Jonathan Schacher is the visionary founder and owner of Grupo Visión, a technology firm based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, that has been a driving force in Central America’s tech landscape since 2002 through Innovation and Impact. Jonathan’s deep understanding of finance and international business, which he honed at Bentley University and Florida International University, has enabled him to push the boundaries of technological innovation in a region often overlooked by global tech giants. Under his leadership, Grupo Visión has created more than 3,000 jobs, leading the charge in integrating advanced technologies across industries like agriculture, real estate, and fintech.
Beyond his business acumen, Jonathan is a passionate philanthropist who believes in leveraging technology to empower communities, bridge socio-economic gaps, and drive sustainable development. His dedication to education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship reflects a desire to not only grow businesses but also to improve lives, create opportunities, and build resilient futures. In this interview, Jonathan shares his perspectives on innovation, leadership, and his unique approach to blending business success with social responsibility.
What drives your passion for technology and innovation, particularly in a region like Central America, where challenges like infrastructure and access to technology persist?
Central America is filled with potential. What drives my passion is the opportunity to unlock that potential through technology. The region has faced its share of challenges, from limited infrastructure to unequal access to education, but it’s also a place where technology can have the most transformative impact. I see it as a dual responsibility and privilege to use innovation to solve these deep-rooted problems. For me, it’s not just about adopting the latest technologies for the sake of it—it’s about making sure that the innovations we implement can drive meaningful, positive change. Whether it’s through advancing agricultural practices with AI or promoting financial inclusion with fintech solutions, I’m motivated by the thought that our work can truly improve people’s lives.
How has your education in finance and international business shaped the way you approach leadership and decision-making at Grupo Visión?
My education has been foundational to how I approach every decision I make. Studying finance at Bentley University gave me the analytical skills to understand the complexities of economic systems, while my time at Florida International University helped me appreciate the global forces at play in today’s business landscape. But more importantly, it taught me how to weigh risks, which is crucial when you’re working in an emerging market like Central America. We’ve had to make decisions that could impact thousands of people, from employees to local communities, and having that solid foundation in finance allows me to assess those decisions from both a pragmatic and ethical standpoint.
Leadership, in my view, is about balancing vision with responsibility. The numbers guide you, but at the end of the day, your gut and your ability to empathize with the people you’re impacting drive the true success of an initiative.
You’ve been vocal about the role of technology in improving access to education and healthcare. Why do you think these sectors are critical, and how does Grupo Visión contribute?
Education and healthcare are the cornerstones of any society’s progress. Without access to quality education, people can’t unlock their full potential, and without healthcare, communities can’t thrive. In Central America, these sectors are often under-resourced, which creates a cycle of inequality. I believe technology is the key to breaking that cycle.
At Grupo Visión, we’ve been actively involved in projects that use technology to expand access to these essential services. For example, we’ve worked on e-learning platforms that bring quality education to rural communities and telemedicine solutions that provide healthcare services to areas where people would otherwise have to travel for hours just to see a doctor. It’s not just about making services available—it’s about making them accessible and sustainable. And as much as we focus on innovation, we also make sure these technologies are affordable and easy to use because there’s no point in introducing a solution that people can’t or won’t use.
In your experience, what is the most important quality a leader should have when it comes to managing a tech-driven company?
Adaptability. In the tech industry, everything moves incredibly fast. The tools and strategies that worked last year may be obsolete today, so if you’re not willing to continuously learn and evolve, you’ll get left behind. As a leader, it’s my job to stay curious and to inspire that same adaptability in my team. I encourage everyone at Grupo Visión to keep learning, to challenge the status quo, and to experiment with new ideas—even if they fail. Failure isn’t the enemy; stagnation is.
But it’s not just about adapting to technological changes. You also have to be adaptable in how you manage people and how you respond to external factors like market fluctuations or societal challenges. Leadership isn’t static—it’s fluid, and it’s constantly about adjusting your approach to get the best out of people and resources in any given situation.
What role does sustainability play in your vision for technological growth in Central America, and how do you integrate this into Grupo Visión’s strategy?
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Grupo Visión. In regions like Central America, where natural resources are abundant but also vulnerable, we have a responsibility to make sure that technological growth doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. The question we ask ourselves is: how can we drive economic development while ensuring that future generations will still have access to the resources we rely on today?
We’ve integrated sustainability into our projects by focusing on renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable agriculture. For example, we’re working on AI-driven solutions for smart farming that reduce water and fertilizer use while increasing crop yields. This is a win-win because it not only boosts productivity but also minimizes environmental impact.
Sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s about creating lasting economic models. If we develop solutions that deplete resources or cause harm, the benefits will be short-lived. We’re building for the long term, and that requires a deep commitment to sustainability in every decision we make.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the most exciting opportunity for tech innovation in Central America, and what is Grupo Visión’s role in that future?
The most exciting opportunity, in my opinion, lies at the intersection of fintech and financial inclusion. A large percentage of the population in Central America is still unbanked or underbanked, which limits their ability to participate fully in the economy. With the advancements in digital payments, blockchain, and AI, we have an incredible opportunity to bring financial services to those who need them the most.
Grupo Visión is already working on fintech solutions that aim to bridge this gap, allowing people to access loans, save money, and make transactions securely through their mobile phones. The potential for growth in this space is massive, and I truly believe that if we do this right, we can elevate entire communities out of poverty and into economic empowerment.
At the end of the day, that’s what drives me—using technology to not only create business success but to make a real, lasting impact on people’s lives.