Startups in Quito, Ecuador: 2027 guide

Startups in Quito: the short answer

Quito is #399 of 1,000 cities in our startup city ranking (scores from 2024 ecosystem data), and it is a practical, low-cost base for a software or services startup. You can register a sociedad por acciones simplificada (SAS) online for free, the city hands out seed capital of up to USD 40,000 through FONQUITO, and Ecuador uses the US dollar, which removes currency risk for foreign investors. Security is the caveat: a 60-day state of emergency declared on 15 September 2026 covers Pichincha, the province around Quito.

Is Quito a good place to start a startup in 2027?

Yes for early-stage founders who want low setup costs and a Spanish-speaking market. Quito suits:

• Fintech, e-commerce and B2B software teams selling across Ecuador and the Andean region.
• Biotech, health, circular economy and tourism founders, the sectors FONQUITO funds.
• Remote founders who want a dollarized, lower-cost home base on the investor or digital nomad visa.

It suits founders less if they need large Series A rounds locally, an English-first workplace, or a coastal logistics base. For Guayaquil and the coastal provinces, the UK advises against all travel unless it is necessary.

What does the Quito startup ecosystem look like?

Quito’s ecosystem is run by the city, universities and one strong private alliance:

• ConQuito, the economic development agency of the Municipality of Quito, runs EMPRENDELAB, the UN-backed EMPRETEC program, pre-incubation, incubation and business matchmaking. Its Centro IQ, built with Korea’s KOICA, rents coworking desks and meeting rooms.
• AEI, the Alianza para el Emprendimiento e Innovación, links 180 active allies across companies, universities and government. Its Misión Emprende 593 call opened on 30 July 2026, and it co-hosted the IDB’s GET Forum 2026 in Quito on 5 to 7 October 2026.
• Universities include Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE).
• Local companies to know include Payphone, an Ecuadorian app that turns an Android phone into a card reader, and BuenTrip Ventures, a software investor with offices in Quito and New York.

Where do founders in Quito find funding?

• FONQUITO, the city’s seed fund run by ConQuito, pays USD 10,000 to 15,000 to individuals and USD 10,000 to 25,000 to companies at launch stage, and USD 25,000 to 40,000 to companies in consolidation. Projects must be based in Quito and already earn revenue. The 2026 call closed on 21 April 2026, and the next call is planned for 2027.
• BuenTrip Ventures invests in Latin American software founders from its Quito office.
• CFN, Corporación Financiera Nacional, runs the Fondo Nacional de Garantías, which guarantees bank loans for small firms that lack collateral.
• Under the Ley Orgánica de Emprendimiento e Innovación (February 2020), startups in the Registro Nacional de Emprendimiento (RNE) get access to public investment funds, and crowdfunding platforms operate under SCVS supervision.

How do you register a company in Ecuador?

The standard startup vehicle is the SAS, created by the 2020 entrepreneurship law and registered with the Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros (SCVS):

• Reserve the company name online, then file the articles and the appointment of the legal representative.
• The electronic channel registers the company automatically, without review by an official, if every shareholder and representative has an electronic signature certificate (USB tokens are not accepted).
• The procedure costs nothing at the SCVS, and the law sets no minimum capital, with shares worth USD 1 each or multiples of it. After registration you have 30 days to update company details and file the opening balance sheet.

Companies under five years old with fewer than 49 workers and sales under USD 1 million can join the RNE run by the Ministry of Production to access the law’s incentives.

What taxes does a startup pay in Ecuador in 2026?

• Corporate income tax: 25%, according to the SRI. Micro and small companies and regular exporters get 3 points off (22%).
• New investments: 3 points off for new companies and investments under the 2021 economic development law, and 5 points off with an investment contract under the COPCI, for up to 15 years per PwC.
• Higher rate: 28% when shareholders sit in tax havens or ownership is not disclosed, per PwC.
• VAT (IVA): 15% general rate, confirmed by an SRI bulletin of 13 February 2026, with 0% on listed goods, per PwC and the SRI.
• Currency outflow tax (ISD): 5% on money sent abroad since April 2024, with lower rates for some imports.

We found no tax change already legislated for 2027.

Which visa can a foreign founder use to move to Quito?

Ecuador has no startup visa. Founders use one of three residence visas from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, each costing USD 50 to apply plus USD 270 on approval, valid for 2 years:

• Investor temporary residence: invest at least 100 times the unified base salary (SBU) in shares of an Ecuadorian company registered with the SCVS, in property, or in a 730-day bank deposit.
• Digital nomad visa (rentista para trabajo remoto): income of at least 3 SBU a month from employers or clients abroad, renewable once.
• Self-employment and consulting visa for founders who invoice local clients.

