Investment Firm Kiara Capital Successfully Closes debut $40 Million Fintech-centered Fund
Miami-based venture capital firm, Kiara Capital, has announced its focus on investing in early-stage B2B fintech startups, particularly in Latin America and cross-border markets linked to the U.S. The firm, launched in 2023 by serial fintech entrepreneurs Michael Esrubilsky and Daniel Arippol, has already reviewed over 160 opportunities and made five investments, including Astride and Payana.
Kiara Capital's inaugural fund, which raised $40 million, will be used to execute this strategy. The fund is structured in the United States to support global flexibility while maintaining a strong emphasis on Latin American and US cross-border markets. The firm aims to build a high-conviction portfolio of 15 to 20 startups, with initial checks starting at $500,000 and substantial reserves for follow-on rounds.
Michael Esrubilsky, co-founder of Kiara Capital, boasts over 25 years of fintech experience and a track record of successful exits and investments. He states that opening the fund to outside investors expands investment capacity while maintaining full alignment. Daniel Arippol, co-founder of Kiara Capital, has over 15 years of experience in private equity, venture capital, and innovation across emerging markets. He prioritizes founders who have deep expertise in their industries, excel in execution, and often come through trusted referrals in the ecosystem.
The firm's current portfolio spans startups in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and the U.S., with about $2 million already deployed. Kiara Capital specializes in early-stage investments, from pre-seed to seed. The firm is also bringing in knowledgeable, experienced partners to co-invest with them in the opportunities they are already pursuing.
By targeting Latin American fintech startups and cross-border ventures connected to the U.S., Kiara Capital aims to capitalize on the growing fintech ecosystem in these regions, fostering innovation and expansion in the B2B fintech sector. The firm looks for companies that combine strong product-market fit with the potential for outsized impact in the financial sector.
Kiara Capital has opened its first external fundraising round, targeting $30 million with the potential to close at $40 million. The firm's commitment to supporting the growth of these startups beyond the initial funding round is evident in their allocation of substantial reserves for follow-up investments. With its strategic focus and experienced team, Kiara Capital is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the B2B fintech sector.
[1] - Source: Kiara Capital press release, 2023 [2] - Source: VentureBeat, 2023 [4] - Source: TechCrunch, 2023
Private equity firms like Kiara Capital, with their emphasis on venture capital, are looking to leverage their finance expertise in the technology sector, particularly in the B2B fintech startups of Latin America and cross-border markets linked to the U.S. Kiara Capital, backed by an inaugural fund raised from outside investors, aims to capitalize on the growing fintech ecosystem in these regions by providing substantial follow-on investments, reflecting their commitment to the growth of these startups.
