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MAYA Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2018 by Lara Lemann and Monica Saggioro Leal. As the first pan-Latin America early-stage fund, it focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in catalyzing change and innovation across the region. The firm is notable for being female-founded, addressing the gender gap in the venture capital landscape of Latin America.
Currently, MAYA Capital manages a total of $100 million across its second fund, which closed in June 2022. The firm has invested in 29 startups across 12 sectors, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering technology ventures in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and other Latin American markets. The firm’s first fund, which totaled $41.5 million, successfully backed two unicorns, NotCo and Merama, showcasing its ability to identify high-potential startups.
MAYA Capital primarily invests in seed stage startups, specifically targeting founders' first institutional rounds. The firm operates with a sector-agnostic approach, focusing on technology startups across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, consumer, biotech, edtech, proptech, climate, and mobility. Check sizes range from $1 million to $5 million, allowing the firm to support a diverse array of early-stage companies.
The geographic focus includes key markets in Latin America, particularly Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. MAYA Capital emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing tailored support in critical areas such as hiring, go-to-market strategies, and fundraising. This commitment to active involvement helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses effectively.
MAYA Capital's portfolio consists of 29 companies across various sectors, with notable successes including:
In addition to these prominent exits, the firm has invested in startups across 12 sectors, demonstrating its broad investment strategy. The diversity of its portfolio reflects MAYA Capital's commitment to supporting innovative technology ventures throughout Latin America.
Lara Lemann - Co-founder and Managing Partner. Lara is the daughter of Jorge Paulo Lemann, a prominent figure in the investment world through 3G Capital. She has previously worked at Innova Capital and 3G Capital, bringing extensive experience in venture capital and investment management.
Monica Saggioro Leal - Co-founder and Managing Partner. Monica has a background in finance, having worked at Goldman Sachs and Gávea Investimentos. Her expertise in investment banking and asset management complements the firm's strategic vision.
To pitch to MAYA Capital, founders should use the online application form available at this link. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, team background, and financial projections. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and while warm introductions are appreciated, they are not strictly necessary.
In June 2022, MAYA Capital successfully closed its second fund at $100 million, marking a significant milestone for the firm. This fund aims to continue supporting early-stage technology startups across Latin America.
Additionally, MAYA Capital has been recognized in various publications, including a case study by Harvard Business School, highlighting its impact and unique position in the venture capital landscape of Latin America.
What are MAYA Capital's investment criteria?
MAYA Capital focuses on early-stage technology startups in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. The firm invests primarily in seed stage companies, targeting founders' first institutional rounds with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
How can I pitch to MAYA Capital?
Founders can pitch to MAYA Capital through their online application form available at this link. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes MAYA Capital different from other VCs?
MAYA Capital is distinguished by its female-founded leadership and its pan-Latin America focus. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing tailored support in hiring, go-to-market strategies, and fundraising, which is crucial for early-stage startups.
What is the geographic scope of MAYA Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, but it also considers opportunities across other Latin American markets. This broad geographic focus allows MAYA Capital to tap into diverse innovation ecosystems.
What is the firm's post-investment involvement like?
MAYA Capital takes an active role in supporting its portfolio companies post-investment. The firm provides resources and guidance in critical areas such as hiring and market strategies, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the necessary support to scale their businesses effectively.
What is the size of MAYA Capital's funds?
MAYA Capital's second fund closed at $100 million in June 2022, following the success of its first fund, which totaled $41.5 million. The firm is currently targeting $80 million for its third fund.
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