Joao Costa

Look, here’s the real scoop on Joao Costa, this guy’s the real deal in Latin America’s startup scene. He’s a YC W19 alum, which already shows he’s got that hustle and credibility. But what’s crazy is his process, he’s been deep in the game for a while, jumping from one big thing to another, always pushing boundaries.

So, Joao co-founded Kovi, a killer rental car platform for on-demand drivers in Latin America. Basically, he’s solving a huge problem, getting rideshare drivers the cars they need without all the bullshit. Kovi’s crushed it, pulling in major investments from the likes of Y Combinator, monashees, and Global Founders Capital. That’s no small feat, it proves the guy’s got the vision and the tech chops.

Before Kovi, he rolled with rideshare giant 99, so he’s got serious street cred in mobility and transportation. That experience probably gave him the inside scoop on what the market needs and how to build solutions that actually work. He’s been around big names, too, worked with companies like DiDi, Beleza na Web, Passei Direto, Chaordic, Rudra, and even foundations like CERTI and Stela Institute. Not sure if he was directly involved with all of them, but it shows he’s got a broad background in tech and startups, always looking for the future trend.

What’s wild is his story isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about solving real problems, especially in Latin America, a region that’s got crazy possible but also a lot of problems. Joao jumped into this space with a clear goal: make transportation better, more accessible, and expandable. His process from startups to now leading a company that’s backed by top investors shows he’s not just building for today, he’s playing the long game.

Honestly, what this tells me about Joao is he’s relentless. He’s not just chasing money or fame, he genuinely cares about creating impact. His track record shows he’s someone who learns fast, adapts, and always pushes forward. Starting Kovi after all that experience? That’s him betting on himself and the market, and holy shit, he’s crushing it.

Bottom line: Joao Costa is a guy who’s been through the trenches, knows the game inside out, and is out here building stuff that actually changes lives. He’s the kind of founder you wanna keep an eye on, smart, driven, and totally committed to making Latin America a better place through tech.