Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Soto-Nieves, a veteran and tech entrepreneur, founded iTerra Solutions in Puerto Rico after returning from Virginia.
- The company focuses on cybersecurity and data analytics for the defense industry and is part of a burgeoning startup ecosystem in Puerto Rico.
- Soto-Nieves emphasizes the cultural and professional growth opportunities in Puerto Rico, highlighting its community and technological advancements.
Returning Home to Launch a New Venture
Jonathan Soto-Nieves, the 40-year-old founder and CEO of iTerra Solutions, has embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico after many years in the U.S. He originally left his hometown of Hatillo to join the Marine Corps at age 24, where he served for nearly a decade and completed six deployments. This experience not only fostered his military skills but also ignited his leadership potential.
After leaving active duty in 2019, Soto-Nieves transitioned into the tech sector, where he worked at Microsoft for three years, gaining valuable insights into technology and cybersecurity. It was during this time that he conceptualized iTerra Solutions, envisioning it as a provider of cybersecurity and data analytics to the defense sector.
Although iTerra Solutions was initially set up in Virginia, Soto-Nieves felt a strong pull to return to Puerto Rico. His turning point came when he discovered Invest Puerto Rico, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering business development on the island. Following a brief application process, Soto-Nieves received support that facilitated his family’s relocation and the company’s launch in January 2025.
The move represents more than just a career shift; it embodies a personal aspiration to provide his son, Sebastian, with the enriching life he experienced as a child in Puerto Rico. Soto-Nieves shares how pivotal it is for him to reconnect with the local culture and his family, highlighting the strong sense of community that has developed within Puerto Rico’s business ecosystem.
iTerra Solutions is already engaging with clients in the healthcare sector to enhance their computer data systems, illustrating the company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. The entrepreneurial landscape in Puerto Rico is evolving, with emerging opportunities in various sectors like aerospace engineering and biopharma.
Soto-Nieves expresses a deep appreciation for the idyllic lifestyle that accompanies his new venture, stating that working from the beach and enjoying the warmth of Puerto Rican culture is a dream come true. His vision for the future is clear: to make Puerto Rico his family’s permanent home and contribute positively to its economic growth, marking his commitment with no backup plans on the horizon.
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