77. QED Investors on Mexico’s Next Fintech Winners; What World Cup? The Limited Economic Impact; Mexico’s AI Infrastructure Opportunity

We speak with Ana Cristina Gadala-Maria, Principal at QED Investors, the world’s premier fintech venture-capital firm and among the most active in Mexico, with investments including Bitso, Konfío, Aplazo, Covalto, Kavak, Félix Pago and FEMSA’s new lending venture.

She explains what QED now looks for in Mexican startups, why fintechs are becoming multi-product companies, and where the next opportunities lie, from cross-border payments and stablecoins to AI. We also discuss why Mexico still trails Brazil in digital payments and why QED invested in FEMSA’s new lending business, atypically a carve-out.

First, Eduardo and Damian cover the week’s business news:

* The World Cup’s smaller-than-expected economic impact, despite Mexico’s strong performance as a host.

* Weak June ANTAD sales and the changing mix of consumer spending.

* Nu’s banking licence, exaggerated claims about its size, and the harder task of turning “15 million customers” into profitable primary relationships.

* Mexico’s emerging AI-infrastructure opportunity.

* Chipotle opens its first actual Mexican restaurant.