Pros and cons for founders in Quito

Pros

• Free, fully online SAS registration.
• The US dollar as national currency.
• City seed capital of up to USD 40,000 through FONQUITO.
• A clear investor visa tied to shares in your own company.

Cons

• A state of emergency covering Pichincha since 15 September 2026.
• A 5% tax on money leaving the country.
• Small local venture market and few follow-on rounds.
• Spanish is required for almost all business.

What does Quito offer women founders?

We found no women-only fund or accelerator in Quito with a current program. The closest options are regional: WeXchange, the IDB Lab platform for women STEM founders in Latin America and the Caribbean, ran its Women STEMpreneurs 2026 program. FONQUITO and ConQuito’s incubation are open to all founders, and CFN’s guarantee fund helps women who lack collateral.

FAQ about startups in Quito

How much does it cost to register an SAS in Ecuador?

The SCVS charges nothing for the SAS procedure. You need electronic signature certificates for every shareholder and representative, and the law sets no minimum capital for an SAS.

What is the corporate tax rate in Ecuador in 2026?

The general rate is 25%. Micro and small companies pay 22%, and new investments can get 3 to 5 points off for up to 15 years.

Can a foreigner get residency by starting a company in Quito?

Yes. The investor temporary residence visa accepts shares in an Ecuadorian company registered with the SCVS, worth at least 100 times the unified base salary. It costs USD 320 in fees and lasts two years.

Is Quito safe for founders in 2026?

The UK advises against all travel unless necessary to the coastal provinces and the Colombian border area, which do not include Quito. A state of emergency declared on 15 September 2026 covers Pichincha, so follow local guidance.

Sources (checked October 2026)

• UK FCDO travel advice: Ecuador
• SCVS: SAS registration procedure
• Ley Orgánica de Emprendimiento e Innovación (Ministry of Production)
• SRI: corporate income tax
• SRI: February 2026 VAT bulletin
• PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Ecuador
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa procedures
• ConQuito and FONQUITO
• AEI Ecuador
• IDB Lab: GET Forum 2026
• CFN: Fondo Nacional de Garantías
• WeXchange

MeanCEO Index for Quito, Ecuador 🚀

Quito is a mid-ranked startup city with real advantages for female entrepreneurs, from cheap incorporation to city seed capital. Here is how it scores on the ten factors of the MeanCEO Index.

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1. Weather ☀️

• Score: 6/10
  • Quito enjoys a mild climate year-round, but its location near the equator means it experiences much rainfall, particularly during specific seasons. The weather is pleasant enough for outdoor activities, but the rain can be a drawback.

2. Location 🏞️

• Score: 5/10
  • Nestled in the Andes, Quito offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural environment. There’s no coastal access, which limits waterfront leisure options. The mountainous terrain is beautiful but not as relaxing as a beach.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

• Score: 7/10
  • Ecuadorian culture has been evolving toward greater gender equality, with emerging support networks for female entrepreneurs. Some underlying social norms still pose challenges.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

• Score: 6/10
  • While Quito is generally friendly to foreigners, the openness of locals can vary. The growing expatriate community is a positive sign and makes connections easier, especially among women.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

• Score: 4/10
  • Spanish is predominant in business settings, with limited use of English. The younger generation and many startups are beginning to adopt English, making it slightly more accessible for foreign entrepreneurs.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍽️

• Score: 7/10
  • Ecuadorian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, with a focus on fresh produce. While onions are present, traditional dishes featuring potatoes and local grains help retain culinary richness. There’s room to grow in gourmet dining and cuisine variety.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

• Score: 5/10
  • The dating scene in Quito is inclined towards traditional values, and while there are attractive prospects, cultural expectations shape family dynamics. Still, there are charming romantic opportunities.

8. Medicine 🏥

• Score: 6/10
  • General access to healthcare is decent, but wait times can occasionally be longer than desired. The affordability of services is a plus, making it manageable for entrepreneurs needing quick medical attention.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

• Score: 6/10
  • Quito has a growing public transportation system, and inefficiencies sometimes complicate travel. While there are taxis and rideshare options, getting around the city takes patience. The international airport serves global routes but is not as centrally located as in other cities.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

• Score: 7/10
  • The culture is becoming more accepting of entrepreneurial risks, with city and private programs supporting startups. The prevailing caution toward failure still holds back bold ventures.

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MeanCEO Index Score: 55/100 🎉

Quito presents a modest yet promising environment for female entrepreneurs! Some cultural and logistical barriers exist, and the active community, developing startup ecosystem and support for women are encouraging factors. With its rich heritage and breathtaking backdrop, Quito offers real opportunities to women ready to build a company in Spanish.

Happy entrepreneurship! 🚀