comprende 033: A+ Streaming Launches, Bruno Mars in MX, & Celia Cruz Coin

BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 33rd edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we celebrate the launch of A+ Streaming, a platform dedicated to amplifying Latino voices in media.

• We also spotlight Bruno Mars, who embraced Latino heritage by becoming a luchador during his performances in Mexico City.

• Lastly, we honor Celia Cruz's historic recognition as the first Afro-Latina to be featured on U.S. currency.

So, grab your cafecito, settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️

A+ Streaming: A New Platform Bringing Latino Narratives to the Forefront

A+ Streaming, the brainchild of visionary media entrepreneurs Fanny and Nelson Grande, has just made its grand debut across major streaming platforms, heralding a new era for Latino representation in the media landscape. This groundbreaking platform is more than just a streaming service—it's a celebration of Latino culture, voices, and stories, all presented in English for a broader audience.

Fanny Grande, a Venezuelan-American filmmaker with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, has long been a force for change. Born in the United States and raised in Venezuela, Fanny’s journey in the arts began early, eventually leading her to become a three-time Imagen Award nominee.

Her passion for authentic storytelling and commitment to diversity has made her a respected figure both on-screen and behind the camera. Together with her husband, Nelson Grande, Fanny co-founded Avenida Productions in 2016, a company dedicated to empowering independent media creators and championing diversity in Hollywood.

Nelson Grande, a native of Los Angeles, grew up in the culturally rich neighborhood of Highland Park. His early exposure to the entertainment industry and a successful career in acting and sales set the stage for his transition into entrepreneurship. Nelson has always been deeply aware of the challenges faced by actors of color, often pigeonholed into stereotypical roles. This awareness, coupled with the birth of his daughter, fueled his determination to create opportunities for Latino voices to be heard.

A+ Streaming is the culmination of Fanny and Nelson’s shared vision—a platform where Latino narratives are front and center. Operated by Avenida Entertainment Group, Inc., A+ offers a diverse array of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and live events, all curated to resonate with American Latino audiences. With flexible viewing options through Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD), A+ makes premium Latino content accessible to all.

The launch of A+ is more than just a business achievement; it’s a cultural milestone. In a media landscape where Latino stories are often overlooked, A+ stands out as a beacon of representation and empowerment. By supporting A+, viewers are joining a movement that values diversity and ensures that Latino voices are heard loud and clear. As A+ continues to grow, it promises to redefine how Latino stories are told and celebrated.

Bruno Mars Becomes a Luchador in Mexico City: A Cultural Dream Fulfilled

Bruno Mars recently wrapped up three sold-out performances at Mexico City's Estadio GNP Seguros, but it wasn’t just his music that thrilled fans—it was his transformation into a luchador. On August 11, during his final show, Mars surprised the crowd by donning a luchador mask, fulfilling what he described as a “childhood dream.”

The Afro-Latino superstar, whose father is Puerto Rican, has always embraced his diverse heritage, and this moment was a powerful tribute to the cultural roots that have shaped his identity.

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Mars’s performances were a vibrant celebration of his connection to Mexico. He not only delivered his biggest hits like “24K Magic” and “Uptown Funk,” but also paid tribute to the local culture by adding a piano cover of “Cielito Lindo” and meshing “El Sonidito” with his iconic track “Uptown Funk.” His band, The Hooligans, joined in the fun, wearing ponchos adorned with the Mexican flag.

The singer's love for Mexico was evident both on and off the stage. After his first show, he was seen telling fans, “Te quiero MUCHO MEXICO!!!” from his car, expressing his deep affection for the country and its people. For Mars, these concerts were more than just performances—they were a heartfelt homage to the Latino culture that has inspired him throughout his life and career.

Celia Cruz Makes History as the First Afro-Latina on U.S. Currency

Celia Cruz, the legendary Cuban-American singer known as the "Queen of Salsa," continues to make history even after her passing. In 2024, Cruz will become the first Afro-Latina to be featured on U.S. currency as part of the American Women Quarters™ Program. This honor is a testament to her immense cultural impact and her enduring legacy in the world of music.

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1925, Cruz rose to international fame with her powerful voice and vibrant performances. After leaving Cuba during the revolution, she became a key figure in the salsa music scene, joining the Tito Puente Orchestra and later the Fania All-Stars. Throughout her career, Cruz broke barriers in the male-dominated music industry, earning multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards.

The new quarter, featuring Cruz’s iconic smile and her signature catchphrase "¡Azúcar!" on the reverse side, celebrates her influence not only as a musical icon but also as a symbol of Afro-Latino pride. This coin serves as a reminder of Cruz's lasting contributions to both American and Latin American culture, inspiring generations to embrace their heritage and cultural identity.

