Chingona Ventures

Chingona Ventures, founded in 2019 by Samara Mejia Hernandez, is a Chicago-based venture capital firm committed to investing in overlooked founders and markets at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm distinguishes itself by focusing on a diverse range of sectors including financial technology (FinTech), female technology (FemTech), food technology (FoodTech), and health/wellness. Their core mission revolves around providing the crucial first institutional capital to entrepreneurs who are often underrepresented in the traditional venture landscape, particularly women and people of color.

The firm has successfully raised two funds, demonstrating its growing influence and commitment to its investment thesis. Their inaugural fund, Fund I, closed in 2020 with $5.3 million, enabling them to begin deploying capital into promising early-stage companies. Building on this momentum, Chingona Ventures announced the close of its second fund, Fund II, in 2022, which secured $20 million. This larger fund significantly expanded their capacity to support more startups and provide follow-on investments. They typically aim to be the first institutional check, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and network access to their portfolio companies.

Chingona Ventures primarily writes initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, making them a key early-stage investor for startups seeking their first significant capital infusion. As of early 2023, the firm had invested in over 50 companies, showcasing a robust and diverse portfolio that reflects their commitment to their target sectors and founder demographics. Their investment approach emphasizes long-term partnerships, aiming to help companies navigate the complexities of early growth and scale. By focusing on sectors and founders often overlooked by larger, more traditional VC firms, Chingona Ventures plays a vital role in fostering innovation and promoting inclusivity within the startup ecosystem.