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Machinelab Ventures (MLVP) is a US-based venture organization founded in 2024, operating primarily as a hybrid venture studio, investor, and accelerator. The firm is headquartered in the United States, with a significant presence in Lisbon, Portugal. MLVP focuses on assisting startups, scaleups, and enterprises in technology, growth, and fundraising. The organization provides advisory services that help clients access capital, customers, partners, and market share, as well as enter new geographies.
MLVP has a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, including fintech, edtech, travel technology, healthcare, mobility, and artificial intelligence. The firm employs a unique model that combines internal ideation with external founder invitations, allowing them to build new ventures while also supporting existing startups. Their notable program, the Fintech Fast Pass, is powered by IBM Cloud for Financial Services and operates on an equity-free basis, further emphasizing their commitment to minimizing financial risk for startups.
Machinelab Ventures invests in a variety of sectors, with a strong emphasis on fintech, edtech, travel technology, healthcare, mobility, and artificial intelligence. The firm provides seed, early-stage, and growth capital, along with strategic advisory services that include network connections, talent attraction, minimum viable product (MVP) development, and facilitation of tech partnerships. Their investment strategy is characterized by success-based business models that aim to minimize financial risk for startups, creating a supportive environment for growth and innovation.
MLVP's geographic focus primarily includes the United States, but they also have a strong interest in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. The firm actively seeks to support startups that are addressing significant challenges in these regions, leveraging their extensive network and resources to help founders navigate the complexities of growth and fundraising.
Machinelab Ventures has a notable portfolio that includes innovative companies such as:
While these companies represent key highlights, MLVP's broader portfolio includes various startups that have participated in their programs, particularly through the Fintech Fast Pass initiative. This program has featured multiple cohorts of fintech companies, although specific names beyond Metal and ENOC have not been disclosed.
Dr. Melissa Sassi - Venture Partner. Dr. Sassi has extensive experience in the tech industry, having worked with Microsoft and IBM for over eight years. She has built two startup accelerators and has a portfolio that includes 225+ startups across 75+ countries, with over $450 million in investment capital facilitated.
Shahjahan Chaudhary - Venture Partner. Chaudhary brings a wealth of experience in strategy and operations, contributing to MLVP's focus on growth and innovation.
Andre Privateer - Venture Partner. Privateer has a background in hospitality and travel tech, having served as CEO of Ascendant, which focused on the MENA region.
Nuruddin Abjani - Partner. Abjani plays a key role in MLVP's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Fatima Chaudhary - Director of Marketing. Chaudhary oversees marketing strategies to enhance MLVP's visibility and outreach.
Victoria Kather - Venture Consultant. Kather provides consulting services to startups within MLVP's portfolio, focusing on growth strategies.
Ayesha Noor Fatima - Venture Analyst. Fatima conducts market research and analysis to support investment decisions at MLVP.
To pitch Machinelab Ventures, founders should visit their website at mlvp.io. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with MLVP's investment focus. While there is no specific application form mentioned, a well-structured email to the provided contact is recommended.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, especially from individuals within MLVP's network, to increase the chances of a successful pitch.
Machinelab Ventures runs several programs aimed at supporting startups, including:
These programs provide startups with access to resources, mentorship, and strategic advisory services to enhance their growth potential.
As of March 2026, Machinelab Ventures continues to expand its influence in the startup ecosystem, particularly through its Fintech Fast Pass program, which recruits fintech startups globally. The program operates on an equity-free basis, allowing startups to benefit from MLVP's resources without giving up equity.
In recent months, MLVP has been actively involved in partnerships with various organizations, including the Egyptian Ministry of ICT and USAID, to foster innovation in smart cities. This initiative highlights MLVP's commitment to supporting startups in emerging markets.
What are Machinelab Ventures' investment criteria?
MLVP focuses on sectors such as fintech, edtech, travel technology, healthcare, mobility, and artificial intelligence. They provide seed, early-stage, and growth capital, emphasizing success-based business models to minimize financial risk for startups.
How can I pitch to Machinelab Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the official website at mlvp.io. It is recommended to include a clear description of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with MLVP's focus areas.
What makes Machinelab Ventures different from traditional VCs?
MLVP operates as a hybrid venture studio and accelerator, providing not only capital but also strategic advisory services, network connections, and support in talent acquisition and product development. Their approach is designed to minimize financial risk for startups.
What is the geographic scope of Machinelab Ventures?
MLVP primarily focuses on the United States but also has a strong interest in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. They aim to support startups addressing significant challenges in these regions.
What kind of post-investment support does Machinelab Ventures provide?
MLVP adds value through strategic advisory services, access to a broad network of industry connections, and support in talent acquisition and product development. Their hybrid model allows for tailored assistance in navigating growth and fundraising complexities.
What is the Fintech Fast Pass program?
The Fintech Fast Pass is an equity-free accelerator program powered by IBM Cloud for Financial Services. It recruits fintech startups globally and provides them with resources and support to accelerate their growth without requiring equity in return.
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