In the 1990s, San José, Costa Rica, was beginning to emerge as a Latin American hot spot for the information technology sector. SPS Software, a small startup in San José, played an important part in the history of this sector and the development of the software industry in this region. By the end of 1995, SPS co-founders Claudio Pinto and Jorge Sequeira were considering developing a marketing strategy and expansion plan to leverage a probable infusion of venture capital, the first for a technology company in Central America.
This case explores the rapid growth of the software industry in Costa Rica including the competitive landscape and unique infrastructure and financing challenges for Central American startups. Students will follow SPS Software as it navigates these challenges and then develop a marketing and expansion plan for the company to present to a venture capital fund.