Rather interesting infographic from Gist showing the entrepreneurial countries/hubs in the world. Europe and Latin America lag the pack, while the US/Canada and Asia lead. The absence of Chile from Latin America’s leaders is sadly not surprising. In spite of its consistent leadership in “Best Places to Do Business” rankings, it is not a good place to try to get into business. Sure, if you are a multi-national corporation, Chile will welcome you with open arms, take your money, and be happy to provide obedient middle managers. But if you are looking for a place to raise and/or place a venture capital fund, then you should look elsewhere.

Chile is, by and large, an oligarchic plutocracy that is opposed to change, innovation, and competition. It doesn’t have to be this way, and even though Start-Up Chile seems to be failing to retain entrepreneurs in the country after their subsidy has run out, there is a strong (if small) spark of entrepreneurial flame here that might just catch on. When it does, the country club families that own & run this country won’t know what hit them.