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 generating sustainable development in the region

Hand in hand with numerous allies, we have impacted the lives of more than 1 million MSMEs.

2022 IMPACT
+

MSMEs and entrepreneurs

%

women

projects and programs

ventures

countries

Aligned with the 2030 Agenda through the Sustainable Development Goals:

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

JOIN US!

Constantly looking for new talent!

Consulting

Mauricio Ramírez

Senior Manager Growth and Alliances Latam

Florencia Colunga

Growth and Alliances Manager. Mexico.

Adriana
Rueda

Growth and Alliances Manager. Colombia.

Yadira Kawasaki

Growth and Alliances Manager. South.

Carolina Rodríguez

Growth and Alliances Coordinator Latam

Ernesto
Madrid

International Cooperation Leader

María Fernanda Goñi

Marketing Manager

Randolph Salazar

Senior Project Manager Latam

Anwar
Suaréz

Project Manager Mexico

María Janeth Romero

Project Manager Colombia

Alejandro
Viana

Project Coordinator Mexico

Jose
Riley

Project Coordinator CAM, COL & South

Juan Pablo Rodríguez

Project Coordinator CAM, COL & South

Mara
Chuco

Project Analyst South

Catalyst

Corentin
Larue

Catalyst Director

Maxime
Braun

Venture Building Manager

Alejandra García Ramírez

Fundraising and Investor Relations Manager

Alessandra Pelliccia

Investor Relations Intern

Dulce Hernández

Operations Manager

Deni
Salazar

Operations Intern

Didier Conde

Operations Intern

Jorge Martínez

Service Designer

Gina Hollenbach

Business Designer Intern

Omar Álvarez

Tech Manager

Elias Vázquez

PMO

Rodmar
Zavala

Lead Dev

Sarah Linder

Marketing & Communications Manager

Alfredo
Arias

Growth Marketing

Rosaura Landeros

UX/UI & Design

Ricardo Vaca

Co-Founder & CEO Merkomuna

Victoria Lizárraga

Co-Founder & CEO EcoBodegas

Matthieu Dahirel

Co-Founder & CEO Ed-Tech

Lorena Chacón

Head of Voalá

Business Support

Priscilla
Jiménez

Chief of Staff

Andrea
Jiménez

Talent Leader

Adolfo Oconitrillo

Technology Leader

Carlos
Lezcano

Programmer Analyst

Priscila
Cabrera

Administration and Legal Analyst

Luis Vega

Maintenance

Angie
Bolaños

Senior Accounting Coordinator

Nayelli Hernández

Accounting Coordinator

Grettel
Solís

Accounting Analyst

Javier
Arias

Accounting Analyst

Vanessa
Rivera

Accounting Analyst

Kattia Vega

Treasury Coordinator

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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Our board of directors

Andreas Eggenberg

Andreas has extensive experience in global organizations working for sustainable business. He is currently Chairman of Masisa and Ingenio Magdalena S.A.; and a member of the Board of Directors of Solarcentury, VIVA Trust, the Presidential Advisory Council of INCAE Business School, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and VIVA Idea and Fundación Avina.

Gabriela Víquez

Gabriela holds an MBA from the Universidad de Costa Rica, and is experienced in mergers and acquisitions and international corporate structuring. She was Commercial Manager of Banca Premier at Banco Nacional de Costa Rica and Sales Manager of the Equity Market and International Markets at Bolsa BN Valores. Currently she us Corporate Director of Business Development and Managing Director of Cuestamoras.

Jenny Everett

Jenny holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a BA from Davidson College and has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, impact investing, non-profit management, and philanthropy. She was the Managing Director of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) for 12 years, where she led the international team. She is also on the Board of Villgro USA and is part of Social Venture Partners Austin and Impact Austin.

Richard Aitkenhead

Richard has a MPA from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He served as Minister of Economy and Finance in Guatemala (actively involved in the country’s Peace Agreements), Director of INCAE Business School, and is currently President of IDC Group.

Rocío Abud

Rocío holds a Master's degree in Social Policy and Planning in Developing Countries from the University of London School of Economics and Political Science. Her education and experience have enabled her to drive growth by supporting the development of social responsibility and supply chain programs in Mexico. She is currently the Director of Social Responsibility and the Coppel Foundation and a member of the Michoacán Economic Council.

Ulrich Frei

Ulrich holds a Master's degree in Pharmacy from Ecole Suisse de Droguerie and an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has extensive management experience in various industries and has worked in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. From 2008 to 2013, he was CEO of FUNDES, and is now a permanent member of the Board of Directors.

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