January Newsletter: Unidos for a Brighter 2025
Reflecting on resilience, celebrating achievements, and looking ahead
In this issue:
La Sala
Share your Thoughts on Key Issues 💬
Standing with Our LA-Based Community on the Road to Rebuilding 👫🏻
Introducing the new SomosVC Board members! 🎉
ICYMI: What’s Ahead for 2025… ⏩
📆 Save-the-Date: SomosVC Emerging Manager Showcase in LA (May 2025)
Community Wins 🏆
Opportunities: Emerging Manager Opportunities in 2025…and much more!
What we are reading 📖
💰 Treasury Releases 2022-2023 SSBCI Report
📊 Latino Startups on the Rise: Inicio Ventures' Latest Report
We're Listening: Share Your Thoughts on Key Issues
As we navigate the early days of the new Trump administration, SomosVC is closely tracking changes and developments that may impact our community, our work, and the broader venture capital ecosystem. We know that many of you are deeply invested in understanding how these shifts will shape opportunities and challenges for Latino/a investors and beyond.
What topics are top of mind for you? Are there specific areas you’d like us to address through conversations, panels, or resources? Whether it’s policies affecting capital access for underrepresented investors, or any other issues, we want to hear from you.
Please share your ideas and concerns with us here or below.
Together, we can ensure that SomosVC continues to be a source of insight, advocacy, and action for our community.
Thank you for being a vital part of this journey!
👫🏻Standing with Our LA-Based Community on the Road to Rebuilding👫🏻
Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the devastating LA fires. As our community navigates this crisis, we recognize the challenges ahead and the resilience required on the road to rebuilding. If you or someone you know is need of resources, you can find the latest resources here.
SomosVC stands in solidarity with all those affected and remains committed to supporting our community in recovery. Stay safe, and let us know how we can help amplify additional resources.
🎉 Welcoming Our New Board Members!
We’re thrilled to welcome Adrianna Samaniego, J.C. Lopez, Daniel Paredes, and Valeria Martinez to the SomosVC Board! As trailblazers in the venture capital world, their leadership, experience, and commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem will be invaluable to our mission. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in shaping the future of SomosVC and empowering our community. Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter!
ICYMI: What’s Ahead for 2025 ⏩
As we step into 2025, SomosVC remains steadfast in our mission to amplify opportunities, resources, and representation for Latino/a venture capitalists. Here’s a glimpse of our priorities for the year:
Deepening Membership and Engagement: We’re enhancing flagship programs like the Breaking into Venture Fellowship Program, Emerging Manager Showcase, Mentorship Program, Annual Summit, and Avanza Summit to maximize their impact.
Advanced VC Training and Resources: This year, we’re launching new educational tracks, including a fellowship tailored for mid- to late-career Latino/a professionals eager to break into venture capital.
Strengthening SomosVC’s Foundation: Look out for our first-ever impact report and the launch of a comprehensive long-term strategic plan.
Expanding Industry Influence: We’re forging new partnerships and exploring policy-related initiatives to extend our reach and drive systemic change.
Together, we’re building a venture capital ecosystem that fully embraces the talents, perspectives, and leadership of our community.
📅 Save the Date: SomosVC Emerging Manager Showcase – May 2025, Los Angeles
SomosVC is excited to announce the Emerging Manager Showcase, coming to Los Angeles in May 2025! This premier event will spotlight the next generation of Latino/a-led venture firms, connecting them with LPs, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners. Stay tuned for more details. The application will open in early March 2025. We can’t wait to bring together the Latino/a VC community and continue to support the next wave of fund managers!
🌟 Laura Garcia Joins Primary Ventures!
Congratulations to Laura Garcia, a SomosVC Spring 2024 Fellow, on joining Primary Ventures as a Market Development Associate! We love seeing our fellows make strides in venture and can’t wait to see her impact.
🚀 Celebrating Recent Principal Promotions!
Join us in congratulating Eddie Lopez and Valeria Martinez on their well-earned promotions to Principal, as well as Af Hernandez on joining Azolla Ventures as a Principal. We’re excited to see the impact they’ll make in their new roles!
🚀 Must-Attend GP/LP Events in 2025
Looking to connect with top investors this year? Check out this list of must-attend GP/LP events featuring key gatherings for fund managers and institutional investors. Don’t miss the chance to expand your network and stay ahead in venture. Read more here.
📈 LBAN Accelerator Program: Fueling Latino Entrepreneurship
The LBAN Accelerator Program continues to empower Latino founders by providing critical resources, mentorship, and investor connections. As Latino-led businesses grow, initiatives like this play a key role in driving economic impact.
📢 Morgan Stanley Hosts First Latino Venture Summit
The SV Palo Alto Group of Morgan Stanley invites you to the Latino/a Venture Summit on Tuesday, February 25th at 3 PM in Mountain View, CA. This event features a panel of industry leaders discussing the fundraising landscape for Latino/a entrepreneurs, networking, and community building. Learn how Morgan Stanley supports Latino/a entrepreneurs and collaborates with fund and portfolio companies during fundraising.
Interested? Contact Ricardo Santamaria (ricardo.santamaria@morganstanley.com) to receive an official invite in early February.
📑 Join SomosVC at LBAN’s 2025 SOLE Summit!
SomosVC is excited to attend the State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) Summit on Thursday, March 27th at Stanford GSB—the premier research event for Latino entrepreneurship. With 1,000+ attendees, this summit offers exclusive insights into the latest data on Latino entrepreneurs, panel discussions, networking opportunities, a business expo, and a gala celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders shaping the future of Latino business!
💰 Treasury Releases 2022-2023 SSBCI Report
The U.S. Treasury’s latest SSBCI Report highlights key funding trends supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. This funding is crucial for increasing access to capital in underserved communities.
📊 Latino Startups on the Rise: Inicio Ventures' Latest Report
Inicio Ventures has released its 2024 Latino Startup Hub Report, shedding light on the state of Latino entrepreneurship and investment trends shaping the ecosystem. Get insights into the key sectors driving innovation.
Join SomosVC on the Journey for 2025 🎉
Your continued support is essential to achieving our vision. As a stakeholder in our mission, you help bring about meaningful change, and we invite you to explore ways to further engage with and support SomosVC.
Become a Mentor: mentor a pre-partner VC from our community or fellowship graduate.
Sponsor a 2025 Event: show your support of the community by sponsoring one of our core events like the Annual Summit, Emerging Manager showcase, or Avanza Summit.
Donate to SomosVC: as a small non-profit we rely on the support of our generous donors. Every dollar goes towards driving impact within the community.
Share Your Story: Connect with us on social media or contribute an article to share your journey and insights as part of the SomosVC community.
If you are interested in exploring how to deepen your relationship with SomosVC, please reach out to hello@somos.vc.
🌟Step into the Spotlight: Share your story with SomosVC
SomosVC is more than just a name. Sign up below to share your story with SomosVC and make your mark by empowering the Latino/a VC community.
🔊Let’s amplify good news
Have exciting news, updates, or announcements you'd like to share with the SomosVC community? We invite you to contribute to the SomosVC newsletter here.
🤝🏽 Stay Connected
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