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Quona Capital is a global venture capital firm founded in 2015, with a mission to enhance financial inclusion through innovative fintech solutions. The firm operates from multiple locations, including Washington, DC; Bangalore, India; Cape Town, South Africa; Singapore; São Paulo, Brazil; and Mexico City, Mexico. Quona Capital has raised a total of $750 million across its funds, focusing on investments that address economic and social challenges in emerging markets.
Since its inception, Quona has built a diverse portfolio of over 70 active companies, primarily in sectors such as fintech, agtech, healthcare, commerce, and proptech. The firm emphasizes measuring its impact on financial inclusion, ensuring that its investments contribute to a more equitable financial landscape. Quona's notable milestones include successful exits such as IndiaMart's IPO and the acquisition of Coins.ph by Gojek.
Quona Capital is recognized for its deep operational expertise in financial services, which it leverages to provide strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies. The firm is committed to patient capital, focusing on long-term growth and sustainability in its investments.
Quona Capital invests in startups that tackle financial inclusion and broader economic challenges, particularly in emerging markets. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including payments, credit, insurance, agtech, e-commerce, proptech, and healthcare. Quona targets companies that enhance access to financial services for underserved consumers and businesses, with a strong emphasis on measuring the impact of its investments.
The firm typically invests at the seed, Series A, and growth equity stages, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. Quona does not typically lead rounds but prefers to collaborate with other investors to support its portfolio companies. The firm actively seeks founders who demonstrate a commitment to addressing financial inclusion and who possess a clear vision for their startups.
Quona Capital’s focus on inclusive fintech allows it to identify transformative opportunities in markets where access to financial services is limited. The firm’s thesis revolves around creating equitable financial systems that empower individuals and businesses, particularly in regions such as Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Quona Capital boasts a diverse portfolio of over 70 active companies, showcasing its commitment to financial inclusion across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Quona Capital's portfolio reflects its strategic focus on companies that enhance financial access and contribute to economic growth in underserved markets.
Monica Brand Engel - Managing Partner: Monica is a co-founder of Quona Capital and has extensive experience in building financial products for low-income customers. She is recognized as a leading voice in inclusive fintech and is actively involved in LAVCA.
Jonathan Whittle - Managing Partner: Jonathan is also a co-founder of Quona Capital, bringing a wealth of experience in venture capital and financial services.
Ganesh Rengaswamy - Managing Partner: Ganesh co-founded Quona Capital and has a strong background in financial inclusion and investment strategies.
David Mathewson - Partner/COO & Chief Compliance Officer: David oversees operations and compliance at Quona, ensuring that the firm adheres to regulatory standards.
Linda Yu - Growth Partner: Linda focuses on scaling portfolio companies and enhancing their market presence.
Johan Bosini - Partner: Johan contributes to investment decisions and portfolio management.
Rafa de la Guia - Partner: Rafa is involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Varun Malhotra - Partner: Varun focuses on financial analysis and due diligence for potential investments.
Maryna Higgins - Chief Financial Officer: Maryna manages the financial operations of Quona Capital.
Kristin Sadler - Director, Platform & Impact: Kristin leads initiatives to measure and report on the impact of Quona's investments.
To pitch to Quona Capital, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website. A detailed pitch deck is essential, highlighting the startup's mission, market opportunity, and how it aligns with Quona's focus on financial inclusion. Response times may vary, but founders are encouraged to follow up if they do not receive a timely response.
In 2024, Quona Capital launched its fourth fund, the Quona Global Gateway Fund IV, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) as an anchor limited partner. This fund focuses on digital financial services and is currently in deployment.
In 2022, Quona's Latin American portfolio disbursed $1.3 billion in loans, significantly impacting financial inclusion in the region. The firm also served 6.69 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Asia during the same year.
Quona Capital has raised a separate opportunities fund to double down on its most promising assets from prior funds, reflecting its commitment to supporting successful portfolio companies.
Quona actively participates in fintech events globally, including Money20/20 Europe and the Singapore Fintech Festival, showcasing its dedication to the fintech sector.
What are Quona Capital's investment criteria?
Quona Capital focuses on startups that address financial inclusion and broader economic challenges, particularly in emerging markets. The firm invests in sectors such as fintech, agtech, healthcare, and commerce, targeting companies that enhance access to financial services for underserved consumers and businesses.
How can founders apply or pitch to Quona Capital?
Founders can reach out to Quona Capital through their website for inquiries related to investments. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses financial inclusion.
What makes Quona Capital different from other venture firms?
Quona Capital differentiates itself through its deep operational expertise in financial services and its commitment to measuring the impact of its investments on financial inclusion. The firm has a strong LP base, including development finance institutions, which enhances its credibility in regulated financial markets.
What is Quona Capital's geographic scope?
Quona Capital invests globally, with a particular focus on emerging markets in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The firm has a presence in multiple countries, including Brazil, India, South Africa, and Mexico.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Quona Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $5 million, depending on the stage of the company. The firm focuses on seed, Series A, and growth equity investments.
How involved is Quona Capital post-investment?
Quona Capital provides strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes long-term growth and sustainability, often maintaining ongoing relationships with founders to assist in scaling their businesses.
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