Tech Roundup: Startup brings favelas into e-commerce boom

This week’s topics: B2W joins a logistics startup to improve delivery in Brazil’s favelas. A study shows the effects of digital exclusion on accessing Covid-19 emergency benefits. And the debate on cryptocurrency regulation increases with a public hearing on pyramid schemes. 

Startup puts favelas on the Brazilian delivery map

Brazil’s favelas pose a significant problem for logistics services. With homes often constructed in dense clusters on small areas of land, the labyrinthine communities are often impossible to navigate for non-residents. Furthermore, homes commonly do not have house numbers or street names. Created in the São Paulo favela of Paraísopolis, logistics startup Favela Brasil Xpress is seeking to rectify this long-time problem. Now, thanks to their services, the 100,000-plus residents of Paraisópolis can receive parcels at their doorsteps with ease.

How it started. The idea came about during pandemic-related aid efforts. “Favela Brasil Xpress appeared late in 2020, as we saw that many people wanted to help Paraisópolis, but were unable — or didn’t want — to give donations out of fear or prejudice,” CEO Giva Pereira tells The Brazilian Report.

• The project initially sought to provide logistics solutions for the distribution of basic food baskets to the local population of Brazil’s fourth-largest favela. “We put favelas’ zip codes on the Brazilian e-commerce map. The company came to revolutionize the delivery system in these communities,” says Mr. Pereira.

Partnership. Favela Brasil Xpress won an urban logistics challenge promoted by the British Consulate in São Paulo earlier this year. This recognition drew attention from Brazilian e-commerce giant B2W, who decided to team up with the startup.

• “The project developed in Paraisópolis involves not only the sale and convenience of delivering products, but also a series of...