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ANIMO Ventures is a Miami-based venture capital firm founded in 2018 by three Latin American immigrant partners: Nico Berardi, Antonio Osio, and Caro Acevedo. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage companies, particularly in markets often overlooked by traditional venture capital. ANIMO Ventures manages a total of approximately $140 million in assets under management (AUM) across two funds, with Fund I totaling $60 million and Fund II at $78 million, which closed in mid-2022.
ANIMO Ventures emphasizes a high-touch investment model, ensuring that founders receive personalized attention and support throughout their journey. The firm operates without associates or platform staff, allowing partners to maintain direct relationships with portfolio companies. This approach fosters a unique environment where founders can communicate with partners every 48 hours, enhancing the support provided to startups.
Headquartered in Miami, ANIMO Ventures also has a presence in New York and San Francisco. The firm actively seeks investment opportunities in cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Miami, where competition is lower compared to traditional VC hubs.
ANIMO Ventures invests between $500,000 and $2.5 million in U.S.-based companies across the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm targets funding rounds ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, emphasizing a founder-centric approach that prioritizes close relationships with portfolio companies. This strategy allows ANIMO Ventures to provide tailored support to founders, helping them navigate the challenges of early-stage growth.
The firm is sector-agnostic, with a portfolio that includes approximately 60% enterprise and 40% consumer companies. ANIMO Ventures specifically seeks opportunities in overlooked markets, which include cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Miami. This focus on less competitive regions enables the firm to identify promising startups that may not receive attention from larger venture capital firms.
ANIMO Ventures leads or co-leads every funding round, taking at least 50% ownership in each deal. This commitment reflects their belief in the potential of their investments and their desire to actively support the growth of their portfolio companies.
As of the latest data, ANIMO Ventures has invested in 36 portfolio companies, focusing on both enterprise and consumer sectors. The firm actively seeks opportunities in overlooked markets, which include:
ANIMO Ventures has a diverse portfolio that reflects its commitment to investing in early-stage companies across various sectors, particularly in regions that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
Nico Berardi - General Partner. Nico co-founded ANIMO Ventures and has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has led multiple successful investments and is known for his deep understanding of the startup ecosystem.
Antonio Osio - General Partner. Antonio is a co-founder of ANIMO Ventures and brings a wealth of knowledge in early-stage investing. He has a strong track record of supporting founders and helping them scale their businesses.
Caro Acevedo - Operations Partner. Caro oversees the operational aspects of ANIMO Ventures, ensuring that the firm runs smoothly and efficiently. Her background includes experience in startup operations and management.
Vicky Franco - Operations Director. Vicky plays a key role in managing the firm's operations and supporting portfolio companies. She has a background in venture capital and startup management, contributing to the firm's high-touch model.
To pitch ANIMO Ventures, founders should visit their website at animo.vc or email info@animo.vc. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. The firm prefers to receive pitches via email and values concise, clear communication.
Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, but it is beneficial to follow up if there is no initial reply. Warm introductions are appreciated, but not strictly necessary.
As of mid-2022, ANIMO Ventures is actively deploying Fund II, which raised $78 million. The firm has invested in 36 portfolio companies, focusing on both enterprise and consumer sectors. ANIMO Ventures continues to seek opportunities in overlooked markets, including Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Miami.
In recent months, the firm has maintained its commitment to a high-touch investment model, ensuring that founders receive personalized support and guidance. This approach has helped ANIMO Ventures build strong relationships with its portfolio companies, fostering growth and success.
What are ANIMO Ventures' investment criteria?
ANIMO Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in the U.S., specifically in the pre-seed and seed stages. They invest between $500,000 and $2.5 million, targeting funding rounds of $500,000 to $5 million. The firm emphasizes a founder-centric approach and seeks opportunities in overlooked markets.
How can founders apply or pitch to ANIMO Ventures?
Founders can pitch to ANIMO Ventures by visiting their website at animo.vc or by sending an email to info@animo.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes ANIMO Ventures different from other VC firms?
ANIMO Ventures distinguishes itself through its high-touch investment model, where partners maintain direct communication with founders every 48 hours. This approach fosters strong relationships and allows for tailored support throughout the growth journey.
What is the geographic scope of ANIMO Ventures' investments?
The firm exclusively invests in U.S.-based startups, with a particular focus on cities that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital, such as Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Miami.
What is ANIMO Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
ANIMO Ventures takes an active role in supporting its portfolio companies, leading or co-leading every funding round and taking at least 50% ownership. This commitment allows them to provide ongoing guidance and resources to help founders succeed.
What is the typical check size for ANIMO Ventures?
ANIMO Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $2.5 million in each funding round, reflecting their commitment to supporting early-stage companies with significant capital.
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