comprende 043: Pablo Segarra Champions Entrepreneurs, Karol G Makes History with Bratz Doll, Latin Music’s Global Rise Continues

BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 43rd edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we dive into the inspiring journey of Pablo Segarra, founder of Sidehustle.law, who’s transforming legal access for entrepreneurs while championing resilience and empowerment through his Failures Only podcast.

• Next, we celebrate Karol G’s milestone collaboration with Bratz, becoming the first musician to have her own doll—a vibrant win for cultural representation and a testament to her influence as a global Latina icon.

• Finally, we explore how Latin music continues its global takeover with Bad Bunny reigning as Spotify’s top Latin artist and the resurgence of música mexicana, led by Peso Pluma, in the mainstream spotlight.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending on where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

Failures to Fuel: Pablo Segarra’s Journey to Champion Founders

Pablo Segarra’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents during the “Bronx is Burning” era, he grew up surrounded by challenges—and an unshakable sense of community. His journey from the ashes of a city in turmoil to founding Sidehustle.law and co-creating the Failures Only podcast is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

Segarra’s roots run deep, shaped by his father, an artist and Vietnam veteran, and his mother, New York City’s first Puerto Rican woman deputy mayor. From them, he inherited creativity, discipline, and a fierce dedication to justice. These values carried him through a career that has spanned law enforcement, intellectual property law, and now entrepreneurship.

But his path wasn’t without setbacks. After co-founding a successful travel company connecting Gen Z Latinos to the industry, he faced a devastating betrayal—locked out by a partner. This experience, though painful, lit a fire in him. “That feeling of helplessness is something I never want anyone else to experience.” Segarra says, and it became the driving force behind starting Sidehustle.law.

His mission? To make top-tier legal services accessible for entrepreneurs, especially those in emerging fields like blockchain, AI, and cryptocurrency. Whether it’s filing trademarks, crafting licenses, or advising startups, Sidehustle.law ensures that innovators have the security and legal framework they need to scale their ideas with confidence. “Founders pour their passion, their vision, and sometimes every dollar they have into their businesses. They’re taking the biggest risks, and they deserve someone who has their back.” Segarra explained.

Segarra’s passion for empowering entrepreneurs extends beyond Sidehustle.law. Through speaking engagements at conferences and events, he shares his insights on resilience, failure, and the legal challenges of emerging industries. His Failures Only podcast dives deep into how setbacks shape success, offering relatable stories and lessons for founders navigating uncertain paths. He’s also working on a book aimed at guiding Generation Z entrepreneurs, a testament to his commitment to fostering the next wave of innovators.

Pablo Segarra’s journey is a reminder that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. With his dedication to uplifting others and building lasting legacies, he’s proving that grit, growth, and giving back are the keys to enduring success.

Karol G Becomes the First Musician with a Bratz Doll

Colombian superstar Karol G is making history as the first musician to be immortalized as a Bratz doll, marking a monumental moment for representation in pop culture. This collaboration celebrates her trailblazing career and highlights her vibrant style and bold persona, resonating deeply with fans around the world.

The limited-edition doll, which became available for preorder on December 3 and immediately sold out, showcases Karol G in her iconic rose-gold minidress from the 2023 Latin Grammys, where she won Album of the Year for Mañana Será Bonito. It also includes a second outfit inspired by her merch, along with mini replicas of her Grammy trophy and album.

“Bratz are ‘Bichotas’ in their own way,” Karol G says, underscoring the shared spirit of independence and confidence. For the Latina community, this is more than just a collaboration—it’s a celebration of cultural pride. Seeing a Latina superstar like Karol G represented in such an iconic global brand is a powerful win for visibility and inclusion, inspiring fans across Latin America and beyond.

This partnership cements Karol G’s status as both a music icon and a cultural trailblazer, proving that her influence reaches far beyond the stage.

Reggaeton and Corridos: Latin Music’s Global Takeover Continues with Bad Bunny & Peso Pluma leading

Latin music is experiencing an unprecedented global domination, with a remarkable 986% increase in Spotify listeners worldwide from 2014 to 2023. This explosive growth, fueled by the platform’s expansion in Latin America, underscores Latin music’s evolving power in shaping the global music landscape.

At the forefront of this movement is Bad Bunny, Spotify’s most-streamed Latin artist for 2024 and one of the top 10 most-streamed artists globally. Joining him is Mexican breakout star Peso Pluma, who ranks second among Latin artists thanks to his innovative corridos tumbados, which blend trap, reggaeton, and traditional Mexican styles. Together, they represent the diverse vibrancy of Latin music, which now includes reggaeton, música mexicana, and beyond.

Revenue growth mirrors this surge in popularity. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Latin music revenue in the U.S. hit a record $685 million in 2024, growing by 7% and outpacing the already impressive growth of the overall music industry.

Karol G and Feid further solidify Colombia’s reggaeton stronghold, while música mexicana emerges as the most-streamed Latin genre in the U.S., led by artists like Junior H, Natanael Cano, and Fuerza Regida. These achievements reflect a broader cultural shift—Latin music isn’t just dominating charts; it’s reshaping global pop culture.

