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Fintech Ventures Fund (FVF) is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the fintech sector. FVF was established by Lucas Timberlake and Serguei Kouzmine, who aimed to partner with innovative founders to transform legacy financial services. Since its inception, the firm has focused on providing hands-on support and access to a tailored network to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies.
As of now, Fintech Ventures Fund manages over $38 million in assets and has invested in approximately 20 companies. The firm has a strong track record of unlocking significant follow-on funding, with its portfolio companies collectively raising over $2.7 billion from later-stage investors. FVF's notable milestones include successful exits such as StartSure and Marble, showcasing its ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Fintech Ventures Fund primarily invests in early-stage fintech companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm typically writes checks ranging from $250,000 to $2 million, often leading funding rounds. FVF is particularly interested in businesses that utilize B2B or B2B2C models for customer acquisition, which aligns with their strategy of being the first institutional check into a company.
The sectors of focus include insurtech, wealthtech, banking/capital markets, and lending/private credit. The firm actively structures first institutional credit facilities for its portfolio companies, providing a unique value proposition in the seed-stage investment landscape. FVF seeks founders who demonstrate strong vision and execution capabilities, and they emphasize hands-on support and governance to help navigate the complexities of scaling in the fintech sector.
Fintech Ventures Fund has built a diverse portfolio of 20 companies, showcasing its commitment to early-stage fintech innovation. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect FVF's strategic focus on sectors that are transforming financial services. The firm's portfolio has collectively secured significant follow-on funding, indicating strong investor confidence and market traction.
Lucas Timberlake — Co-founder, General Partner. Lucas has a background in investment banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and private equity at a $1.5 billion AUM firm. He has extensive public-company governance experience, serving on the boards of multiple portfolio companies, including IOU Financial, which was sold to Neuberger Berman in 2023.
Serguei Kouzmine — Co-founder, Partner. Serguei brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping the investment strategy of Fintech Ventures Fund.
To pitch Fintech Ventures Fund, founders should visit their website at fintechv.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business model, market analysis, and team background in the pitch deck. The firm prefers to receive pitches through their online portal and values warm introductions, although they do not require them.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the firm's selective nature. Clear and concise communication is essential to stand out in the competitive landscape.
In 2023, Fintech Ventures Fund achieved a significant milestone with the sale of IOU Financial to Neuberger Berman, marking a successful exit for the firm. Additionally, the firm has been actively involved in funding rounds for its portfolio companies, including PAXAFE, which raised $9 million in Series A financing from Framework VP and M12.
GROUNDFLOOR has also been recognized in the Inc. 5000 for six consecutive years and was named to the Forbes Fintech 50 in 2024, highlighting the ongoing success of FVF's portfolio.
What are Fintech Ventures Fund's investment criteria?
Fintech Ventures Fund invests primarily in early-stage fintech companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. They focus on B2B and B2B2C business models, with investment amounts typically ranging from $250,000 to $2 million.
How can I pitch to Fintech Ventures Fund?
Founders can pitch to Fintech Ventures Fund through their website at fintechv.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Fintech Ventures Fund different from other investors?
Fintech Ventures Fund differentiates itself by providing hands-on support and access to a tailored network. They often lead funding rounds and structure first institutional credit facilities for their portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of Fintech Ventures Fund?
While based in Atlanta, Georgia, Fintech Ventures Fund invests across North America, focusing on fintech companies that are transforming financial services.
What is the typical follow-on investment behavior?
Fintech Ventures Fund has a strong track record of helping portfolio companies secure follow-on funding, with over $2.7 billion raised from later-stage investors. They maintain active involvement in governance and strategic guidance.
What are the red flags for Fintech Ventures Fund?
Fintech Ventures Fund is highly selective, with a rigorous diligence process. Founders should be prepared for a deep evaluation, as the firm typically invests in only 0.4% of the companies reviewed from a funnel of approximately 5,000.
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