Fitch Ventures (f/k/a Hearst Financial Venture Fund)

Fitch Ventures (f/k/a Hearst Financial Venture Fund) is the corporate venture capital arm of Fitch Group making minority equity investments in early-stage financial technology companies, and is based in New York, New York. The firm targets enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and financial infrastructure startups focused on institutional credit, risk management, and capital markets. Operating with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $10 million, the fund has completed over 18 investments and recorded five portfolio exits. Notable portfolio companies include Alphastream and CredCore, which recently raised a $16 million Series A round with the firm's participation. The venture arm provides strategic support through its parent company Hearst, leading to acquisitions of portfolio startups like GeoQuant and Bixby Research & Analytics, which previously secured a $5.5 million Series A. Fitch Ventures was established in 2016.

Fitch Ventures, the venture capital arm of Fitch Group, invests in early-stage financial technology companies, Series A through E. It focuses on solutions using big data, machine learning, and advanced analytics for credit assessment, risk management, and market intelligence. Areas include ESG, GRC, enterprise technology, and market infrastructure.

Originating from a Hearst Business Media and Fitch Group initiative, the fund was initially Hearst Financial Venture Fund, formed to engage fintech innovation. Shea Wallon, a former Managing Director for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, was appointed Senior Vice President to lead its formation, contributing industry expertise.

Portfolio companies serve financial institutions, corporations, and market participants seeking data analysis, risk mitigation, and efficiency tools. Fitch Ventures fosters innovation by investing in technologies driving transparency, enhancing decision-making, addressing industry challenges, shaping financial information and risk.