LEAP Global Partners

LEAP Global Partners is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm dedicated to catalyzing the next wave of global innovation by investing in exceptional, often underrepresented, founders across the Americas. While headquartered in the United States, the firm has a significant focus on the burgeoning startup ecosystems within Latin America, aiming to back companies that are shaping the future of commerce, finance, and work. Their investment philosophy emphasizes not just capital deployment but also providing strategic guidance and leveraging their extensive network to help portfolio companies scale.

The firm primarily targets seed-stage companies, identifying high-potential ventures early in their development. In July 2022, LEAP Global Partners announced the launch of its inaugural fund, Fund I, with a substantial commitment of $100 million. This significant capital pool underscores their ambition to be a major player in the regional venture landscape. Beyond financial backing, LEAP differentiates itself by offering hands-on operational support, drawing on the deep industry experience of its leadership team, which includes co-founder Juan Pablo Ortega, known for his roles in building successful companies like Rappi and Clara, and Luis Felipe Alvarez, a former SoftBank executive.

LEAP Global Partners typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million, providing crucial early-stage capital to promising startups. This range allows them to support a diverse set of companies, from those just beginning to build their product to those with early traction. Their commitment to underrepresented founders reflects a broader vision of fostering inclusive economic growth and tapping into overlooked talent pools across the continent. By focusing on sectors like FinTech, future of work solutions, and innovative commerce models, LEAP aims to support companies that are addressing fundamental market needs and driving significant technological and social change in the Americas.