Lisbon’s ocean-scented air still felt foreign when Vanessa Fajardo stepped off the plane in 2023: 400 EUR in her pocket, a 23 kg suitcase in hand, and a promise to her parents that her purpose and grit would outweigh the risk.
Now, at just 25 years old, Fajardo has already traveled an impressive path—from her roots in Peru to making a name for herself in U.S. venture capital. Her determination, ambition, and drive to break barriers have helped turn her dreams into reality. In a few short years, this young Gen Z Latina investor has turned her passion into real impact, helping shape the future of venture capital and opening doors for bold founders who want to change the game.
A Bold Beginning: From a small town in Peru to the Global Stage
Fajardo’s story is defined by a fierce pursuit of independence and opportunity. Unlike many of her peers in the venture capital industry, she didn’t come from inherited wealth, Ivy League universities or established networks. Instead, her path has been carved through grit, hard work, and the unyielding belief that success is earned, not given.
“I’m 25, I don’t have the luxury of pretending I know everything yet. I always feel like there’s so much to learn, so much to do,” she laughs, reflecting on the self-driven nature of her journey.
Her academic journey has taken her across multiple continents. She earned two master’s degrees in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal—one of Europe’s top business schools (ranked #1 in Portugal and #18 in Europe, Financial Times 2024)—with a partially funded scholarship from the Portuguese government. Prior to that, Fajardo completed a fully funded B.Sc. in Business Administration at the University of Piura in Peru, supported by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR).
Having lived in six countries—Peru, Canada, Germany, Portugal, Poland, and Spain—Fajardo brings a deeply global perspective. “Each country has shaped me differently, and that global perspective shapes every investment decision I make,” she says. This international experience has not only deepened her understanding of diverse markets but has also fueled her mission to make venture capital more inclusive and accessible, especially for those from overlooked or underrepresented backgrounds like hers.
Breaking Into U.S. Venture Capital: A Leap of Faith and a Lot of Grit
After her studies, Fajardo’s big break came when she landed a role as a Venture Capital Analyst at InsurTech NY, a 10% top‑performing global VC fund. What started as a leap of faith—moving halfway across the world with little more than a suitcase and a dream—quickly turned into a game‑changing opportunity. At InsurTech NY, Fajardo found herself immersed in the world of early‑stage startups, evaluating high‑potential companies and learning from industry veterans.
She quickly proved herself a valuable asset in the team, working on a portfolio of cutting‑edge ventures in the fast‑growing insurtech space. While she contributed significantly to the fund’s ongoing success, she insists, “I’m not just analyzing startups, I’m investing in the visions that will redefine an entire industry.” For Fajardo, it’s not just about the numbers; “It’s about the people behind the businesses, the founders who dare to pursue big ideas in the face of uncertainty, and the chance to bring fresh innovation to insurance, a sector often labeled outdated—or even ‘boring’—but packed with potential”
Her role at InsurTech NY helped shape her approach to venture capital. “I don’t believe in just exchanging emails and pitch decks. I believe in real partnerships,” she says. Her work philosophy is clear: building authentic relationships with founders is the key to creating lasting impact.
Backing Purpose: Building an Angel Portfolio with Intent
Fajardo’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop with her role at InsurTech NY. Recently, she began building her own angel investment portfolio, making calculated moves to back companies she believes in.
Her first investment? BuildClub, a SaaS platform that enables non-technical users to customize web-based platforms without writing a single line of code. With over $6 million in grant funding from industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, BuildClub is poised to lead the rapidly growing $700B SaaS market. Fajardo’s support for this innovative startup shows her passion for democratizing access to technology.
Her second angel investment? Proud Mary Coffee, a globally recognized specialty coffee brand. With over $100M in lifetime revenue and an average annual growth rate of 16%, Proud Mary has solidified its reputation as a top player in the $47B U.S. specialty coffee market. Their focus on sustainability and high-quality coffee resonates deeply with Fajardo, who sees this as a brand with both purpose and market potential. “Proud Mary is more than just coffee, it’s a story of purpose, sustainability, and craft,” Fajardo says.
Challenging the VC Status Quo: Investing with a Mission, Not Just a Model
What sets Fajardo apart in the venture capital world is her mission-driven approach to breaking down the barriers that have long kept young, underrepresented founders from accessing capital. As a young Latin woman in a field still dominated by older, white men, she understands what it means to be an outsider—but sees that difference as a competitive edge.
“Being a Gen Z Latina in VC isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. It gives me a lens most of the market doesn’t have,” she says. That mindset fuels her investment philosophy, which is rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fajardo is deeply committed to demystifying the venture process, especially for first-time founders, and making fundraising more accessible and founder-friendly.
Through social media, webinars, and hands-on mentorship, she’s helping a new generation of entrepreneurs—particularly across Latin America—learn how to raise capital, find the right investors, and build sustainable, high-impact businesses. “I want every founder I work with to feel seen, supported, and challenged to think bigger,” she says
A New Generation of Investors: Redefining Who Gets to Sit at the Table
Fajardo’s vision for the future is bold and personal: to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to raise capital and succeed on their own terms, no matter where they come from or what obstacles they face. She’s especially focused on helping founders overcome what’s often called “the hardest part of building a startup”: fundraising. But her mission doesn’t stop there. She’s also passionate about opening doors for aspiring Gen Z investors from non-traditional, non-target backgrounds—people like her.
As she grows her angel portfolio and forges new partnerships, Fajardo stays grounded in that mission. “This isn’t just a career for me, it’s a chance to help build a more inclusive, more equitable future for founders who may have never thought they belonged in this world,” she says
Ready to Invest in People: Sharing the Playbook and Holding the Door Open
Vanessa Fajardo is currently offering founder-focused consulting services aimed at making VC fundraising more accessible, practical, and founder-friendly. She also mentors aspiring Gen Z VCs—especially those from non-target backgrounds—helping them navigate the often opaque world of venture capital. Recently, she led a webinar on venture capital with Grupo Visión Financiera and is currently working on a series of interviews with Latin entrepreneurial influencers and podcasters. “There’s a lot coming, I never thought I’d have the chance to share my voice, but here we are!” she says with a smile.
Vanessa is actively seeking new ways to share her real-world experience with the next generation of builders and investors. If you’re an early-stage founder looking for guidance on pitch decks or warm, real connections in VC—or a Gen Z dreamer from an emerging market hoping to break into this often closed-off industry—she welcomes you to reach out. Connect with her on LinkedIn to start a conversation.
Because for Vanessa, the goal isn’t just to open doors: it’s to hold them open for others
