In today’s fast-paced world of innovation and business, Salvador Achondo stands out as a remarkable entrepreneur.
From his beginnings in Chile to his impactful work in the United States, he has built a highly respected reputation for solving complex problems and helping businesses improve efficiency while uncovering new opportunities across various industries utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As the CEO of Mantilhue LLC, a premier R&D consultancy based in Boca Raton, Florida, Achondo is committed to fostering innovation and developing sustainable solutions for emerging industries.
His visionary approach has established him as a trusted expert, helping companies seamlessly integrate AI into their operations to drive efficiency and long-term growth.
Achondo is currently collaborating with Kroger, one of the largest retail companies in the U.S., helping them harness the power of AI to transform their business operations and improve customer experiences.
He also collaborates with Perfetti Van Melle, a global leader in confectionery manufacturing. The company operates in over 150 countries and maintains a strong market presence across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, generating billions in annual revenue.
With a wealth of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and the integration of AI technologies, he is driving innovation and efficiency within the company.
Beyond his leadership at Mantilhue LLC, Achondo is also a member for Start-Up Chile, a renowned seed accelerator backed by the Chilean government.
He guides early-stage entrepreneurs in this role, helping them scale their businesses with innovative strategies and access to equity-free investment opportunities.
Achondo began in Industrial Design, a discipline that instilled in him a profound appreciation for creativity and functionality.
“I love using creativity and AI to unlock possibilities others might overlook,” he explains.
“There’s something deeply satisfying about turning problems into opportunities and designing complex systems—workflows, production models, or operational processes—that brings structure and efficiency to chaos.”
This perspective has driven Achondo’s career, guiding him from founding startups in Latin America to becoming a sought-after process optimization and AI consultant in the United States. At the core of his approach is a passion for identifying inefficiencies and transforming them into practical, impactful solutions.
AI as a Problem-Solving Tool
Achondo’s current work with large corporations in the U.S. showcases his unique ability to harness artificial intelligence as a transformative tool.
He says AI is not just about automation; it’s about discovery: “AI allows us to find complex patterns, uncovering insights that might otherwise remain hidden.”.
One example of Achondo implementing his expert knowledge was working with one of the U.S.’s most high-profile retailers.
He set up an AI-driven system for the multi-million dollar company that combined data from disparate sources—market trends, operational performance, and human resources metrics.
The result? A streamlined strategy that increased efficiency profit margins, and opened new avenues for product development.
“AI isn’t magic,” Achondo emphasizes. “It’s a tool that amplifies human ingenuity. But to work effectively, it needs quality data and human oversight.”
From Chile to the U.S.: A Global Perspective
Achondo’s entrepreneurial journey began in Chile, where his experiences laid the foundation for his innovative approach. He launched several ventures in Latin America, including an AI-powered accounting platform designed specifically for small businesses.
Integrating the platform with WhatsApp, Achondo made accounting more accessible and affordable for SMEs throughout the region, creating economic and social impact.
Now he has shifted his focus to larger enterprises, applying the same innovative mindset. Achondo’s work spans industries from manufacturing to retail, helping organizations optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making processes through AI.
“Having built startups in Latin America, I understand the challenges of resource constraints,” he says. “That experience has taught me how to maximize impact with limited tools—a mindset I bring to every project.”
Sebastián Keitel, Senator of the Republic of Chile, brings a unique perspective shaped by his high-performance athlete and public servant career.
He became familiar with Achondo through his recognition as one of Chile’s “100 Young Leaders” in 2014.
He says: “Salvador embodies the spirit of leadership and innovation that enabled Chile to look forward to a highly lucrative digital future.
“His work across industries has set a high standard for excellence and inspired countless young leaders to pursue impactful change in our society.”
The award is one of the most significant honors recognizing exceptional Chilean citizens who contribute to society across various fields.
This prestigious accolade presented by El Mercurio, Chile’s leading newspaper, is awarded in partnership with Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
This esteemed institution of learning is one of the most renowned universities in Chile and Latin America, and is known for its focus on leadership development and societal advancement.
Achondo’s exceptional expertise and leadership have garnered widespread recognition, earning him several prestigious honors and awards.
A standout achievement was receiving the Consumer Experience Award at the Innova Summit Latam Chile 2023, which celebrated his transformative contributions to customer experience through innovative solutions.
Presented by Innova360, this award underscores Achondo’s ability to drive meaningful change across industries by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and strategic insights.
