After quietly proving their strategy behind the scenes, Kiara Capital—a Miami-based venture capital firm with a passion for fintech—has officially stepped onto the bigger stage.

Led by co-founders Michael Esrubilsky and Daniel Arippol, the firm just closed the first round of its very first fund.

And now? They’re opening the doors to external investors for the first time, aiming to raise $30 million—with room to go as high as $40 million.

A Track Record Built with Their Own Skin in the Game

Before asking others to invest, Esrubilsky and Arippol put up their own money.

They used only partner capital to test and validate their investment thesis.

With strong early results, they’re now ready to scale.

Notably, the founding partners remain the fund’s largest investors—a sign they’re fully committed.

Early backers also include founders, venture capitalists, bank CEOs, and family offices who are deeply rooted in fintech and financial innovation.

A Fund Designed for Latin America’s Rising Fintech Stars

Kiara Capital’s first fund is laser-focused on early-stage B2B fintech startups, particularly those operating across Latin America or building cross-border bridges with the U.S.

The goal? To back 15–20 standout startups with conviction.

Their typical initial investment will start at around $500,000, with extra capital set aside for follow-up funding as these startups grow.

Already Making Moves Across the Americas

Though they officially launched in 2023, Kiara Capital hasn’t been sitting idle.

They’ve already backed five companies, including:

Astride, a U.S.-based startup that simplifies accounting for foreign investors
Payana, an AI-powered financial platform helping SMBs streamline operations in Mexico and Colombia

They’ve already deployed about $2 million, and their portfolio now includes ventures in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and the U.S.

The Founders Bring Deep Experience and Big Results

Michael Esrubilsky comes to the table with more than 25 years in fintech—including four exits in Brazil that collectively reached nearly $1 billion in value.

As an early-stage investor, his personal portfolio has delivered a stellar 9.8x multiple on capital and an IRR above 45% in USD terms.

On the other side of the partnership, Daniel Arippol brings 15+ years of experience in private equity, venture capital, and innovation across emerging markets.

He’s advised high-growth tech and financial services firms across Latin America and the United States, giving him a strong edge when it comes to spotting and scaling promising ideas.

What’s Next for Kiara Capital?

With the fund now open to outside capital, Kiara is positioning itself as a key player in the LatAm fintech scene—especially for founders who want more than just a check.

They’re promising strategic support, cross-border expertise, and a deep understanding of financial technology.