People from every corner of the globe are drawn to Asunción, where Paraguay’s laid-back capital has quietly become a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ambition. Each Tuesday evening from 18:00 to 21:00, digital nomads, expats, and friendly locals come together at the ever-popular English networking event organised by The Asunción Times. Held in a different charming bar or restaurant across the city every week, these gatherings offer the perfect blend of Paraguayan warmth and international energy. In this “People of Asunción” series, we introduce the inspiring individuals who make this scene so uniquely alive. In #8: Dean Cooper from London, England.
Meet Dean
Dean Cooper (31) is an entrepreneur from London who now lives in Paraguay, while working remotely as a digital nomad.
How long have you been in Paraguay?
“At first, I came for a couple of months, went back home for business, and then returned. Now I am living here.”
What are you doing in Paraguay?
“I am a digital nomad, and my business focuses on selling the first engineering-grade augmented reality headset for construction. The idea is simple: we get builders to build from holograms, mainly for mission-critical facilities like data centres and pharmaceutical projects.”
“I got into this because I come from a construction background. My dad was a house builder, and I worked on residential construction projects myself. He always told me it was a hard way to make a living, so I naturally moved into sales. Later, I returned to the construction space because I understood the people. I met good people, moved around different companies, and eventually became known in my niche.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción and why?
“I like cafés, and places like La Cuadrita. I also like the malls, like Del Sol and La Galería. And I enjoy the gyms. I do not drink anymore, so I prefer chill places.”
What is your favourite place outside Asunción and why?
“San Bernardino. I went to a luxury glamping place overlooking the lake in a forest-type environment. Another place I liked, although not in Paraguay, is Iguazú, near Ciudad del Este. It is amazing, and about five hours from Asunción by bus.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“The freedom. Here in Paraguay is more freedom than in my country. In England, taxes can take around 50% of your earnings, and everything is very regulated. There is less space to grow there, while here there is more room to make things happen.”
What do you miss from home?
“I do not really miss home. But one thing I would say is being really cold, like winter in December, and washing your hands under hot water when it is freezing. Of course, I miss my family, but I was raised very independent. I also travel back often for business, and usually go home every December.”
If you moved away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“Mbeju (a traditional Paraguayan flatbread made from cassava starch, cheese, and fat). I do not know how to make it, and even if I learned, I would probably still buy it instead of cooking. The best one I had recently was in Ciudad del Este during my Iguazú trip.”
You can find Dean on Instagram or, better yet, spot him in person at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events – every Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00, popping up in a different lively bar or restaurant across Asunción! Check our What’s On Guide to discover exactly where the next one is taking place.
Read previous episodes of People of Asunción:
People Of Asunción #3, James Meads From The UK: ‘I Love The Great Craft Beer Scene Here’.
People Of Asunción #4, Alexia Choi From South Korea: ‘Friends Made When I Arrived Are Still Friends Now’.
People Of Asunción #5, Christian Díaz From Paraguay: “The Future Here Is Too Big And Too Bright To Leave”.
People Of Asunción #6, Lety Rodríguez From Argentina: “I Have Found The Most Hardworking People Here”.
People Of Asunción #7, Daniel Gaudet From Canada: “Everyone Here Works On Achieving Something”.
