Global Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026

Most startups don’t fail because the idea was bad. They fail in the unglamorous stretch after the launch announcement, when the funding is thin, the market shifts, and the founder has to decide whether to keep going. The entrepreneurs in this edition made that decision repeatedly, often without an audience. TradeFlock’s latest edition, “Global Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026,” profiles the founders and business builders turning early conviction into companies with real traction, across borders, sectors, and market cycles.

We spoke with entrepreneurs across fintech, healthcare, energy, education, and community leadership, and asked what building a business looks like once the pitch deck is behind them. The conversations moved past funding rounds and growth targets into the details that rarely make headlines but decide which companies last. One founder described rebuilding an entire product roadmap around a single customer complaint that everyone else had dismissed as an edge case. Another described entering a new market with no local partners and no brand recognition, and choosing to hire locally before revenue justified it.

This edition puts those choices on record, along with the thinking and the risks behind them. Grab the full digital edition to read every profile in detail.

Jessica Crum

Founder & Principal Advisor

Roshira Insights, LLC

With over 20 years of experience across healthcare operations, patient access, clinical informatics, and technology-enabled transformation, Jessica Crum is Founder and Principal Advisor of Roshira Insights. Her previous leadership roles include Forrest Health, LCMC Health, Ochsner Health, Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospitals, and LHC Group. She is also a national speaker, mentor, and member of the Professional Development Steering Committee for the Hospital Capacity Management Consortium (HCMC).

Aurélien de Meaux

Co-Founder & CEO

Electra

Aurélien de Meaux is an entrepreneur and technology leader focused on electric mobility and energy transition. As Co-Founder and CEO of Electra, he leads EV fast-charging infrastructure development across Europe. Previously, he co-founded and co-led Cheerz, gaining experience in technology and industrial deployment.

Cristina Junqueira

Co-Founder

Nubank

With over 22 years of experience across banking, fintech, marketing, and product strategy, Cristina Junqueira is Co-Founder of Nubank, helping build and scale digital financial services in Latin America. Her previous roles include Itaú Unibanco, LuizaCred, Unibanco, and The Boston Consulting Group.

Diego Olcese Diaz

Co-Founder & CEO

Crehana

Education, workforce development, technology, and the future of work define Diego Olcese Diaz’s expertise, backed by over 15 years of experience. As Co-Founder and CEO of Crehana, he leads an L&D technology company across Latin America.

Erik Martinson

CINO & Co-Founder

Svea Solar

Renewable energy, technology, sustainability, and business development define Erik Martinson’s expertise, backed by over 18 years of experience. As CINO and Co-Founder of Svea Solar, he has helped build a company focused on solar energy and sustainable living.

Manuel Beaudroit

Co-Founder & CEO & CPO

Belo

Manuel Beaudroit is an entrepreneur and fintech leader with experience across digital finance, blockchain, marketing, and technology. As Co-Founder, CEO, and CPO of Belo, he leads a financial technology company focused on digital financial services. Previously, he co-founded Bitex and held leadership roles at Accenture.

Newton Maia Alves

Founder & CEO

Principia

With extensive experience across entrepreneurship, education technology, financial solutions, and digital transformation, Newton Maia Alves is Founder and CEO of Principia, an edtech and fintech company serving educational institutions across Latin America. His previous experience includes Endeavor Brasil, International Meal Company, YPO, and fintech ventures.

Prophet (Braxton Vaughn) Stacks

Founder & CEO

Profit More LLC

With over 23 years of experience across sales, marketing, hospitality, food services, entertainment, agriculture, and financial services, Prophet, also known as Braxton Vaughn Stacks, is the Founder and CEO of Profit More LLC. His ventures include catering, agriculture, film, entertainment, and business development.

Richard R. Ramos

Founder & CEO

Parents on a Mission

Leadership development, organisational culture, executive coaching, youth leadership, and community transformation define Richard R. Ramos’s expertise, backed by more than three decades of experience. As Founder and CEO of Parents on a Mission and Youth on a Mission, he develops leadership and culture-focused programs.

Sergio Furio

Founder & CEO

Creditas

With over 26 years of experience across fintech, banking, technology, strategy, and venture investing, Sergio Furio is Founder and CEO of Creditas. Previously, he spent over seven years at The Boston Consulting Group and nearly five years at Deutsche Bank across strategy and investment banking.