Member Since July 2023
Skills
About
A well-traveled soul with an insatiable thirst for adventure, Rui Santoro, founder of travel tech company Local, left behind a promising legal career in Portugal to follow a path less traveled. As a master of reinvention, he sought to bridge the gap between travelers and local service providers, drawing from his own experiences and keen sense of wanderlust. At the tender age of 19, Rui embarked on a journey through law school in Porto, driven by his innate ability to connect with people. But he soon realized that something was missing. After a globe-trotting stint as a DJ, Rui relocated to Lisbon and embraced entrepreneurship. He launched IMINEDEN, a wildly popular restaurant/sunset bar, in 2015, quickly followed by ORIGIN, a sushi hotspot that same year. Drawn to the allure of the sea, Rui used his restaurant earnings to purchase a sailboat while simultaneously pursuing an MBA in tourism focused on nautical ventures. His insatiable quest for knowledge led to the birth of WATER IN, a company that would soon dominate the nautical tourism sector. By 2018, Rui's success had caught the attention of European MTV, landing him a starring role on the series "Ricanzza" alongside Elettra Lamborghini and Farids Shirvani. While Rui had traversed much of the globe, his heart remained anchored in Rio de Janeiro. In 2019, he launched Local, a groundbreaking marketplace that connected travelers with local professionals. This innovative platform aimed to create meaningful experiences and provide income for registered professionals. Rui explained, "Social networks have revolutionized connections, so why not apply that concept to the travel ecosystem? Today, countless people connect through Local, transforming their travel experiences and forging lasting friendships." Despite the challenges of the COVID era, Rui remained steadfast in his pursuit to spread his vision across the globe. In 2021, international investors recognized the potential of Rui and his brainchild, leading him to relocate to the United States. Rui's relentless drive to revolutionize travel has cemented his status as an industry thought leader. Today, he is a sought-after voice in travel tech discussions, contributing to prestigious forums and even publishing an article in the MIT Tech Review magazine. Rui Santoro's journey from law student to tourism trailblazer exemplifies the power of reinvention and the boundless potential of following one's passions.
Rui Santoro
Published content
article
Changing dynamics in the tourism industry, characterized by a shift toward personalization and authenticity, should be on the radar of any travel company.
expert panel
As a member of the executive team, a COO—or chief operating officer—is a key leadership position responsible for the overall daily operations of a business, ensuring long-term goals are met with everyday tasks and initiatives. Because the COO has a hand in nearly every department of the company, selecting the right one could be the difference between a major business failure and a major success. How, then, can companies ensure they’re recruiting and hiring the best candidates for such an important role? The members of Young Entrepreneur Council break down the answer below by sharing nine tactical steps business leaders can take to ensure they hire the best COO for their team.
expert panel
Bringing on a business advisor can be a great way to get you or your business out of a rut, both financially and creatively. Not only can they help you rework any failing processes or initiatives, but they can also provide inspiration and insights into what might be the “next big thing” for your growing business. However, like with any new hire you make, you’ll want to be thoughtful about your choice and avoid rushing into a decision based on desperation. To help you find the best fit for you and your business, nine members of Young Entrepreneur Council each discuss one factor entrepreneurs should keep in mind before seeking out a business advisor and why.
Company details
Local App
Company bio
LOCAL App is a traveling technology designed to connect locals with tourists, improving the travel experience and giving "residents" the opportunity to generate extra income LOCAL App - Connecting dreams, people, and experiences! The Local App came in 2019 with the purpose of offering the best experience to travelers through technology, innovation & agility. With LOCAL, travelers can find a best friend in the city they are visiting and have a quality service. Customized according to the demand and profile presented.