B55 Opens Hub for Brazil’s Growth Stage Businesses

B55, a new nonprofit institute founded by Stone’s André Street, Nubank’s David Vélez, and XP’s Guilherme Benchimol, has opened to support Brazilian entrepreneurs whose businesses have moved past the startup phase. The organization will focus on small and medium-sized enterprises through education, community building, acceleration programs, and a planned physical campus. Co-founder Cristhiano Faé will serve as CEO and manage day-to-day operations. B55’s first product is scheduled for release in early March, with affordable programs planned by year-end and some free initiatives.

Four Areas of Support

B55 is organizing its work around education and development, community and networking, journey and acceleration, and an entrepreneurship and innovation hub. Its education offering will include courses, programs, training, and learning paths created by people who have built and managed businesses.

The community program is intended to bring entrepreneurs, leaders, investors, and experts together. For startups and companies that have demonstrated potential, B55 plans to offer capital, mentorship, and structured acceleration programs.

“It's incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to bring together work and purpose. Having gone through every stage of the journey, I understand what entrepreneurs experience and what they truly need: an environment that supports their day-to-day growth, people who stand by their side, and a community that helps them sustain their journey. That's where we will make a difference — through human capital,”

Programs for Different Stages

The institute’s products are being structured for entrepreneurs at different stages of business development. B55 plans practical programs for companies at various points in their growth, alongside free initiatives intended to broaden the institute’s reach.

The planned campus is still under discussion with several cities. B55 describes the location as a place for its community to meet in person and develop the institute’s identity.

“Entrepreneurship is cyclical; it never ends, and entrepreneurs need to be part of an environment that continuously helps them break through barriers and consolidate their progress. That is where the institute makes a difference — by bringing these individuals together with high-impact entrepreneurs, addressing ad hoc requests with clear direction, and providing ongoing, practical guidance,”

Building a Shared Hub

Street pointed to Brazil’s 47 million entrepreneurs and said more than 70% of businesses are experiencing stagnation. B55 is positioning its programs around applied knowledge, methodology, and a support network for entrepreneurs seeking to continue building their companies.

“Our goal is not just to sell weekend courses or hand out certificates. We want to provide a safe and comfortable space where people can openly discuss their vulnerabilities and engage in conversations that can have a tangible impact on their businesses. These are the kinds of conversations that don't happen in meeting rooms — they occur naturally through interaction. That's where the idea of a hub comes in,”