Advice for Early Stage Founders (and Investors) with BZCPs Eduardo Zilberberg
In this episode of Brazil Is Not for Beginners, host Isaac interviews Eduardo Zilberberg, the Z in BZCP, a leading local law firm focused on M&A advisory services, where he focuses on helping entrepreneurs navigate the country’s complex business landscape. Throughout the conversation, Eduardo shares practical lessons for entrepreneurs on fundraising, building trust with investors, and understanding the life cycle of a startup—from pre-seed to exit. He also reflects on the current state of the Brazilian startup ecosystem, comparing its maturity and unique challenges with global markets.Other key topics include:Brazil’s venture ecosystem and what makes the country both promising and challenging.How early-stage founders can navigate Brazil’s bureaucracy and make smarter fundraising decisions.Key differences between foreign and local investors — and how these perspectives shape startup growth.The stages of a founder’s journey, from first steps to scaling, and how strategic choices change over time.The importance he places on providing business and operational support and not just legal adviceAnd lots more…
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Inside Brazil’s Oil & Gas Industry with Rystad Energy’s Schriener Parker
In this episode of Brazil (is not) for Beginners, Isaac sits down with Schreiner Parker, Head of Emerging Markets at Rystad Energy, who has built a career at the center of Brazil’s oil and gas industry. Originally from a small town in Texas, Schreiner traces his journey in Brazil’s energy sector, from early work around the time of discovery of the pre-salt reserves to leadership roles at Wood Mackenzie and now Rystad. The conversation highlights the challenges of building a business in Brazil, the nuances of working with local partners, and the pivotal role Petrobras plays in shaping the oil & gas industry. Schreiner also reflects on the broader future of energy in Brazil, from the promise of biofuels to the rise of independent players, while addressing the lessons of corruption scandals and the importance of cultural understanding. What emerges is a story not just of oil and gas, but of patience, resilience, and the kind of long-term vision needed to navigate Brazil’s complex business environment.Other key topics include:Brazilian corporate culture and the importance of interpersonal trustCultural differences in business practices and the importance of a local presenceThe role of biofuels in Brazil’s energy mixBuilding international partnerships and investments in BrazilLessons from career and entrepreneurship in Brazil’s energy sectorAnd lots more…
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Staying curious and spotting emerging trends with Kanoa Capital's Guilherme Bonifácio
In this episode of Brazil (is not) for Beginners, Isaac sits down with Guilherme Bonifácio, one of Brazil’s most successful serial entrepreneurs and co-founder of Kanoa Capital, a pioneer in the search fund space. Guilherme was one of the co-founders of iFood, the market leader in food delivery in Brazil, but this episode focuses on Guilherme’s journey after iFood, in particular his experience founding Mercê do Bairro, and ultimately deciding to close the company and return $7 million to investors as well as his most recent venture Kanoa Capital. Guilherme shares what he learned from his experience with Mercê, why he made the decision to winddown and return funds to his investors, and what it reveals about resilience and responsibility in entrepreneurship. The conversation then moves on to Guilherme’s newest venture where he is focused on search funds and their growing relevance in the Brazilian market. Guilherme further reflects on his broader personal journey, including his earlier role as a co-founder of iFood, and how these experiences continue to shape his long-term vision with Kanoa Capital. Other key topics include:• The responsibilities of founders and the importance of staying humble• Why it’s important for founders to understand the mechanics of venture capital and the interests and motivations of your investors• Why Guilherme believes so strongly in the enormous potential of search funds in Brazil• Key qualities and traits for successful searchers and business strategies• And lots more...
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Revolutionizing Brazil's Green Landscape with Courageous Land
In this episode of Brazil (is not) for Beginners, Isaac Matzner sits down with Philip Kauders, CEO & Co-Founder at Courageous Land. They discuss Philip’s journey to Brazil, his career transition from finance to sustainable agriculture, and his efforts through Courageous Land to combat climate change via agroforestry and carbon credits. Philip explains the economic and environmental benefits of integrating agroforestry into Brazil's agricultural practices and highlights how Courageous Land is addressing key challenges to scalability, emphasizing how Brazil is positioned to lead in sustainable agriculture.Other key topics include:• Sustainability Concepts: Carbon Credits, Carbon Sequestration, Agroforestry and more• The history and mission of Courageous Land• Challenges and opportunities in Brazil's agricultural sector• The growing importance of technology and data in sustainable agriculture• The importance of local knowledge and relationships for success in Brazil• Brazil's biodiversity as an opportunity for agroforestry and the influence of global demand on sustainable farming practices• And lots more...
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Building Success in Brazil’s Insurance World with Marcos Couto
In this episode of Brazil (is not) for Beginners, Isaac sits down with Marcos Couto, President and CEO of Alper Seguros, seasoned insurance executive, and veteran board member. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Marcos has done it all—from starting out in marine insurance at 14, to leading growth strategies at companies like ACE Brazil and executing major turnarounds at Tempo Assist and BR Insurance, now Alper Seguros, a consolidator transforming Brazil’s fragmented insurance brokerage landscape.Marcos shares the lessons learned from a career defined by bold moves, high-stakes decisions, and a deep understanding of how governance, strategy and a focus on execution and performance shape long-term success. Whether you’re interested in Brazil’s unique business dynamics, leadership under pressure, or scaling companies in tough markets, this conversation delivers insights well beyond the world of insurance. Other key topics include:• Why strategic career moves can matter more than linear growth• What it takes to turn around struggling companies and drive big exits• How governance, transparency, and board alignment impact business growth• The playbook for consolidating industries through mergers & acquisitions• Why meritocracy and culture are critical in scaling high-performance teams• The hidden opportunities in Brazil’s insurance and brokerage markets• And lots more…
Brazil (is not) for Beginners is a podcast about the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Brazil. Host Isaac Matzner is the co-founder of Teddy and has been living and working in Brazil for the better part of a decade. He is based in São Paulo.
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