From Spotify playlists to sold-out concerts, Latin artists are spearheading a new era of cultural influence, proving that the future of music is unapologetically Latino.

Check out a full coverage story here: Bad Bunny is Spotify's top Latin artist as Mexican music resurges with Peso Pluma

How Waku raised over $80,000 on Republic, Ocata Places First at Latino Founder’s Pitch Latino Competition, plus upcoming opportunities.

Breaking Down a Crowfunding Deal: How Waku raised over $80k on Republic

This week, we’re highlighting a community investment round with Waku, an innovative beverage company blending Ecuadorian heritage with a mission for wellness and sustainability.

Founded by Nico Estrella and Juan Giraldo, Waku draws inspiration from Ecuadorian traditions of herbal teas known for their functional health benefits. Motivated by their search for horchata lojana, Waku bridges tradition and innovation to offer beverages that support gut health while incorporating a variety of flavors. Made with a blend of 20+ natural herbs, Waku resonates with health-conscious consumers seeking both authenticity and efficacy.

Waku targets the 70 million Americans suffering from daily digestive issues, and operates within a functional beverage market projected to grow to $57 billion by 2025. Their Republic crowdfunding campaign highlighted their impressive milestones:

• Growing Customer Base and Loyalty: In addition to acquiring 3,500 new customers over the course of 12 months, 40% of Waku’s revenue came from repeat customers.

• Venture-Backed: Waku has already been backed by an angel investment network, the Branch Venture Group, as well as by the Boston Impact Initiative. This brings an added sense of security for future investors since Waku already secured support from other investors, which traditionally includes access to networks, and advisors, to help the company scale and grow. 

• Focus on Social Impact: One differentiating factor for Waku is their goal to stimulate economic activity for small farmers in the Andes Mountains region of Ecuador. Waku has a direct sourcing model where they purchase ingredients at a fair trade price, resonating with customers who support companies that focus on social impact. 

At the end of their round, Waku successfully raised $87,001 from a group of 144 investors.  Since then, Waku has launched into Whole Foods and became a top selling tea in their ready-to-drink category. 

Ocata Wins First Place at Latino Founder’s Pitch Latino Competition

Diana Lainez, founder of Ocata, won this year’s Pitch Latino competition, held at OMSI in Portland, Oregon. Her Salvadoran-inspired creamy sauces, blending traditional flavors with modern branding, earned her the grand prize of $8,000. Lainez intends to use the additional funds for product development, aiming for a 2025 product launch.

“Our products tell a story of flavor, culture, and heritage,” Lainez shared during her pitch. “It’s a way to bring Salvadoran culture to the world in a way that fits seamlessly into modern life.”

The event showcased 11 innovative founders tackling challenges in industries like sustainability, media and climate tech. Attendees cast over 272 votes, selecting Lainez as the winner, while every participant received a $2,000 grant.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:

• Visible Hands x NYCEDC VHNYC Fellowship | Apply by December 6

  • For overlooked founders in NYC, $10k grant

• FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program | Apply by December 13

  • For small business owners, 12 week accelerator

• Prose x Black Unicorn Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant | Apply by December 25

  • For emerging founders, $10k grant

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 who wants to get further connected and learn more about Comprende, be featured in our newsletter or marketplace, or inquire about our creative and strategy agency services, please fill out this form:

How to Make: Ecuadorian Bolón de Verde

Bolón de Verde, a beloved breakfast staple in Ecuador, combines the hearty flavors of mashed green plantains, cheese, and pork into golden, crispy balls of comfort perfect for starting your day with a taste of tradition.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 large green plantains (peeled and chopped into chunks)

• 1 cup queso fresco or mozzarella cheese (grated)

• 1 cup cooked pork or bacon (diced, optional)

• 3 tablespoons butter or lard

• Salt to taste

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Plantains:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the plantain chunks.

   • Cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the plantains are soft but not mushy.

   • Drain and set aside.

2. Mash the Plantains:

   • Place the cooked plantains in a large bowl and mash them while still warm. Add the butter or lard to make the mixture smoother.

   • Season with salt to taste.

3. Mix the Filling:

   • Stir in the grated cheese and diced pork or bacon. Mix well until evenly distributed.

4. Shape into Balls:

   • Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a ball about the size of a baseball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

5. Fry the Bolones:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Fry the bolones until golden brown on all sides, about 3–5 minutes per side. If you prefer, you can skip frying and bake them at 375°F (190°C) until golden.

6. Serve:

   • Serve warm, accompanied by avocado and a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

Last week, we asked: Who Was the First Latino to Win an Academy Award for Acting?

The right answer was: José Ferrer

The first Latino to win an Academy Award for acting was José Ferrer, a trailblazing Puerto Rican actor. He earned the Best Actor Oscar in 1950 for his mesmerizing portrayal of Cyrano in Cyrano de Bergerac.

Ferrer’s historic win marked a pivotal moment for Latino representation in Hollywood. To this day, he remains a celebrated icon of Latino talent in the arts.

Question:  Which Latin American country produces the most coffee in the world?

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

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