Jonathan Schacher, based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is the visionary founder and CEO of Grupo Visión, a transformative technology firm that has been a catalyst for change in Central America since its founding in 2002. With a deep background in finance from Bentley University and a Master’s degree in International Business from Florida International University, Jonathan has used his expertise to drive technological innovation across industries such as real estate, agriculture, and fintech. Under his leadership, Grupo Visión has created thousands of jobs and brought modern technology solutions to underdeveloped regions, fostering both economic growth and social progress. Passionate about philanthropy and sustainability, Jonathan Schacher is committed to using technology as a tool to bridge socio-economic divides, improve quality of life, and create long-lasting community impact.
What motivated you to launch Grupo Visión, and how has it evolved over the years?
When I started Grupo Visión in 2002, my goal was to use technology as a vehicle for real and lasting change in Central America. Growing up in Honduras, I saw how underserved many communities were, and how a lack of access to technology and infrastructure held back their development. I wanted to create a company that wasn’t just focused on profit but also on making a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Over the years, we’ve evolved from a primarily tech-focused business into a company that integrates innovation with social responsibility. We’ve branched out into industries like agriculture, real estate, and financial services, always with the mindset of using technology to solve local problems. But at the heart of it, our mission has stayed the same: harnessing the power of technology to bring opportunities to communities that would otherwise be left behind.
How does your upbringing in Honduras shape your view of business and leadership today?
Growing up in Honduras shaped everything about the way I approach business. Living in a country where the socio-economic divide is so stark, you become acutely aware of the challenges that people face on a daily basis. I saw from a young age that businesses could be more than just profit-driven entities. They could be mechanisms for societal change.
I’ve always believed that leadership is not just about growing your company but about the impact you have on your community and your region. My upbringing taught me resilience and empathy—two qualities I try to instill in the culture of Grupo Visión. Being from Honduras gives me an intimate understanding of the needs here, and it drives me to create solutions that are culturally and contextually relevant. It’s not about imposing ideas from the outside but about building something that resonates with the people.
What role do you see technology playing in closing socio-economic gaps in Central America?
Technology is the great equalizer. It has the potential to democratize access to information, education, and economic opportunities in ways we’ve never seen before. In Central America, where access to these resources can be incredibly uneven, technology can bridge those gaps.
For example, in the agricultural sector, which still supports a large portion of the population, integrating AI and IoT systems allows farmers to increase their yields, manage resources more efficiently, and ultimately improve their livelihoods. In the financial sector, fintech solutions are enabling people in rural areas to access banking services for the first time, empowering them to take control of their financial futures.
My view is that if we can make technology accessible, affordable, and user-friendly, we can fundamentally change the trajectory of the region. That’s the driving force behind a lot of what we do at Grupo Visión.
How do you balance technological innovation with sustainability in your projects?
Sustainability is a core value for me, personally and professionally. At Grupo Visión, we believe that innovation without sustainability is short-sighted. Every project we undertake has to meet a dual mandate: Can it solve a problem, and can it do so in a way that respects the environment and the resources we’re using?
For example, in our real estate developments, we integrate smart building technologies that reduce energy consumption and optimize water use. In agriculture, we’re deploying AI systems that not only boost productivity but also help conserve water and reduce pesticide use. It’s about finding that intersection where technology and sustainability meet to create long-term value—not just for our clients, but for the planet.
You’ve often spoken about the importance of philanthropy in business. Why is this such a key focus for you?
Philanthropy is a responsibility. I don’t think any business can consider itself truly successful if it’s not giving back to the community that supports it. For me, philanthropy and business are intertwined. It’s not enough to create wealth or jobs; we have to invest in the social fabric of our communities—whether that’s through education, healthcare, or sustainability initiatives.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is our focus on digital literacy in underserved regions. We’ve partnered with local schools and NGOs to bring technology education to young people in rural areas, giving them the skills they need to participate in the digital economy. It’s about creating opportunities and leveling the playing field so that everyone has a shot at success.
Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of technology in Central America?
I think what excites me most is the potential for technology to transform entire industries and uplift communities across Central America. We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. In sectors like fintech, agriculture, and urban planning, we’re seeing breakthroughs that have the potential to change lives on a massive scale.
One area I’m particularly interested in is how blockchain and decentralized finance could revolutionize financial inclusion in rural areas. Imagine a farmer in a remote village being able to access microloans, insurance, and global markets through nothing more than a mobile phone. That’s the kind of future I see for Central America—a future where technology breaks down barriers and empowers individuals to shape their destinies.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work at Grupo Visión and beyond?
I want my legacy to be one of positive transformation. I hope that when people look back at the work we’ve done, they see a company that didn’t just innovate for the sake of innovation but did so with a purpose. A company that created opportunities where there were none, that empowered communities, and that always stayed true to its values.
At the end of the day, I want to be remembered not just as a business leader, but as someone who used the tools of business and technology to make a meaningful, lasting difference. I want the impact of Grupo Visión to extend beyond profit margins—to improve lives, uplift communities, and leave the world better than we found it.