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Mercy Corps Ventures, established in 2015, serves as the investment arm of Mercy Corps, a leading humanitarian organization. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage founders who are developing solutions to address critical issues such as climate volatility, financial exclusion, and food system fragility. Operating globally, Mercy Corps Ventures has a significant presence in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, where it aims to catalyze impactful investments through a family of funds.
As of now, Mercy Corps Ventures manages assets totaling $753 million and has made 39 investments across various sectors. The organization has launched 61 pilots since its inception, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovative solutions in emerging markets. The firm operates through multiple funds, including the Evergreen Fund and the Resilient Future Fund, which focus on pre-seed and seed stage investments.
Mercy Corps Ventures invests in early-stage, tech-enabled startups that are addressing climate resilience and financial inclusion. Their investment strategy encompasses several key areas: adaptive agriculture and food systems, inclusive climate fintech for unbanked populations, and climate-smart technologies that enhance supply chains. The firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed stage investments, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million.
The organization emphasizes its commitment to supporting startups that create innovative solutions for climate adaptation and resilience. Mercy Corps Ventures operates through various funds, including the Evergreen Fund, which focuses on the earliest-stage investments, and the Resilient Future Fund, which targets early-stage climate adaptation technologies. The firm seeks founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the potential for scalable impact in their respective markets.
Mercy Corps Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 39 companies, focusing on sectors such as agtech, fintech, climate, healthcare, and AI. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Mercy Corps Ventures' focus on impactful investments that address pressing challenges in emerging markets.
Scott Onder - Chief Investment Officer with extensive experience in venture capital and impact investing.
Timothy Rann - Venture Partner, known for his expertise in scaling startups in emerging markets.
Toffene Kama - Investment Principal with a focus on climate resilience technologies.
Sandra Uwantege Hart - Humanitarian Venture Lab Lead, specializing in integrating humanitarian efforts with venture capital.
Ken Kou - Head of Venture Lab, experienced in launching innovative pilots.
Timo Asiimwe - Inclusive Fintech Lab Lead, focusing on financial solutions for underserved populations.
Lillian Alexander - Director of Impact, overseeing the impact measurement and evaluation processes.
Natalie Vergara - Head of Platform, responsible for building partnerships and community engagement.
Doreen Kubu - Investment Analyst, supporting due diligence and portfolio management.
Astrid Insignares - Marketing Coordinator, managing communications and outreach efforts.
Maria Paula Gomez - Climate Venture Lab Lead, focusing on climate-related investments.
Natalia Mondragón Segura - Investment Associate, assisting in deal sourcing and analysis.
Eugene Gikonyo - Investment Principal with a background in impact investing.
Ayah Abulghanam - Program Officer, managing various initiatives and programs.
Gabby Culver - Partnerships & Business Development, focusing on strategic collaborations.
Rofem Egbe - Investment Associate, supporting investment processes and portfolio management.
Founders interested in pitching to Mercy Corps Ventures should submit their proposals through the firm's website. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses climate or financial challenges. Mercy Corps Ventures prefers warm introductions but will consider direct applications as well.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. It is advisable to follow up if no response is received within this timeframe.
Mercy Corps Ventures runs several active programs, including the AI for Financial Resilience, which offers equity-free grants up to $50,000 for startups using AI to expand financial access for unbanked populations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The program received 318 applications from 55 countries in its recent call for proposals.
Another initiative is the Crypto for Good Fund, which utilizes blockchain and cryptocurrency tools to achieve humanitarian and impact outcomes.
In 2024, Mercy Corps Ventures made eight new investments, focusing on AI and data analytics for climate adaptation. The firm also launched seven new pilots aimed at enhancing financial resilience in underserved markets.
Mercy Corps Ventures has reached a significant milestone, with its portfolio companies collectively serving 37 million customers. This reflects the firm's commitment to impactful investments that address pressing challenges in emerging markets.
Additionally, Mercy Corps Ventures was recognized as one of the ImpactAssets Top 50 Emerging Impact Managers for 2025, highlighting its role as a leading player in the impact venture capital space.
What are Mercy Corps Ventures' investment criteria?
Mercy Corps Ventures invests in early-stage, tech-enabled startups that focus on climate resilience, financial inclusion, and food system innovation. They prioritize companies that demonstrate potential for scalable impact in emerging markets.
How can founders apply or pitch to Mercy Corps Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Mercy Corps Ventures website. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details on how the startup addresses climate or financial challenges.
What makes Mercy Corps Ventures different from traditional VCs?
This firm is embedded within a humanitarian organization, providing unique access to global field networks and proof-of-concept infrastructure. Their focus is on impact-first investments rather than solely financial returns.
What is the geographic scope of Mercy Corps Ventures?
Mercy Corps Ventures operates globally, with a strong emphasis on Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, targeting emerging markets where their investments can create significant social impact.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Mercy Corps Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $5 million in early-stage startups, depending on the specific needs and potential of the business.
What kind of post-investment support does Mercy Corps Ventures provide?
The firm leverages its extensive network and expertise to support portfolio companies, offering access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration within the Mercy Corps ecosystem.
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