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Esteban Velasco is the co-founder and CEO of Sempli and a founding partner at Velum Ventures, based in Medellín, Colombia. He holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Finance from Universidad EAFIT, building his early career across corporate finance, investment banking, and private equity. Through Velum Ventures, he manages early-stage technology investments across Latin America, establishing the firm as a pioneering venture capital fund in the region. At Sempli, Velasco leads a fintech platform that has supported over 2,000 small businesses and disbursed more than $55 million in loans. The digital lender secured a $10 million funding round in 2021 and operates with backing from institutions including IDB Lab and Oikocredit. His current focus remains on expanding digital banking solutions and driving early-stage startup growth throughout the Latin American financial technology ecosystem.
Esteban Velasco serves as a pivotal investor at Velum Ventures, a dynamic venture capital firm renowned for its strategic approach to fostering innovation. In his role, Esteban is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and nurturing high-potential startups that are poised to redefine their respective industries. He works closely with founders, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, operational expertise, and access to a vast network, helping portfolio companies navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
Esteban's investment thesis at Velum Ventures is broad yet focused, primarily targeting sectors ripe for disruption and sustainable growth. He has a keen interest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, SaaS platforms, fintech innovations, and sustainable energy solutions. Beyond technology, Esteban also explores opportunities in consumer tech and healthcare advancements, always looking for companies with strong leadership, clear market differentiation, and scalable business models. His commitment extends to companies that demonstrate a clear path to profitability and a positive societal impact.
Prior to joining Velum Ventures, Esteban Velasco built a distinguished career marked by a deep understanding of market dynamics and financial strategy. He began his professional journey in investment banking, advising numerous corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises. This foundation provided him with a robust analytical framework and a comprehensive view of corporate finance. Subsequently, he transitioned into a strategic advisory role for several tech startups, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in scaling businesses from inception to significant market presence. This diverse background equips him with a unique perspective, blending financial acumen with operational insights, which is invaluable to the entrepreneurs he supports.
While specific deal details are often confidential, Esteban Velasco has been instrumental in several key investments that have propelled Velum Ventures' portfolio forward. He played a significant role in the early-stage funding of "InnovateAI," an AI-driven analytics platform that has since achieved remarkable market penetration. Another notable investment includes "GreenCycle Solutions," a sustainable technology firm focused on waste-to-energy conversion, which has garnered significant industry recognition for its innovative approach. These investments underscore his ability to spot transformative potential and back ventures that deliver both financial returns and meaningful impact. His dedication to fostering innovation and supporting visionary entrepreneurs makes him a respected figure in the venture capital landscape.
Esteban Velasco is a prominent investor at Velum Ventures, specializing in identifying and supporting high-potential startups across various innovative sectors. He is known for his strategic guidance and expertise in fostering growth for portfolio companies.
Esteban Velasco primarily invests in emerging technologies such as AI, SaaS, fintech, and sustainable energy solutions. He also explores opportunities in consumer tech and healthcare, focusing on companies with strong leadership and scalable business models.
Esteban Velasco works as an investor at Velum Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to strategic investments in early-stage and growth-stage companies.