ASECH

What ASECH does

ASECH (Asociación de Emprendedores de Chile A.G.) is a non-profit trade association (asociación gremial) founded in 2011 and headquartered in Las Condes, Santiago. It self-describes as the largest entrepreneurial guild in Chile, with approximately 52,000 members (socios) drawn from early-stage entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (PyMEs), women entrepreneurs, and founders over 55. Its operations span at least six Chilean regions (Metropolitana, O'Higgins, Valparaíso, Maule, Atacama, Ñuble), with 51–100 employees under a board of directors chaired by President Jorge Welch and Vice President Constanza Vásquez.

The organization's product portfolio consists of the ASECH Membresía (annual subscription with two tier categories) and a stack of grant-funded programs: digital transformation tracks (TransformActiva, TransformActiva Sostenible funded by Fundación Principal and CORFO), regional digital assistance networks (Fortalece Pyme Metropolitana and Fortalece Pyme O'Higgins), the Innfluye startup incubation program (2024–2026, co-executed with Incubatec UFRO, Wedo Cowork, Red de Mentores UST), and the Emprende Vuelo Spacio1 retail supplier development program. Distribution is community- and event-led, augmented by municipal partnerships (Las Condes, Huechuraba, Renca) and corporate alliances with Mercado Libre, VISA, Scotiabank, SURA, INACAP, Universidad Mayor, AAFP, Consejo del Salmón, and others, which provide exclusive discounts and curated programming to members.

Revenue is generated primarily through two streams: annual guild membership dues and project-based grants from Chilean government agencies (CORFO, Sercotec, Entel) and foundations (Fundación Principal). Specific fee amounts are not publicly disclosed, but pricing for partner-provided services (e.g., LegalChile at CLP $21,000 + VAT/month discounted from $30,000 + VAT for the Emprendedor plan) suggests a mid-market positioning. ASECH is governed as a member-elected association; new statutes were approved by Chile's Ministry of Economy on January 12, 2026 (Oficio OFIC202600340), with the first board election under the new framework scheduled for July 10, 2026.

Name

ASECH

Legal name

Asociación Gremial de Emprendedores de Chile A.G.

Website

https://asech.cl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ASECH (Asociación de Emprendedores de Chile) is a non-profit trade association serving 52,000+ Chilean entrepreneurs and SMEs with a paid membership program, regional digital-transformation initiatives, incubation, and an ecosystem of municipal and corporate partnerships across at least six regions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Condes

HQ country

Chile

HQ region

Latin America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: ASECH generates revenue through annual membership fees with two categories of membership available to entrepreneurs seeking access to the association's network, events, benefits, and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ASECH operates a membership-based trade association for entrepreneurs in Chile with approximately 52,000 members, delivering annual guild memberships plus a portfolio of training, incubation, and digital transformation programs (TransformActiva, TransformActiva Sostenible, Fortalece Pyme Metropolitana and O'Higgins, Innfluye, and Emprende Vuelo Spacio1). Members receive exclusive partner discounts from alliances such as Mercado Libre, VISA, Scotiabank, SURA, LegalChile, Cenit, Coolebra, AFEX AV, and Crece+, along with access to workshops, networking events, mentorship, and seed capital competitions.

Product overview

ASECH (Asociación de Emprendedores de Chile) is a business association for entrepreneurs in Chile, offering a unified membership program that provides access to exclusive benefits and support. The organization's service portfolio consists of digital transformation programs (TransformActiva, TransformActiva Sostenible), regional digital assistance networks (Fortalece Pyme Metropolitana and O'Higgins), an incubation program (Innfluye), and a retail supplier development program (Emprende Vuelo Spacio1). These programs work together to support entrepreneurs at various stages, from early incubation through digital maturity, covering formation, mentoring, business networking, and seed capital opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ASECH Membresía Annual membership program for entrepreneurs in Chile, providing access to the ASECH community of 52,000+ members, exclusive discounts from corporate partners (Mercado Libre, VISA, Scotiabank, SURA, LegalChile, etc.), training workshops, networking events, and member-only program access.
• TransformActiva Digital transformation program that increases the digital capabilities of Chilean entrepreneurs through data processing tools, training activities, and business rounds, funded by Fundación Principal and co-executed with Emprediem.
• TransformActiva Sostenible Online digital transformation and sustainability program featuring workshops, group mentoring, and business rounds, with capital semilla (seed capital) prizes awarded to outstanding participants.
• Red de Asistencia Digital Fortalece Pyme Metropolitana CORFO-funded program executed with UDD Ventures and Causa Lab to increase sales and productivity in SMEs of Chile's Metropolitan Region by reducing digital gaps through tools, technical assistance, and digital transformation services.
• Red de Asistencia Digital Fortalece Pyme O'Higgins Program supporting SMEs in Chile's O'Higgins region with digital transformation through personalized diagnostics, technical assistance, and technology transfer across 33 communes, in coordination with Sercotec business centers.
• Innfluye Incubation program for dynamic entrepreneurs and early-stage companies from idea phase to minimum viable product, organized in five stages of training including Academy, Bootcamps, mentoring, and technical assistance.
• Emprende Vuelo Spacio1 Business development program for food product suppliers of Spacio1 (Esmax) convenience stores, consisting of 12 customized workshops covering value proposition, design, advertising, and business models.

