Discover Discovery: From Field to Finance — Juan Carlos Hinojosa’s Journey in the World of Capital
Juan Carlos Hinojosa was born and raised in Mexico City, primarily in the southern San Jerónimo area, with a few years spent in the Roma neighborhood. Throughout his life, he has maintained a strong connection to his city. From an early age, his passion for sports, particularly soccer, played a significant role in shaping his character and life philosophy. The discipline, teamwork, and dedication he developed on the field have become key pillars of his professional ethics.
At an early age, Juan Carlos became interested in finance, despite being the son of a doctor and a psychologist. It was through managing his own money that he discovered his natural inclination for resource management. As a teen, he began saving part of the money he received for school expenses. What started as an exercise in personal discipline, such as saving to buy video games or clothes, soon evolved into a skill he enjoyed and refined. He quickly taught himself how to calculate how long it would take to save up for certain things, which led him to understand the value of managing resources efficiently.
This self-taught interest in finance led to his enrollment at ITAM, where he decided to pursue a degree in Financial Management. His time at the university provided him with the structured thinking necessary to tackle complex challenges and adapt to new situations. Additionally, his education equipped him with the technical foundations he applies in his career today, further enhanced by additional courses in programming and specialized certifications.
His first foray into the financial sector was at FGA Banqueros de Inversión, a boutique investment bank focused on middle-market companies in Mexico. During his time there, he applied the technical skills and practical knowledge learned at university in the real world. This experience served as a springboard for his transition to his true passion: private equity.
During his time at ITAM, he had the opportunity to take specialized courses in corporate finance and venture capital. Then, he realized the significant impact he could have on emerging companies by working in private equity — not just through capital investment but by actively participating in their growth and development. There was also the possibility of making a direct impact within the community.
His arrival at Discovery Americas was no coincidence, but the result of a meticulous search. From the moment he began researching private equity funds in Mexico, he identified Discovery as a key player in the industry. What attracted him most was the firm’s focus on strategic sectors for the country’s development, such as education, healthcare, and transportation. This alignment of values, along with his desire to make a positive impact on the country, led him to join the team. Since his arrival, he has been an essential part of consolidating investments in key areas such as logistics and transportation, collaborating on the growth of companies like Servimsa and AISG within the transportation sector.
Though his current focus on logistics and transportation was a result of circumstance, he has quickly adapted to the industry’s needs, leveraging his knowledge and experience to create value for these companies. However, he is particularly interested in the healthcare sector, especially where technology and artificial intelligence are transforming diagnostics and access to medical services. He believes that these advancements will not only enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare but also extend access to remote and underserved communities — an area with significant growth potential in Mexico and Latin America.
Additionally, he acknowledges the crucial role technology is playing in transforming traditional sectors. Juan Carlos understands that the adoption of new emerging technologies in areas like logistics, healthcare, and education will be essential for increasing the competitiveness and impact of the companies they invest in.
Throughout his career at Discovery Americas, Juan Carlos has witnessed how the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria has become a central component of investment decision-making. Working with ESG experts has allowed the Discovery team to ensure that their investments not only generate financial returns but also contribute to more sustainable and responsible development. A standout example for him was the investment in AISG, where the alignment of the company’s objectives with corporate governance best practices was key to the investment decision.
Juan Carlos Hinojosa has shown that an interest in finance doesn’t need to be inherited or taught — it can arise from curiosity and determination. His career reflects his discipline, passion, and adaptability. From his beginnings in southern Mexico City to his current position at Discovery Americas, he has applied the values he learned in his youth to navigate industry challenges. He has always focused on how strategic resource management can create real impact. This deep commitment to making a positive difference, combined with a vision for investing in strategic sectors, motivates him to strive for a future of greater growth for the country, with a strong dedication to social and economic progress.
