A new fund in town: Miami-Based Kiara Capital launches $30 million fund for B2B fintechs

Founded by Brazilians Michael Esrubilsky and Daniel Arippol, the fund has already raised $15 million and aims to support 10 to 15 startups focused on Latin America and the US.

Miami is solidifying its role as a strategic bridge between the US and Latin American markets — a dynamic reflected in the growing number of venture capital initiatives in the region. In this scenario, Kiara Capital announced the launch of a new $30 million fund dedicated to B2B fintech startups, targeting early-stage companies (pre-seed and seed) in the US, Brazil, and other Latin American countries.

Founded by Brazilians Michael Esrubilsky and Daniel Arippol, Kiara has already raised $15 million and plans to build a portfolio of 10 to 15 companies. The strategy focuses on cross-border businesses with high growth potential in strategic markets.

Among its initial investments are Astride, a US-based fintech specialized in accounting for foreign investors, and Payana, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to improve financial management for small and medium-sized enterprises in Mexico and Colombia. So far, the initial portfolio totals around $2 million invested across startups in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States.

Michael Esrubilsky has a track record that includes four successful exits from Brazilian fintechs. Daniel Arippol brings over 15 years of experience in private equity, venture capital, and innovation in emerging markets. The fund plans to issue initial checks starting at $300,000, with reserves for future follow-on investments. According to the partners, selection will prioritize experienced founders with strong execution capabilities and products with high market fit.

A RISING HUB FOR GLOBAL VC

This initiative comes at a challenging time for global venture capital, marked by high interest rates and lower liquidity in exits. Still, the bet is on the resilience of B2B fintechs and the opportunities driven by the accelerated digitalization of the financial sector.

Beyond the fund itself, Kiara Capital's strategy reflects broader trends in South Florida's evolution as a global innovation hub. According to PitchBook, startups based in the Miami metro area raised nearly $1.4 billion across 199 deals in the first half of 2025 alone — a significant indicator of the city's growing appeal among investors. The city’s multicultural environment and logistical advantages make it an attractive gateway for companies looking to expand regionally or operate across multiple markets.

Choosing Miami as headquarters is no coincidence. In recent years, the city has established itself as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the US. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Miami now ranks 28th globally, growing at a faster pace than other traditional American hubs.