The Early Stage Startup Journey with Caccao’s Gustavo Ruiz and Gustavo Zago
30 October 2025

The Early Stage Startup Journey with Caccao’s Gustavo Ruiz and Gustavo Zago

Brazil (is not) for Beginners

About

In this episode of Brazil (is not) for Beginners, Isaac Matzner hosts Gustavo Ruiz and Gustavo Zago, the co-founders of Caccao, an early-stage startup that combines AI with relationship intelligence to increase companies sales and growth. This is an open conversation with two entrepreneurs who are in the midst of their journey, who recently pivoted their thesis and who are searching to find product market fit. Gus and Zago pull back the veil what it is like to be an entrepreneur and to try to build something from zero. They talk about the risks and decisions that define the startup journey — from launching a product in uncertainty to recognizing when it’s time to pivot. Throughout the conversation, the duo delve into the initial challenges of finding product-market fit, making decisions and building a product and a company. They also reflect on the unique aspects of starting a business in Brazil, including the importance of personal connections and the collaborative nature of the local startup ecosystem.

Other topics include:

    How to develop and build a strong company culture

    The importance of balanced leadership

    Having a team aligned with the company’s stage and goals

    The role of intuition in decision-making

    Navigating uncertainty

    Identifying the right moment to pivot or change direction

    And lots more…