FV

FINCA Ventures

North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington

Description

FINCA Ventures is the impact investing initiative of FINCA International, a leading global microfinance organization based in Washington D.C. This venture arm is dedicated to supporting early-stage social enterprises that deliver essential products and services to low-income communities across emerging markets. Its core mission aligns seamlessly with FINCA International's broader goal of alleviating poverty through sustainable solutions, extending beyond traditional microfinance to foster innovation in critical sectors that improve quality of life and create economic opportunities for underserved populations.

The initiative employs a patient capital approach, providing equity or quasi-equity investments to companies addressing significant market gaps. FINCA Ventures strategically focuses on sectors such as clean energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, health, education, and fintech, identifying ventures that can scale their impact and improve the quality of life for underserved populations. They aim to bridge the "pioneer gap" by investing in enterprises that often struggle to attract conventional financing due to perceived risks or long payback periods, yet hold immense potential for social and economic transformation.

FINCA Ventures typically invests up to $1 million in its portfolio companies, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to FINCA International's extensive global network and operational expertise. As of early 2024, their portfolio comprises over 20 companies, reflecting a commitment to diversifying impact across various essential services. This hands-on approach helps these nascent businesses navigate challenges, refine their models, and ultimately achieve greater reach and sustainability, contributing to FINCA International's legacy of empowering millions worldwide.

Investor Profile

FINCA Ventures has backed more than 20 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 0 rounds, about 0% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Kenya, Germany, Nigeria.
  • Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, Health Care, FinTech.
  • Typical check size: $100K – $1M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (50%)
  • Series A (30%)
  • Series Unknown (10%)
  • Convertible Note (5%)
  • Pre Seed (5%)

Country Focus

  • Kenya (20%)
  • Germany (15%)
  • Nigeria (10%)
  • Mexico (10%)
  • United States (10%)
  • Sweden (10%)
  • The Netherlands (5%)
  • Mauritius (5%)
  • Zambia (5%)
  • South Africa (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Financial Services
  • Health Care
  • Fintech
  • Information Technology
  • Medical Device
  • Professional Services
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Agtech
  • Environmental Engineering
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does FINCA Ventures frequently co-invest with?

EF
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 3
Techstars
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 2
Globivest
Asia, Beyrouth, Lebanon, Beirut
Co-Investments: 2
Breega
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 2
Co-Investments: 2
DOB Equity
Europe, Gelderland, The Netherlands, Veessen
Co-Investments: 3
Kepple Africa Ventures
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 2
Mercy Corps Ventures
North America, Oregon, United States, Portland
Co-Investments: 4
Launch Africa
Africa, Plaines Wilhems, Mauritius, Ebène
Co-Investments: 2
Future Africa
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does FINCA Ventures often collaborate with?

CA
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
JP Duque
North America, Distrito Federal, Mexico, Mexico City
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Olugbenga Agboola
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 1
SH
Africa, NA - South Africa, South Africa, Cape Town
Shared Deals: 1
CE
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
AR
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
Daniel Bilbao
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
RS
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
JO
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by FINCA Ventures?

Lapaire

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Technology-enabled eye care and affordable eyewear

E-Commerce
Series UnknownJan 10, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Elucid Social

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Elucid Social integrates businesses with the social good movement through a data-driven strategy that yields measurable results.

Health CareInformation TechnologyOnline PortalsRisk ManagementSupply Chain Management
SeedSep 15, 2023
Kwara

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Kwara is on a mission to improve financial health in emerging markets. We believe the fastest way to get there is through credit unions

Information Technology
SeedJan 16, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Kentaste

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Kentaste is a producer of all natural, locally sourced food and beauty products from coconut.

BeautyFood and Beverage
Series UnknownNov 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
Bamba

Benito Juárez, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico

Bamba develops tech solutions for businesses to help their insuranced affiliates solve their unforseen events fast by minimizing costs

InsurTech
SeedOct 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $3,500,000
YYTZ Agro-Processing

Newark, Delaware, United States

YYTZ Agro-Processing specializes in sourcing and processing cashew nuts.

Food DeliveryFood ProcessingOrganic Food
SeedMar 16, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,300,000
FloatPays

Johannesburg, NA - South Africa, South Africa

FloatPays provides payroll integration, employee access, financial education, effective reporting, payment, and training services.

EducationFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechHuman ResourcesSoftwareTraining
SeedJan 26, 2022
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Kwara

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Kwara is on a mission to improve financial health in emerging markets. We believe the fastest way to get there is through credit unions

Information Technology
SeedDec 9, 2021
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Kuunda

Mapou, Riviere du Rempart, Mauritius

Kuunda provides liquidity management and data insight tools enabling users to fulfill financial needs through a digital platform.

CreditFinancial ServicesFinTech
SeedDec 1, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,250,000
Jefa

Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Jefa is a digital bank for women that offers access to savings accounts, loans, insurance, easy payments, debit and credit cards.

BankingFinancial ServicesFinTech
SeedNov 26, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,000,000