Quantifiable outcome

• 52,000 entrepreneurs served as members
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• PivotesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2025Partnership with Pivotes and Municipality of Huechuraba for 'Patente en un día' (Patent in a Day) project to transform business licensing, making Huechuraba the first municipality in Chile to offer rapid patent processing.
• Municipalidad de Las CondescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2025Alliance signed July 18, 2025 to provide free ASECH memberships to 1,000 entrepreneurs from Las Condes, signed by Vice President Constanza Vásquez and Mayor Catalina San Martín.
• CoolebraminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 May 2025ASECH and Coolebra partnership enables entrepreneurs to monitor prices, stock, and promotions of competitors across 300+ stores. ASECH members get 50% discount on setup using code ASECHCOOL.
• Universidad MayorminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2025Convenio between ASECH and Universidad Mayor signed to promote entrepreneurial formation and networking opportunities, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem from academia.
• Consejo del SalmónminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2024Cooperation agreement to promote sustainable development, competitiveness, and new business opportunities in the salmon industry. Focus on supporting suppliers, PyMEs, and entrepreneurs in the salmon aquaculture sector through good practices and local supplier selection.
• SERCOTECcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SERCOTEC partnership for 'Gira Empoderamiento Femenino' (Women's Empowerment Tour) and business center network access. Programs in Copiapó, Chillán and other regions reaching 150+ women entrepreneurs per event.
• Incubatec UFROminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024Incubatec UFRO provides Academy training for Innfluye incubation program for dynamic entrepreneurs in O'Higgins region, with execution timeline 2024-2026.
• AAFP (Asociación de AFP)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Convenio AAFP y ASECH signed in 2023 to foster entrepreneurship and formal employment through talks, training programs, and pension education courses in Santiago and regions. Joint initiatives focus on promoting formal labor market participation.
• PushdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerASECH and Pushd partnership allows entrepreneurs to reach thousands of people directly on their phones without depending on algorithms. Pushd is an advertising solution that is up to 37x more effective than social media ads, offering exclusive plans for ASECH members.
• CenitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerASECH and Cenit partnership provides entrepreneurs with a tax management app that automates monthly taxes, F29 declarations, and provides a 24/7 AI assistant. ASECH members receive 10% discount on monthly subscription.
• AFEX AVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAFEX AV partnership offers ASECH members 3 free international transfers (SWIFT) without the $25 USD commission, then $20 USD per transfer thereafter. Service is for safe, transparent international payments to suppliers and investments.
• LegalChileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLegalChile partnership provides ASECH members with legal services including unlimited consultations on labor, commercial, and administrative matters, company formation, trademark registration, contract review, and 50% discount on labor court defense. Plan Entrepreneur at $21,000 + VAT/month for ASECH members (30% discount).
• Black Friday ChileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with BlackFriday.cl event allows ASECH members to maintain presale rates on all plans and multiply x2 the number of offers to publish during the Black Friday event (Nov 29 - Dec 2) expecting 1 million visitors.
• Mercado LibrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance with Mercado Libre providing ASECH members access to tools (Mercado Libre, Mercado Pago, Mercado Envíos, Mercado Ads, Mercado Shops), exclusive webinars and training on ecommerce, and development programs (Mercado Libre Inicia for new sellers, Mercado Libre Potencia for existing sellers).
• VISAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVISA Chile and ASECH partnership to accelerate PyME digitalization through digital payment solutions and financial education. Focus on enabling small businesses to access new audiences, accept secure payments, and improve efficiency through digital payments.
• TactechcoreTechnology or IntegrationTactech serves as the technological arm of ASECH entrepreneurs through a strategic alliance. Provides platform development, process automation, and digital decision-making support. Empowers Chilean PyMEs with innovative and personalized technological solutions.
• ScotiabankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerScotiabank partnership provides financial services to ASECH members including ScotiaZero Empresas account and participation in joint events like 'CREA oportunidades' with INACAP, AAFP, and Fpyme Maule.
• SURAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSURA Empresas partnership provides corporate training through workshops and seminars for entrepreneurs, including sustainability and business development topics.
• INACAPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINACAP partnership provides educational programs, seminars, and training for entrepreneurs. Joint seminars held at various INACAP locations including Renca, Talca, and Viña del Mar campuses to support PyME and entrepreneur development.
• SOSAFEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerASECH and SOSAFE partnership provides security services to entrepreneurs including 24/7 monitoring, connected cameras, and rapid emergency response.
• Círculo MayorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCírculo Mayor partnership provides training and formation opportunities for entrepreneurs nationwide, mentioned in Newsletter Marzo as part of the alliance network.
• Municipalidad de HuechurabacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Huechuraba Municipality for 'Patente en un día' initiative, making it the first municipality in Chile to offer one-day business patents. Also involved in 'Emprende con Apoyo' events.
• SOFOFAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SOFOFA for economic crimes seminar series addressing implications of new laws on economic, labor, and environmental crimes for smaller businesses.
• Fpyme O'HigginsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFpyme O'Higgins partnership for joint events including Cumbre Emprendedora on Automation and AI, supporting PyME digital transformation in the O'Higgins region.
• UDD VenturesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUDD Ventures co-execution partner for Red de Asistencia Digital Fortalece Pyme Metropolitana program providing technical assistance for PyME digital transformation.
• Causa LabminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCausa Lab co-execution partner for Red de Asistencia Digital Fortalece Pyme Metropolitana program.
• Wedo CoworkminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWedo Cowork partner for Innfluye incubation program providing workspace and support for entrepreneurs in O'Higgins region.
• Red de Mentores USTminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRed de Mentores UST provides mentorship for Innfluye incubation program supporting dynamic entrepreneurs in O'Higgins region.
• LiciminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLici partnership for webinars on public procurement with experts, offering free participation and limited spots.
• Yapo.clminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYapo.cl partnership for Home Fest megaevent and webinars on online selling and Christmas sales preparation.
• ApaniominorGTM or Marketing PartnerApanio partnership for 'How to sell online and not die trying' webinar helping entrepreneurs with ecommerce strategies.
• 100+Labs (AB-InBev, Coca-Cola Andina)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerASECH executive team invited to Pich Inicial 100+Labs CL 2024-2025 program by AB-InBev and Coca-Cola Andina.
• EmprediemcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEmprediem co-execution partner for TransformActiva program (November 2023 - July 2024) focused on increasing digital capabilities of entrepreneurs.
• ICAREminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerICARE partnership for events including '2025: Un pacto por el crecimiento' and 'Mujer y Crecimiento Económico' dialogue on women's inclusion in the workforce.
• Mercado Libre ExperienceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerASECH promoting Mercado Libre Experience event in Chile, the #1 E-Commerce event in Latin America with 4 stages, 60+ speakers, and 20+ exhibition stands.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• CONFIEP (Confederación Nacional de Instituciones Empresariales Privadas): Peru's leading private enterprise confederation, representing businesses across sectors with policy advocacy and member services. CONFIEP operates a similar gremio/association structure to ASECH but at a broader enterprise level rather than entrepreneur-focused.
• CONUPIA (Confederación Uruguaya de la Pequeña Industria y Artesanía): Uruguayan confederation of small industry and artisan producers, organized as a gremio with membership dues. CONUPIA is a smaller-scale but structurally comparable Latin American SME association operating in an adjacent geography.
• COPARMEX (Confederación Patronal de la República Mexicana): Mexican employers' confederation representing SME and entrepreneur interests with a chapter-based, dues-funded model. COPARMEX is a regional comparable operating a similar SME-advocacy and member-services playbook across Latin America's largest economy.
• AELE (Asociación de Emprendedores de España): Spanish entrepreneurs' association focused on advocacy, networking, and member services for SMEs and startups. AELE parallels ASECH's entrepreneur-specific mission in a different European geography, with comparable policy advocacy and ecosystem-building objectives.

