Officenet, an office supply distributor co-founded by Andrés Freire in Argentina, became a subject of study at Harvard Business School for its operational success before its 2004 acquisition by Staples. Born in Buenos Aires in 1972, Freire built his reputation through the scaling and sale of multiple technology-focused firms across the Latin American market over several decades.
Early Career and Corporate Ventures
Freire began his professional path at Procter & Gamble before shifting toward entrepreneurship. His role at Officenet established his profile, as the company expanded operations across Argentina and Brazil. Following the sale of Officenet, he transitioned to consultancy as the president and CEO of Axialent, a firm focused on leadership and team effectiveness, a role he maintained until 2011. He later helped build Quasar Ventures, an ecosystem for technology startups, which facilitated the launch of platforms including Restorando, Sirena, and Trocafone.
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In December 2015, Freire moved into the public sector, serving as the Minister of Modernization, Innovation, and Technology for the Government of the City of Buenos Aires. During this tenure, he also presided over the city's Tourism Authority. In 2017, he participated in the legislative elections as a member of the Vamos Juntos list for the Buenos Aires City Legislature.
Investment and Current Operations
His investment portfolio includes a term as the founding managing partner and Head of the Southern Cone for the SoftBank Latin America Fund. Currently, Freire serves as an independent director for various public and private organizations. His present commercial activities involve Baris, a brand specializing in chocolate-covered Patagonian raspberries, and Racquet360, which functions as a company builder for the padel sports industry in the United States.
Academic and Media Contributions
Freire has presented guest lectures at institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Notre Dame, Wharton, and IE in Spain. His media work includes hosting the television program Un millón para emprender and providing commentary for CNN en Español and Telefe Noticias. He has also authored several books, including Pasión por emprender, 50 claves para emprendedores, and ¡Libre! El camino del emprendedor como filosofía de vida.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Education: Harvard Business School
- Minister of Modernization, Innovation and Technology: 2015-2017
- Selected as Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum: 2008
- Latin American Entrepreneur of the Year: 2001
- World Young Business Achiever: 2002
- Languages: Spanish
- Citizenship: Argentina
Questions readers ask
What companies did Andrés Freire help launch?
He co-founded Officenet and Axialent, and participated in launching Quasar Ventures, which supported startups like Restorando, Sirena, and Trocafone.
What is his current focus in business?
He serves as an independent director and is currently involved with the food brand Baris and the padel company builder Racquet360.
Achievements
- Educated at Harvard Business School
