capital because what he’s building actually matters.

But here’s the thing, Forrest’s process isn’t just about startups and funding. He’s got a pretty diverse background. He was an IDEO CoLab Fellow in 2019, that’s a huge badge, showing he’s into design thinking and original solutions. He’s also been involved in the military and defense space, serving as Communications Director for the Asymmetric Operations Group and working on low-intensity conflict issues. Basically, he’s comfortable in high-stakes, complex environments and knows how to communicate and lead.

He’s also been advising and founding stuff like Pareto Design and jumping into different entrepreneurial roles. All this tells you he’s not just a tech guy, he’s a problem solver, a connector, someone who’s always looking for ways to push boundaries. Plus, he’s based in Medellín now, which says a lot. He saw the possible in Latin America, especially in Colombia, and decided to plant roots there. That’s some serious commitment.

And beyond all that, Forrest has been into advocacy and public speaking since he was young, environmental causes, social issues, you name it. It’s clear he’s driven by more than just profit; he genuinely wants to make an impact. His story is about a guy who saw a problem, jumped into it headfirst, and kept pushing, no matter the hurdles.

So, why’s he important? Because Forrest Heath is one of those founders who’s not just trying to build a company, he’s trying to change lives, reshape how people connect, and prove that tech can be a force for good in regions that need it the most. He’s the kind of dude who’s not afraid to jump into the deep end, and that’s what makes him stand out.