He also presented at the highly prestigious COP26, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is also a valued member of numerous esteemed societies and networks, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in business innovation and sustainability.
Achondo is also an active member of ChileFlorida.org, a pioneering initiative designed to empower Chilean tech entrepreneurs as they expand their businesses from Florida into the U.S., Latin America, and beyond.
Membership is granted not only due to unique experience and ability in a chosen business sphere but also because of outstanding recognizable achievements.
Evidence of Achondo’s notable triumphs is demonstrated and not limited to the success of his ventures, Algramo and Alcom, both of which have been highly successful endeavors. As well as this, his multiple awards are a testament to his contributions in his chosen field of business.
By connecting Florida’s vibrant innovation ecosystem with Chile’s entrepreneurial spirit, ChileFlorida.org provides a dynamic platform that helps startups and small businesses thrive in global markets.
Building Complex Systems
At the core of Achondo’s success is his ability to design and implement complex systems that drive measurable results.
“I love building systems that simplify complexity,” he shares. One of his notable achievements was identifying a production bottleneck at a manufacturing company.
A malfunctioning machine had caused a 25% drop in process reliability, an issue overlooked by traditional methods.
Through data analysis and on-site observation, Achondo pinpointed the problem and provided a solution, saving the company significant costs.
Entrepreneurial Agility in Corporate Structures
Achondo’s entrepreneurial background is another differentiator. He believes the agility required to build startups is equally valuable in large organizations.
“Big corporations often move slowly,” he observes. “As an entrepreneur, I’m used to acting quickly and iteratively, which helps me implement solutions more effectively.”
His ability to navigate startup environments and corporate structures has made him an invaluable asset to his clients.
Achondo’s holistic perspective—spanning design, business strategy, and technology—allows him to address challenges from multiple angles.
Julián Ugarte, a renowned social entrepreneur and founder of multiple initiatives in Latin America, has worked closely with Achondo through their shared commitment to innovation and social impact.
Ugarte recognizes him as a standout leader in driving transformative change across industries.
She says: “Salvador is a visionary entrepreneur whose ability to blend innovation with a strong sense of social responsibility is truly inspiring.
“His work has created significant value for businesses and contributed meaningfully to societal progress.
His unwavering dedication to using technology and innovative solutions to address complex challenges sets him apart, all while keeping sustainability and long-term impact at the forefront.
Ugarte adds: “Achondo’s leadership is a powerful example of how business success and positive social change can go hand in hand.”
A Triple-Impact Approach
Beyond profitability, Achondo is committed to driving social and environmental impact. His projects often focus on creating economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable solutions.
For instance, his AI-powered accounting platform eliminated the need for paper-based systems, reducing waste while empowering small businesses: “Technology should solve real-world problems,” he says.
“If it doesn’t create a meaningful impact, it’s not fulfilling its potential.”
With over a decade of experience as a founder and advisor across industries such as e-commerce, SaaS, and social innovation, Achondo combines technical expertise with a passion for creating meaningful impact.
His diverse roles as a professor, mentor, and executive underscore his commitment to fostering innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age.
Role of Human Ingenuity in AI
Achondo quickly dispels the myth that AI can function independently of human input: “The most important part of artificial intelligence is the data,” he explains.
“AI isn’t intelligent without humans guiding its purpose and feeding it the right information. It’s not about machines taking over; it’s about how humans and AI can work together.
“Without the right data, AI can only follow algorithms—without context, insight, or creativity.”
As AI continues to reshape industries, he believes its application has limitless possibilities: “It’s the human touch that ensures AI is used purposefully, that it solves the real-world problems we face, and it evolves to meet the needs of industries, businesses, and societies.”
For Achondo, the next frontier is integrating AI seamlessly across departments to create unified, data-driven ecosystems.
“Many companies still operate in silos,” he says. “AI can bridge those gaps, enabling better collaboration and smarter decision-making.”
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Achondo’s answer is simple: “As a problem solver. Someone who brought fresh perspectives and created meaningful change.”
It’s a fitting description for an entrepreneur whose career has been defined by turning challenges into opportunities and harnessing the power of AI to transform businesses.
As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital age, leaders like Achondo are proving that with the right mindset and tools, every problem is manageable to solve.
He concludes: “I’m passionate about making a difference through technology. AI is a powerful tool, and I’m committed to using it to innovate and create value for businesses and communities.”