Direct peers

• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): The largest U.S. small-business trade association, with a member-driven dues model, state-level lobbying, and exclusive partner benefits for entrepreneurs. NFIB is the closest international analogue to ASECH's positioning as the dominant entrepreneur guild in its market.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses, with member dues, advocacy, and partner benefit programs analogous to ASECH's. CFIB is a direct structural peer in a different geography with the same dues, advocacy, and SME-support mission.
• FENAPI (Federación Nacional de la Pequeña Industria de Chile): Chilean federation representing small industrial producers, with a comparable gremio structure, dues-based membership, and representation of Chilean SMEs. FENAPI competes for the same institutional attention and SME mind-share that ASECH serves.

Others

• ICARE (Instituto Chileno de Administración Racional de Empresas): Chilean business leadership institute focused on executive training, seminars, and policy dialogue. ICARE is a documented ASECH ally that addresses a higher-tier audience than ASECH's entrepreneur base, making it a complementary ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.
• SOFOFA (Sociedad de Fomento Fabril): Chile's main industrial federation and a documented ASECH partner. SOFOFA is an adjacent industry association that operates at a broader industrial scale (manufacturing, larger firms) rather than ASECH's entrepreneur focus, making it a complementary rather than competitive ecosystem participant.
• CORFO (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción): Chile's main economic development agency and a key ASECH funder (Fortalece Pyme programs). CORFO also runs direct entrepreneur-support programs that compete for the same SME audience, positioning it as both a sponsor and a potential disintermediator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCI7o5vOXlaXn2uI93wYQh0Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/asech.ag
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/asech
• Instagraminstagram.com/asech_ag
• Xx.com/ASECH_ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ASECH