Our Team

We are a team of experienced entrepreneurs who share a passion for all things high tech, entrepreneurship, youth, and Mexico.

Bismarck Lepe

Founder & Board Chair

Bismarck is the CEO of Wizeline, a business intelligence software company. Wizeline was created to help companies use data to build products that their customers use and love. Bismarck is also founder and chairman of Wizeline, a global product services company focused on supporting media companies with technology product development. Prior to Wizeline, he co-founded Ooyala, a video platform company that delivers video to over 200 million unique viewers, monthly. In 2014, Ooyala was sold to Telstra for 400 million USD. Prior to Ooyala, Bismarck was an early product manager at Google where he managed the growth of display and video advertising products. Businessweek named Bismarck one of the nation's top entrepreneurs, and in 2014, the Mexican Ministry of Exterior bestowed the Ohtli award upon him. Bismarck has a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University.

Jesse Torrence

CEO

Jesse has over 15 years of experience as a social entrepreneur working at the intersection of economic development, education, high tech entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. He has founded, managed, and advised four different nationally recognized nonprofits including Minds Incorporated, Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, Global Citizen Year, and Transformative Action Institute. Earlier in his career, as an international development professional, Jesse worked with the World Bank on evaluating its organizational structure and lending instruments, with developing country heads of state on economic development and capacity building, and with the World Economic Forum to convene multinational corporations. Jesse holds a Masters in Public Administration in International Development from Harvard University and BAs in Economics and International Relations from Stanford University. He enjoys writing, public speaking, Latin dance, and contemplative practices. Jesse is a survivor of Giant Cell Myocarditis, and is the grateful recipient of a heart transplant.

Cindy Blanco

Managing Director

Cindy Blanco has focused her career on on creating high tech jobs, strengthening tech education and fostering economic development. Born and raised in Guadalajara, Cindy is passionate about elevating the the profile of Mexico--and especially Guadalajara--as a world class destination for entrepreneurs, offshore operations and investment capital in high tech sector. Before StartupGDL Cindy worked at Plug and Play Tech Center as the Operations Manager for the accelerator’s Mexican chapter. Previously to Plug and Play, Cindy served as the Strategic Partnerships Manager at MIT Enterprise Forum Mexico. Cindy graduated from ITESO with a degree in International Affairs.