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.
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
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 Venezuela
Cielo Velandia
Head of Venezuela
FUNDES Bolivia
Leonardo Suárez
Project Manager
Leslie
Claros
Head of Bolivia
Projects
No posts were found for provided query parameters.
Our board of directors
Andreas Eggenberg
Gabriela Víquez
Jenny Everett
Richard Aitkenhead
Rocío Abud