Nufi’s Seed Round, $184 Million Grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce for Six Recompete Programs, and the latest in funding opportunities

Breaking Down a Fundraising Deal: How Latin-American Based Startup, Nufi, received investments from firms like Ganas Ventures, Magma Ventures and Semilla Ventures.

Nufi’s CEO, Hans Villa, announced their raise this week, which will support their vision to build what he describes as “the first Alternative Identity Bureau for LATAM”.

Here are a few take-aways from Ganas Venture’s GP, Lolita Taub, on why they decided to invest in identity verification platform, Nufi:

1. Market Size: Venture firms typically look for a 10 to 100x return on their initial investment into a company. One factor that helps funds determine if a return of that size would be feasible or not, is the size of a startup's total addressable market (TAM). For start-ups looking to raise, a good rule of thumb is having a TAM of over $1 billion. In Nufi’s case, they far exceeded that with their TAM including Latin America’s $10 billion digital identification market.

2. Team: Both co-founders, Hans Villa and Ilich Núñez, bring over 30 years of combined experience in technology and finance, making them a strong and experienced team.

3. Strong Traction: Nufi holds over 200 B2B clients, with a projected $1 million in annual revenue for 2024.

U.S. Department of Commerce Grants $184 Million to Six Recompete Program Finalists

This week the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced $184 million in grants for six Recompete Finalists. This marks an update to the launch of the Recompete Pilot Program, a $200 million program dedicated to supporting projects that encourages economic activity in geographically diverse and distressed communities across the country.

The six finalists include:

• City of Allentown Recompete Plan (Pennsylvania)

• North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan (Washington)

• Oasis Expansion Recompete Plan (Puerto Rico)

• Reinvest Birmingham Recompete Plan (Alabama)

• The Eastern Kentucky Runway Recompete Plan (Kentucky)

• Wind River Indigenous-based Economic Recompete Plan (Wyoming)

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:

• Amika | Amika Rooted in Growth Grant + Mentorship Program | Apply by August 16

  • For emerging hair founders: Four month mentorship + $50k in funding.

  • Apply Here

• Hispanic Heritage Foundation & Bacardi USA | Visión Verde Grant | Apply by August 25

  • For Latine founders in the beverage/alcohol services/sales/hospitality industries: $10K

  • Apply Here

La Esquinita is written by Comprende Collaborator, Adriana Román. Learn more about Adriana or connect with her on LinkedIn here

FOUNDERS:

If you’re a founder that wants to get further connected and learn more about Comprende, being featured in our newsletter or marketplace, or inquiring about our creative and strategy agency services, please fill out this form: Comprende Founders Submission

How to Make: Chivito, The Classic Uruguayan Sandwich

The chivito is Uruguay's most beloved sandwich, a hearty and delicious combination of tender beef, savory ham, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, all packed into a warm, crusty roll. This iconic dish captures the essence of Uruguayan street food and is perfect for a satisfying meal any time of day.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless beef steak (preferably filet mignon, churrasco, or ribeye, about 1/4 inch thick)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 slices of ham

• 2 slices of bacon

• 2 slices of mozzarella cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 fresh tomato, sliced

• 1 lettuce leaf

• 1 onion, thinly sliced and caramelized (optional)

• Mayonnaise, as needed

• 1 large sandwich roll or French bread

• Optional toppings: olives, pickles, roasted red peppers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak:

   • Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.

   • Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. Set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Ham:

   • In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

   • Briefly warm the ham slices in the skillet until lightly browned. Set aside.

3. Fry the Egg:

   • In the same skillet, fry the egg until the white is set but the yolk is still runny (or cooked to your preference).

4. Assemble the Chivito:

   • Slice the sandwich roll or French bread in half.

   • Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread.

   • Layer the cooked steak on the bottom half of the bread.

   • Place the ham slices on top of the steak, followed by the mozzarella cheese.

   • Add the bacon strips and the fried egg.

   • Top with slices of fresh tomato, lettuce, and caramelized onions (if using).

   • Add any additional toppings, such as olives, pickles, or roasted red peppers.

   • Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the chivito immediately, while it's still warm. You can enjoy it with French fries or a simple salad on the side.

Whether you're indulging in it for lunch or dinner, this chivito recipe brings the taste of Uruguay right to your table. Enjoy the layers of flavor and the satisfying mix of textures in every bite!

Last week, we asked: What is the official language of Paraguay alongside Spanish?

The correct answer is: Guaraní

The official language of Paraguay alongside Spanish is Guaraní. Guaraní is an indigenous language spoken by the majority of Paraguayans. It holds significant cultural importance and is one of the few indigenous languages in the Americas to be recognized as an official national language. Paraguay is unique in that it is the only country in South America where a majority of the population speaks an indigenous language. The coexistence of Spanish and Guaraní reflects the country's rich cultural heritage.

Question:  Which Colombian artist created the iconic sculpture series "Gordas" featuring voluptuous human and animal figures? 

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

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