The World Was Built by Someone, And That Someone Can Be Us (By Vivian Peres)
There are things we dream about for so long that, when they finally happen, our bodies don’t quite know how to react. That’s exactly how I felt when I set foot in San Francisco for the first time.
My interest in entrepreneurship truly came to life last year—not as a concept, but as a path. Before that, it had already been present on the edges: during the four years I spent building the education division at Instituto Caldeira, connecting public school students to the tech ecosystem; at Inteli, where I learned that technology without purpose is just a tool; and through Na Praça and Authra, startups born from the belief that grassroots entrepreneurship and innovation can—and should—go hand in hand. But it was in 2025 that I realized I truly wanted to play this game—and that I had something to say about how we build technology for impact in Brazil.
Arriving in San Francisco as part of the LALA delegation at BSV 2026 was the tangible realization of all of this. More than a dream come true, it was a confirmation: everything in the world was built by someone. Nothing starts big. And there are incredible people willing to remind you of that as they walk alongside you.
The first happy hour: stepping into the game
At the very beginning of the week, at a bar on a hill, we already knew this experience would be different. We were surrounded by some of the most prominent entrepreneurs in Brazil—and even globally—and our voices, as young people ready to truly step into the game, were heard. We sparked genuine curiosity. We exchanged inspiration with people who had spent their entire careers in the ecosystem—people unafraid to share the difficulties of their journeys and to show that vulnerability is not weakness, but exactly what gives meaning to everything.
Google X and the art of starting with what you have
Our official agenda began at Google X, and what struck me most wasn’t the scale—it was the simplicity of the process. The big projects, the revolutions we admire from afar, begin exactly like any other project: with what is available, with creativity, and with a willingness to fail and reinvent. It was effectuation in its purest form—something I had studied, now alive and materialized in projects that have changed the world.
I learned about consistency. About the value of diverse perspectives looking at the same problem. About the detachment required to let go of what no longer makes sense. And about not being afraid to challenge problems no one else has dared to face. Everyone has the ability to imagine and build—when there is method, vulnerability, and real human connection.
Google, Stanford, and the power of environment
Later, we visited another part of Google’s campus, and I was fascinated by how intentionally the environment is designed to foster ideas and expand creativity. It’s not a coincidence—it’s by design.
Then came Stanford. This moment deserves a pause. Walking through a campus that breathes innovation in every corner was one of the most sensory experiences of the trip. An open, vibrant environment for reflection. People truly present. It feels as if the air itself reminds you that thinking big is not arrogance—it is responsibility.
The BSV opening happy hour took place at the Stanford museum—an enchanting garden, cinematic lighting—and suddenly we were standing in front of the entire community. My first feeling was honest: a thread of fear. There is responsibility in representing, in being in that space, in being young among giants. But that fear was quickly replaced by the honor of listening and sharing who we are. I reconnected with other young leaders, felt inspired by what they are building, and was energized by that unique mix—those just starting and those who had already built before I was even born.
The first official day: pitching in front of 100 people
On the first official day of BSV, at Google’s campus, we experienced the full power of the community gathered there. We listened to Victor Lazarte (Wildlife), Pedro Franceschi (Brex), Luana Lopes Lara (Kalshi), and Luciano Huck—completely different journeys, yet with one common thread: clarity about why they do what they do and how that translates into real impact.
The afternoon was filled with meetings, connections, and an expansion of my perspective on how and why technology is being built in Brazil today. I met people from different sectors, company sizes, and roles in the ecosystem—all genuinely curious about what we, as young people, had to share. And I, both excited and a bit intimidated, was learning how to position myself, refine my narrative with each question, and better understand my own value.
That evening, at the Monashees happy hour, Kevin invited the five leaders from our delegation to give a quick pitch in front of around 100 major names in global entrepreneurship. It wasn’t just any presentation—it was a real challenge and a powerful affirmation of our capability and the importance of occupying these spaces.
The lunch that rewired my brain
On the second and final day of BSV, I started with a technical session led by a Stanford professor on the practical future of AI. I paused, listened carefully, and learned a great deal. Then we drove up a large hill for lunch at Casa Norte, dedicated to LALA.
We arrived at one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. A view overlooking all of Silicon Valley. A sense of collective potential that is hard to put into words. But even more powerful than the place were the people. I had the opportunity to introduce myself and listen to the stories of some of the most important entrepreneurs in Brazilian and global history—people truly engaged with our dreams, seeing themselves in our current stage of life.
Connecting with founders of such impact brought me closer to the purest value of entrepreneurship: they opened doors, made lives easier, and created dreams, tools, and opportunities for millions across Latin America and the world. That is the movement I want to be part of.
Bloomberg, Minerva, and the strength of the LALA community
Back in San Francisco, we visited Bloomberg’s headquarters—one of LALA’s partners—and I was impressed by the depth of the experience. Understanding who the people behind the work are, and why they do what they do, showed me that not only is there space for us, but that there are organizations that genuinely value and expand opportunities for our unique perspectives and backgrounds.
We then toured Minerva’s new headquarters, an innovative university with a leadership-driven model that I’m eager to explore further.
And the highlight of the day: meeting Jhussahara and Maricielo, two Peruvian Lalíderes based in San Francisco. Regardless of nationality, background, or life path, there is something about the LALA community that is hard to explain—but that makes friendships emerge naturally and meaningfully. We spent the day exploring the city together, sharing stories. It was one of the best moments of the entire trip.
Texas and a full-circle ending
After BSV, my next stop was Texas—where I reunited with one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received: Else, my LALA mentor. Our relationship is nearly six years old. Else transformed my life. She supported me not only through applications, but in understanding myself, recognizing my dreams, making decisions, and exploring the world. Seeing her again and remembering everything I experienced through LALA was a profound gift—one that brought this intense, beautiful, and transformative week to a perfect close.
None of this would have been the same without every person in the delegation and everyone responsible for creating this experience—each with their ideas, humor, and unique ways of being, which turned us into a family eager to share what we learned.
LALA community: thank you for believing in me, for growing together, and for giving me the chance to reinvent my dreams here.
Moving forward—for all of our dreams.
Article by Vivian Peres (LALíder).
