With a background spanning from technology project management to software development, in 2022, Milena Ocoro left her native Colombia to settle in Barcelona, the second most popular European city for entrepreneurs to launch their startups. From there, she co-founded Okoro Tech, a startup specializing in AI-driven solutions. One of those much-needed projects today that help integrate ‘the trendiest tool’ into the daily operations of SMEs.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MO: Okoro Tech was born with the goal of helping SMEs improve their operational efficiency through AI-powered and automated digital solutions. We believe in technological accessibility and in providing tools that optimize business processes.

TB: Where is the company now, and where do you see it in two years?

MO: Okoro Tech is currently in a consolidation phase. Over the next two years, we aim to strengthen our solution offerings, expand our market presence, and continue innovating. Our goal is to scale sustainably by establishing strategic partnerships and enhancing our technological capabilities to provide increasingly advanced and accessible solutions.

TB: A great idea you’ve had.

MO: Integrating AI into traditional ERPs to optimize business decision-making, allowing key data to be accessed via intelligent chatbots instead of static reports.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge?

MO: Scaling the company while maintaining a culture of innovation and quality. Also, managing the financial challenges of a startup without losing focus on long-term vision.

TB: The best advice you’ve received.

MO: “El que no arriesga el huevo, no saca el pollo” entrepreneurship is about taking calculated risks, and this advice has taught me that if we want to grow, we have to dare to innovate, step out of our comfort zone, and tackle challenges with determination. At Okoro Tech, we always strive for solutions that truly transform and add value to our clients.

TB: A role model.

MO: One of the professionals who inspires me the most is Cristian Rodríguez, whom I’m lucky to work with at Okoro Tech. He’s one of the brightest people I know, with an exceptional ability to analyze complex problems and find innovative solutions. His strategic mindset and deep technical knowledge have been key to our company’s growth, and his approach to challenges motivates me to keep learning and evolving.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

MO: Artificial intelligence applied to process automation and strategic decision-making. Also, quantum computing, which will redefine how we manage and process data.

TB: In-office or remote?

MO: Remote.

TB: A startup or company.

MO: GMV is a company that represents innovation and technological development in Spain, with a strong presence in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and transportation.

TB: How do you unwind?

MO: Spending time with my family and pets. They remind me of the importance of small things: a peaceful afternoon, a moment of play, and unconditional love. They are my best way to relax and recharge.

TB: A book to recommend.

MO: ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. A book that encourages living in the present with awareness and fulfillment—something fundamental both in life and entrepreneurship.

TB: A series, movie, or song that defines your current phase in life.

MO: ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ because it reflects the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome challenges and achieve dreams, something I deeply relate to at this moment in my life.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

MO: Traditional Colombian cuisine.

TB: A place in the world.

MO: Barcelona is a city that has it all—innovation, culture, and quality of life. Its entrepreneurial ecosystem is vibrant and fosters creativity, making it an ideal place to develop technological projects. Plus, its cosmopolitan energy and global connectivity make it truly unique.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MO: In developing AI-driven tech products that help digitize key sectors like education and healthcare.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

MO: I would probably be working in applied AI research or developing tech solutions at an innovative company.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

MO: Tech Barcelona is an essential platform that provides access to resources, connections, and opportunities, serving as a key ally in the development and expansion of tech projects in the city.