Mercado Libre Fund

Mercado Libre Fund, often referred to as MELI Fund, is the corporate venture capital arm of Mercado Libre, the dominant e-commerce and fintech platform in Latin America. Established in 2013, the fund's core mission is to catalyze innovation and foster growth within the digital ecosystem across the region, strategically aligning with Mercado Libre's expansive business interests. It actively seeks out and invests in startups that complement or enhance its primary business areas, including e-commerce, fintech, logistics, digital advertising, and other technology-driven sectors vital for the advancement of the Latin American digital economy.

The fund typically invests in companies ranging from early-stage to growth-stage, providing not only capital but also invaluable strategic support, access to Mercado Libre's extensive network, and deep market expertise. This comprehensive approach enables portfolio companies to scale rapidly and integrate seamlessly into the broader Mercado Libre ecosystem, creating significant synergistic value. As of 2023, Mercado Libre Fund has demonstrated a robust commitment to nurturing the regional tech landscape, having invested over $150 million across 18 startups since its inception. This substantial deployment of capital underscores its dedication to identifying and backing promising ventures.

While specific first check sizes can vary based on the stage and strategic fit of each investment, the fund generally participates in rounds that suggest a meaningful financial commitment. Based on the average investment size derived from their total deployed capital and number of portfolio companies, individual investments often range in the multi-million dollar figures. Their participation in significant funding rounds for companies like NotCo and Kovi highlights their capacity to deploy substantial capital into high-growth potential businesses throughout Latin America. The fund's strategic focus ensures that its investments are not merely financial but also contribute directly to the robust development of the digital infrastructure and services that underpin Mercado Libre's own continued expansion.