Jose Deustua
Managing Director at UTEC Ventures
Peru
Overview
Work Experience
Managing Director
2017 - 2025
As Managing Director of UTEC Ventures, I led its transformation into the most recognized startup program in Peru, launching over 60 startups and delivering above-market returns. I led annual revenue growth from US$50K to over US$1.5M, reversing a financial deficit and turning the unit into a self-sustaining business operation. I led investments in 30+ startups, executed open innovation programs with major corporations—resulting in multiple pilots and four new digital solutions—and founded La Mezcladora, the first open innovation hub for the construction sector in Latin America. I also spearheaded the launch of UTEC’s student entrepreneurship programs, enabling international growth and investment for several student-led startups, and led the university’s student engagement and data strategy initiatives.
Project Manager - Management Consulting
2010 - 2017
As Project Manager at APOYO Consultoría I was responsible for the design and execution of strategic initiatives for leading corporations and national business associations. Oversaw a portfolio of approximately 12 projects per year. Led growth strategies that drove over US$1B in business expansion and managed more than 30 investment opportunities valued at US$1.5B. Directed corporate restructuring and organizational transformation processes, achieving sustained improvements in productivity and operational efficiency. Additionally, led the development of sectoral strategies, regulatory reform proposals, and governance models for Peru’s leading industry associations.
Professor
2010 - 2013
Lecturer in Strategic Analysis, Economic Regulation, Introduction to Microeconomics, and Introduction to Macroeconomics.
Research Analyst
2009 - 2010
Led research projects to improve the lives of rural farmers in Africa. Co-author of "Which policy would work better for improved soil fertilitymanagement in sub-Saharan Africa, fertilizer subsidies or carbon credits?". Published in Agricultural Systems 110, p.p. 162-172, 2012.
Project Analyst
2005 - 2007
Evaluation and monitoring of public investment projects exceeding US$20 million in the sectors of sanitation, agricultural infrastructure, and rural development. I participated in the design of four public investment programs financed by international organizations, optimizing resource allocation in key sectors.
Assistant Researcher
2003 - 2005
Led the execution of research projects on privatization, telecommunications, and development programs. Co-author of: - “Impact Evaluation of Teachers Attendance over Student’s Performance”, GRADE, Lima, 2008, 84pp. - “Opening the Black Box of Privatizations” in “Research, Policy and Development in Peru”, GRADE, Lima, 2007, pp.351-401. - “The Importance of Accessibility and the Impact of Rural Public Telephones”, in “Economía y Sociedad N° 56”, CIES, Lima, June 2005, pp.51-57.
Teacher Assistant
2000 - 2004
Teaching assistant in Microeconomics, Economic Regulation, and Introduction to Macroeconomics.