ALIVE Invests in Pulpos to Advance Digital Tools for Small Businesses in Mexico

ALIVE Ventures has invested in Pulpos, a management and point-of-sale platform helping small and medium-sized businesses in Mexico digitize and strengthen their operations.

ALIVE participated in Pulpos’ US$5 million investment round, led by Dalus Capital, alongside Impact Ventures and Daedalus. The company will use the funding to expand its platform and integrate artificial intelligence agents into the tools merchants already use, including WhatsApp.

Founded in 2023 by Franco Silvetti, Frank Martin and Lucas Cortés, Pulpos provides independent retailers with a cloud-based system for managing sales, inventory, costs, margins and customer credit. Merchants can also create digital product catalogs and storefronts, helping them reach customers and manage their businesses more efficiently.

Pulpos is addressing a significant challenge for small businesses in Mexico. Many independent merchants operate through informal systems that provide flexibility but offer limited visibility into inventory, cash flow, credit and overall business performance. A Pulpos study of more than 5,000 merchants found that cash and direct credit remain central to daily transactions, while most supplier purchases are made through short-term credit arrangements.

By incorporating AI into its platform, Pulpos plans to help merchants automate routine tasks such as responding to customers, sending payment reminders, issuing receipts and updating inventory. Delivering these capabilities through WhatsApp makes them more accessible to business owners who may not use traditional enterprise software.

The opportunity is particularly important given the large digital divide between small businesses and larger companies. While many Mexican SMEs have begun adopting digital tools, the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence remains limited among microbusinesses.

Pulpos currently serves more than 5,000 active sellers, primarily in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. The company plans to continue expanding its presence and providing localized support to merchants in these and other markets.

At ALIVE, we believe technology can help small businesses become more productive, resilient and competitive. Our investment in Pulpos reflects our commitment to supporting scalable companies that strengthen businesses serving and employing communities across Latin America.