# Leveraging Economic Shifts and Corporate Knowledge can Unlock New Opportunities in Emerging Markets

By Mike McCalley · Published 2024-05-16 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Professional AV on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/leveraging-economic-shifts-and-corporate-experience-can-unlock-new-opportunities-in-emerging-markets
Creator hub: Get Vertical with Mike McCalley

> Strategic investors who combine macroeconomic awareness with insider expertise gain the edge in high-growth regions overlooked by mainstream capital

## Key points

- Latin America's entrepreneurial ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth comparable to early Silicon Valley, presenting significant investment opportunities.
- Corporate experience — especially in large organizations like GE — can directly inform and strengthen entrepreneurial and investment decision-making.
- Building a team-oriented culture is essential for success in both corporate environments and early-stage startups operating in emerging markets.

Block Field

Identifying and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors in today's fast-paced global economy. With entrepreneurship in Latin America echoing the boom of Silicon Valley during the dot-com era, today's episode dives into the dynamic growth and untapped opportunities in this vibrant region.

> With entrepreneurship in Latin America echoing the boom of Silicon Valley during the dot-com era, today's episode dives into the dynamic growth and untapped opportunities in this vibrant region.

Amidst this backdrop, what drives successful navigation and investment in these high-risk, high-reward environments? What strategies can entrepreneurs and investors employ to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities in Latin America?

*In this episode of [Get Vertical! with Mike McCalley](https://marketscale.com/shows/get-vertical-with-mike-mccalley/)*, today's guest, [**Mike Purnell**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-purnell-executive/), a General Partner at [**EHI Cleantech Ventures**](https://ehicleantech.com/), shares his journey from corporate leadership at [**GE**](https://www.ge.com/) to spearheading entrepreneurial ventures and investments in Latin America's emerging markets.

**Key Points of Discussion:**

- The rising entrepreneurial spirit and innovation across unexpected regions in Latin America.
- How past corporate experiences can inform and enhance entrepreneurial success.
- The importance of building a team-oriented culture in both corporate and startup environments.

### About the Guest

**Mike Purnell** boasts a rich background, beginning with a degree in mechanical engineering from Mississippi State University. He transitioned from a project engineer to leading functional business units at GE, leveraging his extensive corporate experience to enter the entrepreneurial and private equity spaces. Currently, Mike is a General Partner at EHI CleanTech Ventures, focusing on the intersection of technology and emerging markets.

Tags: EHI Cleantech Ventures, emerging markets, entrepreneurship, Latin America, Mike Purnell

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