We are FUNDES
ABOUT US
We believe traditional entrepreneurs are the fundamental building block for Latin America’s long-term stability and prosperity.
But we are also pragmatic enough to know that they need to transform their perspective, practices, and tools to stay relevant and become more resilient.
That’s why we offer them practical on-the-ground expertise, a strong network of corporate and government partners, and a range of innovative technology solutions to help them succeed in today’s rapidly changing markets.
OUR STORY
A journey of spirit, cooperation,
and change.
FUNDES was founded in 1984 in response to a devastating wave of unemployment that hit the continent. Our founder, Stephan Schmidheiny was convinced that traditional entrepreneurs could be the best development opportunity for Latin America, and he was determined to be part of the answer.
He created an organization that gave micro-entrepreneurs access to credit to create jobs and contribute to growth. Gradually, FUNDES moved away from its original activity of financial support to focus on innovative ways to help micro and small businesses reach their full potential as changemakers.
We have built large-scale development programs around small businesses with corporations, foundations, governments, and international organizations.
After nearly 40 years, the same conviction still drives in 1984 in response to a devastating wave of unemployment spirit and celebrate the courage and passion it takes to build a small business here in Latin America.
OUR MISSION
To unleash the sustainable development of Latin America through the growth of small businesses. We fight poverty through livelihood and job creation.
OUR PURPOSE
We empower, digitize, and nurture small business owners from the traditional economy. Our solutions unlock their potential as changemakers for their community, their habitat, and all those who depend on them.
OUR FOOTPRINT
Countries with active projects: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brasil, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay.
Hubs: Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru.
We are represented in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
OUR FOOTPRINT
Countries with active projects: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brasil, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay.
Hubs: Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru.
We are represented in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
38 years speaking the language of MSMEs
OUR IMPACT
multinational companies
governments, development agencies and foundations in the region
million MSME´s brought together
presence in 17 Latin American countries
IMPACT 2021
MSME´s
entrepeneurs
women
men
Our team
“The passion in our team’s DNA is to change lives. We are a group of people of different nationalities and disciplines who are committed to making a change by developing projects and solutions that promote and empower small businesses in the traditional economy.”
Chief Executive Officer
Elfid Torres
Constantly looking for new talent!
Consulting
Alejandro Viana
Project Leader
Alexandra Castillo
Project Coordinator
Anwar Suaréz
Project Manager
Carolina Rodríguez
Project Analyst
Ernesto Madrid
International Cooperation Leader
Florencia Colunga
Growth and Alliances Manager. Mexico.
José Rafael Trejos
Project Coordinator
José Riley
Project Coordinator
Mara Chuco
Project Analyst
María Fernanda Goñi
Marketing Manager
María Janeth Romero
Project Manager
Mauricio Ramírez
Senior Manager FUNDES Consulting
Randolph Salazar
Senior Project Manager
Rebeca Porras
Data Analyst
Yadira Kawasaki
Consultancy Manager
Catalyst
Alessandra Pelliccia
Investor Relations Intern
Alfredo Arias
Digital Marketing Specialist
Ana Cristina Merino
Investor Relations Manager
Corentin Larue
Catalyst Director
Deni Salazar
Catalyst Ventures Intern
Dulce Hernández
Ventures Coordinator
Gina Hollenbach
Business Designer Intern
Guillermo Castells
Head of Enko
Hugo Sánchez
Ecobodegas Operations Leader
Jorge Martínez
Service Designer Coordinator
Lorena Chacón
Head of Voalá
Maxime Braun
Venture Building Manager
Olivia Calderón
Senior Business Designer
Omar Álvarez
Head of Product
Ricardo Vaca
CEO of Merkomuna
Rosaura Landeros
Catalyst Graphic Designer
Sarah Linder
Marketing & Content Manager
FUNDES Bolivia & Venezuela
Leslie Claros
Head of Bolivia
Leonardo Suárez
Project Manager
Cielo Velandia
Head of Venezuela
FUNDES Venezuela
Cielo Velandia
Head of Venezuela
FUNDES Bolivia
Leonardo Suárez
Project Manager
Leslie Claros
Head of Bolivia
Projects
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Talent Acquisition
Information Technology
Andrea Jiménez
Talent & Management Leader
Priscilla Jiménez
Talent Acquisition Director
Adolfo Oconitrillo
Technical Support Analyst
Carlos Lezcano
Programmer Analyst
Emmanuel Saborío
IT Manager
Administration & Finances
Angie Bolaños
Accounting Leader
Catalina Pacheco
Administration & Finances Director
Grettel Solís
Accounting Analyst
Javier Arias
Accounting Analyst
Kattia Vega
Treasury Manager
Luis Vega
Maintenance
Nayelli Hernández
Accounting Coordinator
Priscila Cabrera
Legal Analyst
Shakti Chacón
Administrative Accounting Assistant
Vanessa Rivera
Accounting Analyst
Wilson Cubillos
Administrative Analyst
Our board of directors
Andreas Eggenberg
Gabriela Víquez
Jenny Everett
Richard Aitkenhead
Rocío Abud
