
Visa
Description
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, operates its corporate venture arm, Visa Ventures, to strategically invest in the future of commerce and financial technology. Established in 2007, Visa Ventures focuses on identifying and supporting innovative early-stage and growth-stage companies that are shaping the next generation of payment experiences. The arm's primary objective is to foster innovation within the broader payment ecosystem, aligning with Visa's core business interests in areas such as fintech, B2B payments, digital identity, and embedded finance.
Visa Ventures is not merely a financial investor; it acts as a strategic partner, offering portfolio companies access to Visa's extensive global network, deep industry expertise, and technological resources. This includes potential collaborations, product integration opportunities, and market access across Visa's operations in over 200 countries and territories. The venture arm seeks companies that can leverage Visa's scale and infrastructure to accelerate their growth and bring new solutions to market, thereby enhancing the overall utility and reach of digital payments.
Their investment strategy typically targets companies with disruptive technologies or business models that complement Visa's strategic priorities. While specific check sizes can vary significantly based on the stage and needs of the company, Visa Ventures generally participates in funding rounds ranging from Series A to Series C. Their typical first check size for promising early-stage ventures often falls within the range of $1 million, extending up to $20 million for more mature growth-stage companies. As of early 2023, Visa Ventures has made over 70 investments, demonstrating a consistent commitment to nurturing innovation within the fintech landscape.
Through its venture arm, Visa reinforces its commitment to staying at the forefront of payment innovation, ensuring that it remains a key enabler of secure and efficient digital transactions globally. This strategic investment approach allows Visa to both capitalize on emerging trends and integrate cutting-edge solutions into its vast payment network, benefiting consumers, businesses, and financial institutions worldwide.
Investor Profile
Visa has backed more than 116 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 46 rounds, about 40% of its total and boasts 28 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Corporate Round, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on FinTech, Financial Services, Payments.
- Led 3 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1M – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (17%)
- Corporate Round (15%)
- Series Unknown (14%)
- Series C (11%)
- Grant (10%)
- Series A (8%)
- Seed (7%)
- Pre Seed (6%)
- Non Equity Assistance (4%)
- Series D (3%)
Country Focus
- United States (41%)
- United Kingdom (9%)
- Canada (7%)
- Sweden (6%)
- Singapore (4%)
- Egypt (3%)
- Germany (3%)
- Mexico (3%)
- France (3%)
- Kenya (3%)
Industry Focus
- Fintech
- Financial Services
- Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Software
- Banking
- Finance
- E-commerce
- Information Technology
- Cryptocurrency
Frequently Asked Questions
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