Chingona Ventures

Chingona Ventures is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across various innovative sectors. Their investment strategy centers on identifying founders with unique backgrounds who are poised to create businesses in rapidly evolving markets. The firm primarily targets industries such as financial technology, future of work, future of learning, and health technology, aiming to support companies that are often overlooked by traditional investors.

The firm specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, providing initial check sizes ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. Chingona Ventures seeks to invest in companies that are raising their first institutional round of capital, with a particular emphasis on those in the United States. Their portfolio includes a diverse array of companies, reflecting their commitment to fostering innovation across multiple sectors.

Chingona Ventures is led by Founding Partner Samara Hernandez, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including Venture Partner at MATH Venture Partners and various positions at Goldman Sachs. Under her leadership, the firm has made significant strides in supporting underrepresented founders and promoting diversity within the venture capital landscape. The firm's approach combines strategic investment with a dedication to empowering founders who are driving change in their respective industries.