When talking about AstroPay and DLocal, two of the most successful fintech companies born in Latin America, one name inevitably stands out: Emiliano Fernández Balagué.

This Uruguayan entrepreneur played a key role in building both ventures and today continues to innovate by expanding into new arenas such as sports business, athlete management, and real estate projects in the United States.

In this exclusive interview, Emiliano shares how he bridges the worlds of digital payments, financial inclusion, and sports entrepreneurship through groundbreaking initiatives like Sport Summa and Sports Performance Hub (SPH).

How do you connect fintech with sports business?

Emiliano explains that his fintech journey first with AstroPay, a pioneer in digital payments for Latin America, and then as co-founder of DLocal (NASDAQ: DLO), a global cross-border payments platform was about solving structural problems in emerging markets.

“Innovation, accessibility, and scalability are principles I’ve applied both in fintech and now in sports,” he says. “With Sport Summa and SPH (Sports Performance Hub), the goal is to bring professional structure and opportunities to athletes, especially those from Latin America.”

What role does Sport Summa play in your vision?

Sport Summa, co-founded with tennis stars Juan “Pico” Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta, has evolved into a comprehensive sports management and marketing agency.

The firm focuses on:

• Athlete representationacross their entire careers.
• Sports marketing, sponsorships, and brand building.
• Long-term strategies forpersonal and professional growth.

By connecting athletes, global brands, and sports investors, Sport Summa positions itself as a leader in the sports business ecosystem.

What makes SPH unique in Miami: A Sports Innovation Hub

The Sports Performance Hub (SPH) in Miami-Dade, Florida, is designed to be the most complete sports complex in the Americas.

It combines:

• High-performance training facilities.
• Sports science and wellness programs.
• Education and cutting-edge technology.

With Miami becoming a global hub for sports and a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SPH aims to be the meeting point for athletes, sports brands, real estate investors, and technology innovators.

“SPH is not just a sports facility it’s an ecosystem for athlete development and sports entrepreneurship,” says Emiliano Balagué.

Ferbal Capital and Lifestyle Investments. How do Ferbal Capital and USHI Outdoors fit into your strategy?

Through Ferbal Capital, his family office and investment platform, Emiliano invests in projects that combine economic growth and social impact.

• Fintech investments in digital payments and blockchain.
• Real estate development projects in Miami, Brooklyn, and Port St. Lucie.
• Lifestyle brands such as USHI Outdoors, which focus on premium outdoor experiences and sustainable tourism.

All these ventures are connected by a vision of improving quality of life through innovation and sustainability.

Global Impact and Legacy. What impact do you hope to create worldwide 

For Emiliano Fernández Balagué, the mission is to continue bridging gaps:

• From financial inclusion in emerging markets through fintech.
• To sports infrastructure in the U.S., particularly in Miami.
• To building ecosystems that empower people and communities.

“My hope is that these projects not only succeed commercially but also leave a lasting legacy of innovation and transformation worldwide.”

The story of Emiliano Fernández Balagué is one of fintech disruption, sports business innovation, and strategic real estate investment. From launching AstroPay and DLocal to creating Sport Summa and SPH, he continues to shape industries with a clear focus: empowering people, driving innovation, and leaving a global impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Emiliano Fernández Balagué, and why is he notable in fintech and sports?

Emiliano Fernández Balagué is a Uruguayan entrepreneur who helped build AstroPay and co-founded DLocal, a cross-border payments platform. He now leads projects in sports business, athlete management, and real estate, including Sport Summa and the Sports Performance Hub in Miami.

How does Emiliano connect fintech with the sports business?

He applies the same principles from digital payments to sports: innovation, access, and scale. In practice, that means building systems that reduce friction for athletes and partners, like structured management, transparent deals, and data-driven performance programs.

What is Sport Summa, and what services does it offer athletes?

Sport Summa is a sports management and marketing agency co-founded with Juan “Pico” Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta. It provides athlete representation, sponsorships, brand building, and long-term career strategies that cover performance, image, and post-career planning.

What makes the Sports Performance Hub in Miami different from other training centers?

SPH is designed as a full ecosystem, not just a gym. It combines high-performance training, sports science, wellness, education, and technology, and connects athletes with brands, investors, and real estate partners in a fast-growing sports market like Miami.

Is SPH only for elite athletes, or can youth and developing athletes benefit too?

While SPH targets elite training, its ecosystem approach benefits youth and rising talent as well. Access to coaching, sports science, and education programs helps developing athletes build safe, smart, and sustainable paths to pro-level performance.

What role does Ferbal Capital play in Emiliano’s overall strategy?

Ferbal Capital is his family office that invests in projects with both financial return and social impact. It backs fintech (payments, blockchain), real estate in Miami, Brooklyn, and Port St. Lucie, and lifestyle brands like USHI Outdoors focused on premium, sustainable experiences.

Myth: Fintech and sports have little overlap. Is that true?

This is a myth. Payments, sponsorship deals, athlete compensation, ticketing, and fan commerce all depend on secure, scalable financial infrastructure. Fintech tools reduce costs, expand access in emerging markets, and make sports business more transparent and efficient.

What practical steps can an athlete take now to benefit from this model?

Start with a simple plan: centralize contracts and payments, track brand assets, and build a content calendar tied to performance peaks. Ask for data access from agencies and training partners, then use those metrics to negotiate sponsorships and tailor training and recovery.

How does Miami’s growth as a sports hub help SPH and Sport Summa clients?

Miami’s global events, diverse audiences, and investor interest create deal flow in sponsorships, media, and real estate. Clients get easier access to brands, cross-border partnerships, and world-class facilities ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What should readers ask next if they want to work with Sport Summa or SPH?

Clarify your goals, timeline, and current metrics, such as social reach, performance stats, injury history, and contract status. Then request a discovery call to map services to needs, agree on KPIs, and set a 90-day plan for representation, training, or brand growth.