Investor Profile: VamosVentures - Thesis, Cheque Size & How to Apply

VamosVentures is a Los Angeles early stage venture firm backing Latinx and diverse founders who are building technology companies with the potential to create wealth and social mobility. If you are wondering how to get funding from VamosVentures, the first filter is clear: your company should be based and incorporated in the United States, at least one co-founder should come from an underrepresented background, and your business should show evidence of traction, usually at seed or Series A stage. Within those bounds, the firm looks for scalable, tech enabled companies solving real problems.

The firm was founded in 2016 by Marcos Gonzalez, its founder and managing partner, a Los Angeles native born to Mexican parents who studied business at Brown University and took a masters degree at Harvard. When he launched the fund his goal was to raise $25 million; he went on to raise $50 million, according to Bloomberg Linea.

Thesis: diverse teams, better outcomes

VamosVentures believes that diverse teams, defined by at least one co-founder from an underrepresented background, deliver better outcomes and stronger returns. Its primary sectors are health and wellness, future of work, financial technology and sustainability, markets where the firm sees both commercial opportunity and societal impact.

The United States focus matters and is worth stating plainly. The firm's published founder criteria require a United States based and incorporated company, so a fund focused on United States Latino entrepreneurs is not, by that fact alone, a source of capital for founders building in Latin America.

Fund size and cheque size

As noted above, VamosVentures raised $50 million after initially targeting $25 million, and an early report described its first fund closing with $25 million in dry powder, reflecting different reporting moments in the fund's life. What is clear from its portfolio activity is that the firm invests at seed and Series A stage, and that it can lead rounds.

Notable portfolio companies

The portfolio spans health, work and consumer technology. Culina Health provides personalised virtual nutrition counselling through registered dietitians, with culturally competent support for patients with chronic conditions. Influur is a professional networking platform connecting influencers with brands. SweetBio, founded by Kayla Rodriguez Graff and Isaac Rodriguez, develops advanced wound care using Manuka honey and received backing connected to Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which invested in firms including VamosVentures.

Programmes and people

VamosVentures launched a Scout Program in 2021 to widen its sourcing funnel, mobilising community builders, founders and operators to champion underrepresented entrepreneurs. Each annual cohort of around 15 to 20 scouts begins with a four week virtual boot camp on sourcing, founder outreach, inclusive diligence and post investment support, followed by nine months of autonomous sourcing and monthly deal review calls with the investment team.

How to apply for funding

Founders can apply through the contact and pitch form on the firm's official website, vamosventures.com. Before applying, check the published criteria: United States incorporation, at least one underrepresented co-founder, evidence of traction, and a fit with health and wellness, future of work, fintech or sustainability at seed or Series A stage.