Next Billion Ventures

Next Billion Ventures is a venture capital firm investing in technology-driven companies across emerging markets. They focus on sectors such as technology, financial services, healthcare, and insurance, aiming to support businesses that serve the next billion digital consumers and small businesses. Their investment stages range from seed to growth, with investment sizes typically between $1 million and $50 million. The firm's geographical focus includes the United States, Brazil, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Their portfolio includes companies like Sprout Solutions, Flat.mx, Minu, Trella, Propzy, and EmCasa. Founded in 2018, Next Billion Ventures is headquartered in Washington, DC, and led by Managing Partners Ruzgar Barisik and Kentaro Toyoda. They are committed to driving inclusive and sustainable growth in global emerging markets by advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Their approach combines institutional rigor with deep market knowledge to build enduring value. They are deeply rooted in the markets where they invest and are committed to leveraging their experience as global investors and operators to improve local outcomes. Along with financial returns, they are driven by a shared passion to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in global emerging markets by advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Their team comprises seasoned global private equity investors and operators with more than a decade of experience working together. They have built unique, global networks of like-minded people, and Next Billion Ventures represents their vision to bring that network together to accelerate the inevitable wave of digital champions coming from these regions. Their leadership includes Managing Partners Ruzgar Barisik and Kentaro Toyoda, who have extensive experience in emerging markets private equity and technology investments. The firm is committed to improving lives and driving inclusive and sustainable growth in global emerging markets by advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Next Billion Ventures' investment philosophy is centered on identifying and supporting transformative companies that are well-positioned to capitalize on the rapid digitalization of emerging markets. They seek to partner with businesses that have strong growth potential and are aligned with the evolving needs of consumers and small businesses in these regions. Their approach emphasizes a deep understanding of local markets, a commitment to sustainable development, and a focus on delivering both financial returns and positive societal impact. By leveraging their global networks and operational expertise, they aim to accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies and contribute to the broader economic development of the regions they serve.