Andrés Garbarini is the co-founder and CEO of Finvix, a company that specializes in accounts payable and accounts receivable, from validating tax information to electronic invoicing solutions for the U.S. market.
Originally from Chile, Andrés expanded Finvix across multiple countries before setting his sights on the United States. After joining acceleration programs through Endeavor, Tampa Bay Wave, and Revtech Labs, he knew he needed a permanent, stable way to operate in the country.
He recently obtained his O-1A visa with Tukki.
Q: Why did you decide to move to the U.S.?
A: Electronic invoicing in most of the world works through a framework. The US is one of the few countries without a framework for electronic invoicing. That's where I decided that I wanted to be there more permanently, and I didn't want to go through hassles every time I wanted to get in or out of the country. We also joined a few acceleration programs through Endeavor, Tampa Bay Wave, and Revtech Labs, which is one of our investors there. So I needed a way to be there comfortably, and that's kind of the peace of mind that Tukki helped me achieve.
"I didn't want to go through hassles every time I wanted to get in or out of the country… that's kind of the peace of mind that Tukki helped me achieve." — Andrés
Q: How did you hear about Tukki?
A: Through Endeavor Labs, which is the first phase to get in touch with the Endeavor network. That's where I met Ramiro (Tukki's CEO). I told him, 'Hey, what are my options?' He laid out the options, and we went for the O-1. It was coincidence, destiny. I was actually about to sign with another company to do my visa process. So it was good that I met Ramiro at that place.
"It was coincidence, destiny. I was about to sign with another company to do my visa process. So it was good that I met Ramiro at that place." — Andrés
Q: What were the biggest challenges?
A: I guess building the case itself. Probably the media part was the toughest for me — you need to build a brand that can be relatable, and I didn't have any of that. Also, I'm not very good at asking for favors… just asking for support letters to show what I did was a little bit tough. I didn't believe that I had enough credits for this visa, so you need to work with someone who will help you understand how to achieve this, because you need to build a case.
Q: How was your experience working with the Tukki team?
A: I think this is never going to be an easy process, but you guys make it seem easier. The platform works super well. Everything goes through it, so you can trace everything. There were roles, responsibilities, and everything that you would expect from that kind of UX/UI experience.
The alternative would have been working with Google Drive or something like that, and that would have been painful. It's not only 'send me the documents,' it's like 'hey, I went through the documentation, you might want to emphasize this.'
"So I guess the way that Tukki took care of the experience of the user was fundamental." — Andrés
Q: How did you feel when your visa was approved?
A: It was Christmas, and Ramiro (Tukki's CEO) texted me… he was the one who gave me the good news. So it was a special moment.
Q: How did it impact your business?
A: This visa will allow me to further explore our opportunities in the U.S. in an easier way. Just being there talking to clients, it's very different when you are actually having a coffee with someone rather than sending them a Zoom link.
Q: What advice would you give to founders considering a visa?
A: It is a big deal. It's something that not only allows you to be in the US… but also proves that what you are doing as a businessman or entrepreneur is something that's important. I didn't believe that I had enough credits for this visa, so you need to work with someone who will help you understand how to achieve this, because you need to build a case.
Q: How would you summarize the experience?
A: I would say it was efficient. Most of the time, I was the one who owed you guys documentation. You ultimately become good friends with people like Cecilia (Tukki's Paralegal), and you can really feel the support.