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1616 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2022 and headquartered in Miami, Florida. The firm specializes in investing in angel and early-stage rounds, primarily targeting tech startups that demonstrate the potential for rapid scaling in large markets. The firm was established by Alexandre Nogueira, who has a background in finance and venture capital, including experience at Goldman Sachs and as Head of J. Mendes Investment Office in New York.
As of now, 1616 Ventures manages a portfolio of 14 companies and focuses on bridging the capital and experience gap between the startup ecosystems of North and South America. The firm emphasizes B2B businesses and aims to provide both capital and strategic support to founders. Notable milestones include the successful exit of ASSIS, a fintech company in their portfolio.
1616 Ventures primarily invests in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, HR tech, govtech, SaaS, biotech, legaltech, consumer, and commerce. The firm engages with founders during their pre-seed fundraising efforts, offering assistance in refining pitches, designing minimum viable products (MVPs), and connecting them with a broader network of investors. The investment strategy is centered on early-stage, highly scalable tech startups, particularly in B2B sectors.
The firm typically invests between $50,000 and $100,000 per startup, with a sweet spot around $75,000. Investment instruments include convertible notes and equity. Additionally, 1616 Ventures runs the 1616 Ignite program, which provides $15,000 in exchange for 1% equity, with potential follow-on investments of up to $85,000 for an additional 3% equity. This program is designed for US-based AI-driven founders ready to move quickly.
1616 Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 14 companies, showcasing its focus on various tech sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Alex Nogueira: Partner - Miami. Alexandre Nogueira is the founder and sole named General Partner of 1616 Ventures. He has a background in finance, having worked at Goldman Sachs and later as Head of J. Mendes Investment Office in New York. Nogueira has built a strong network of US-based VCs and has experience in making LP investments in US VC funds and startups.
Pedro Mendonça: Partner - Durham. Pedro Mendonça brings expertise in venture capital and startup growth, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Jay Lanners: Venture Scout - São Paulo. Jay Lanners focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities in the Latin American market, leveraging his local knowledge and connections.
To pitch to 1616 Ventures, founders should visit their website at 1616 Ventures. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers pitches that demonstrate a clear understanding of the target market and the scalability of the solution offered.
1616 Ventures typically responds to pitches within a few weeks, and founders are encouraged to seek warm introductions if possible, as this can enhance the chances of securing a meeting.
1616 Ventures offers the 1616 Ignite program, which is an 8-week online accelerator tailored for US-based AI-driven founders. This program provides hands-on mentorship and is designed for founders who are ready to move fast. Participants receive initial funding of $15,000 in exchange for 1% equity, with the potential for follow-on investments of up to $85,000 for an additional 3% equity.
The program aims to streamline the entry-to-investment pipeline, helping startups refine their business models and prepare for future funding rounds.
As of April 2026, 1616 Ventures has made significant strides in the venture capital space since its founding in 2022. The firm has successfully invested in 14 companies, with notable exits including ASSIS, a fintech company. The firm continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on early-stage investments in high-growth sectors.
1616 Ventures has also launched the 1616 Ignite program, an 8-week online accelerator designed for US-based AI-driven founders. This program aims to provide hands-on mentorship and support to startups ready to move quickly in the market.
What are the investment criteria for 1616 Ventures?
1616 Ventures focuses on early-stage tech startups, particularly in B2B sectors such as fintech, healthtech, HR tech, and govtech. The firm looks for companies with high scalability potential and innovative solutions that can address significant market needs.
How can founders apply or pitch to 1616 Ventures?
Founders can pitch to 1616 Ventures through their official website at 1616 Ventures. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes 1616 Ventures different from other VC firms?
1616 Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on bridging the capital and experience gap between North and South American startup ecosystems. The firm provides not only capital but also strategic support, mentorship, and access to a network of investors.
What is the geographic scope of 1616 Ventures?
The firm invests primarily in North America and Latin America, targeting startups that can scale in these regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
1616 Ventures typically invests between $50,000 and $100,000 per startup, with a sweet spot around $75,000. They also have a structured program, 1616 Ignite, which offers initial funding of $15,000 for 1% equity.
What kind of post-investment involvement does 1616 Ventures have?
1616 Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies by providing mentorship, strategic guidance, and assistance in refining business models. The firm aims to help startups accelerate their growth and navigate challenges effectively.
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