Moís Cherem Arana 🇲🇽

Moís Cherem Arana is a name synonymous with social impact and entrepreneurial success in Latin America. As the co-founder of Enova, a company revolutionizing education through digital learning centers, Cherem’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to solving one of Mexico’s most pressing challenges — educational inequality — has not only elevated him as a leader in the tech-education space but also cemented his role as a visionary with a heart for change.

With a passion for leveling the educational playing field, Cherem has created a business that does far more than just generate profit. His story is one of vision, persistence, and creating lasting social impact through entrepreneurial innovation.

From Business Student to Social Entrepreneur

Born and raised in Mexico, Moís Cherem Arana pursued his education with a clear sense of purpose. His background in business studies at ITAM (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México) laid the foundation for his later ventures, but it was his Master's degree at Harvard University that fueled his desire to drive meaningful social change. Cherem credits his time in academia for shaping his entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on more than just profit but also the social impact a business can make.

Cherem’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that businesses should solve real-world problems. He believes in creating value that benefits communities, which is a guiding principle in his leadership. This socially conscious approach is what sets him apart, and it’s the core of how he leads Enova today.

Early Ventures: Lessons from Failure and Success

Moís Cherem Arana’s journey didn’t start with instant success. Before founding Enova, he dabbled in several ventures, learning valuable lessons from both failure and success. One of his first entrepreneurial experiences was with a small tech start-up, where he faced a difficult decision to pivot after realizing the market wasn’t ready for the product.

That early failure taught him the importance of timing, market research, and resilience. He emerged from that experience more determined to address real-world challenges, laying the groundwork for the founding of Enova. This period of experimentation and learning was crucial in shaping Cherem’s entrepreneurial approach, particularly his focus on scalability and impact.

Enova: Building an EdTech Empire

The defining moment in Moís Cherem Arana’s career came with the birth of Enova in 2008. Together with his co-founders, Cherem conceptualized a digital learning platform aimed at addressing the vast educational inequality in Mexico. Their goal was to create affordable access to quality education through technology-enabled learning centers.

Enova’s model was revolutionary. Instead of relying on traditional brick-and-mortar schools, they built Red de Innovación y Aprendizaje (RIA) centers, which are digital spaces where students of all ages could access top-tier education. This approach helped bridge the gap for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas where quality education was scarce. With over 100 learning centers established across Mexico, Enova has impacted more than 1.7 million students.

Financial Milestones: Turning Impact into Wealth

While social entrepreneurs often focus on impact, Cherem has shown that it is possible to build financial success alongside social good. Under his leadership, Enova has grown into a multi-million-dollar company, attracting attention from investors looking to make an impact while seeing a return on their investment.

By 2023, Cherem’s fortune was estimated to be in the millions, and Enova has generated millions in annual revenue, a testament to the scalability of their educational model. His focus on creating long-term value for both his users and stakeholders has enabled Enova to thrive financially, proving that social entrepreneurship can indeed be highly profitable.

Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Triumphs

Like any great entrepreneurial story, Moís Cherem Arana’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the greatest obstacles was securing funding in the early stages. Convincing investors that a for-profit company could have a substantial social impact wasn’t easy. However, Cherem’s resilience and strategic approach eventually paid off when he secured significant funding from international organizations and investors who believed in his vision.

Beyond funding, Cherem also had to navigate competition in the growing EdTech sector. However, his ability to innovate, coupled with the tangible social impact of Enova’s learning centers, gave him a competitive edge. These milestones not only represent financial success but also a deep sense of accomplishment for the impact his company has made on millions of lives.

A Business with a Social Conscience

Cherem’s commitment to social change extends beyond education. He has ensured that Enova integrates community engagement and sustainability into its core mission. The company collaborates with local governments and international NGOs to maximize its reach and deepen its impact. Moreover, Cherem is a strong advocate for closing the digital divide and has been a vocal proponent of leveraging technology to improve access to education for all.

Marketing with Purpose: How Cherem Captured a Market

Moís Cherem Arana’s approach to marketing has always been rooted in the social impact of Enova. Rather than relying on traditional advertising, the company’s growth has been largely driven by word of mouth and partnerships with local communities. Cherem believes in authenticity and the power of a mission-driven message, and this has been key to their success.

One of the most successful campaigns involved leveraging real stories from students whose lives were transformed through Enova’s RIA centers. These testimonials created a strong emotional connection with potential users and investors alike.

Leading the Way in EdTech Innovation

As the world of education continues to shift toward digital solutions, Cherem’s work at Enova positions him as a leader in the EdTech industry. His focus on innovation — particularly in the area of hybrid learning models — continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in education.

Looking ahead, Cherem sees the future of Enova in expanding its digital footprint even further, both in Mexico and internationally. The company is exploring new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to enhance the learning experience and personalize education for students.

The Evolution of an Entrepreneur

Over the years, Moís Cherem Arana has grown not only as a businessman but as a leader. His ability to adapt and learn from failures, coupled with his dedication to a cause greater than himself, has shaped him into the successful entrepreneur he is today. Cherem often speaks about the importance of staying grounded in one’s values and being willing to take risks in the name of innovation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Enova

Cherem’s vision for the future of Enova is ambitious. With plans to expand into more Latin American countries and integrate advanced technology into its platforms, Enova aims to reach even more underserved communities. In addition to geographical expansion, Cherem is also looking at enhancing Enova’s curriculum to include more vocational and technical training, equipping students with the skills needed in today’s digital economy.

Actionable Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Moís Cherem Arana’s journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. His story is a powerful reminder that businesses with social impact at their core can thrive both financially and morally. Aspiring entrepreneurs can take away three key lessons from Cherem’s story:

1. Focus on solving real problems: Build a business that addresses tangible needs.

2. Resilience is key: Expect setbacks, but learn from them.

3. Create value beyond profit: Incorporate social good into your business model to create long-term impact.

Moís Cherem Arana is proof that entrepreneurship is not just about personal success — it’s about creating meaningful change for society.