David Vélez

David Vélez is a highly influential figure in the global fintech landscape, best known as the founder and CEO of Nubank, Latin America's largest digital bank. Before revolutionizing banking in Brazil and beyond, Vélez honed his investment acumen as a Partner at Sequoia Capital, a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm. This background provided him with deep insights into identifying disruptive technologies and scaling high-growth companies, a foundation that would prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial journey and subsequent personal investment activities.

Following Nubank's monumental success, which saw it reach an initial public offering valuation of approximately $40 billion, Vélez has emerged as a significant angel investor, primarily focusing on the Latin American startup ecosystem. Leveraging his vast experience and substantial personal wealth, estimated at $9.2 billion, he strategically backs promising founders who are tackling complex problems with innovative technological solutions. His investment thesis often aligns with his own entrepreneurial path, emphasizing fintech, B2B SaaS, and other sectors poised for significant digital transformation in emerging markets.

Vélez's personal investments are characterized by a commitment to fostering the next generation of Latin American tech giants. He has notably participated in early-stage rounds for several high-potential startups, including Clara, a corporate spend management platform that raised a $3.5 million seed round, and Belvo, an open banking API platform. These investments underscore his preference for companies with strong product-market fit and ambitious visions for regional expansion. Beyond capital, Vélez provides invaluable strategic guidance, leveraging his operational expertise from scaling Nubank to over 90 million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

His investment approach is not merely financial; it reflects a deep-seated belief in the potential of Latin America to produce world-class technology companies. By backing founders who share his vision for innovation and financial inclusion, David Vélez continues to shape the region's entrepreneurial landscape, acting as a catalyst for growth and disruption in critical sectors. His involvement often signals strong validation for nascent ventures, attracting further capital and talent to the companies he supports.