Gilgamesh Ventures Company Profile

Background

Overview

Gilgamesh Ventures is a New York City-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage fintech investments across the Americas. Founded in 2021 by Miguel Armaza and Andrew Endicott, the firm focuses on supporting innovative financial technology companies that aim to transform the financial services landscape. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of startups dedicated to expanding access to credit, enhancing payment systems, and improving financial inclusion.

Mission and Vision

Gilgamesh Ventures is committed to fostering growth in the fintech sector by providing strategic guidance and resources to its portfolio companies. The firm's mission is to back founders building transformative financial services companies that accelerate the pace of commerce across the Americas.

Industry Significance

As a venture capital firm, Gilgamesh Ventures plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing early-stage fintech startups, thereby contributing to the evolution and modernization of financial services in the Americas. By focusing on innovative solutions, the firm addresses critical challenges such as financial inclusion and access to credit, which are essential for economic development in the region.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Gilgamesh Ventures aims to identify and invest in early-stage fintech companies that demonstrate strong market fit and the potential for rapid scaling. The firm seeks to empower founders with the resources and strategic guidance necessary to build transformative financial services companies.

Areas of Specialization

The firm's investment focus includes:

Financial Services: Innovations that enhance the efficiency and accessibility of financial products and services.

FinTech: Technological advancements that disrupt traditional financial systems and introduce new business models.

SaaS: Software solutions that provide scalable and efficient tools for financial operations.

Key Technologies Utilized

Gilgamesh Ventures emphasizes investments in companies that leverage cutting-edge technologies, including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): For data analysis, risk assessment, and personalized financial services.

Blockchain: To enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in financial transactions.

Data Science: For predictive analytics and informed decision-making processes.

Primary Markets Targeted

The firm primarily targets markets in:

United States: Particularly New York City, which serves as the firm's headquarters.

Latin America: Including countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, where there is a growing demand for fintech solutions.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

As of May 2025, Gilgamesh Ventures has successfully closed its second fund, raising $20 million, bringing its total assets under management to $35 million.

Recent Funding Rounds

Fund II: Closed on May 23, 2025, with a total of $20 million raised.

Notable Investors

The firm's investors include:

Institutional Investors: Foundation Capital, GBM Ventures, and Encore Bank.

Fintech Founders: Renaud Laplanche (Upgrade) and Dan Henry (Green Dot).

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended to:

Increase Investment Size: Raise typical initial check sizes to between $400,000 and $600,000, up from $150,000–$250,000 in Fund I.

Support Portfolio Companies: Provide strategic guidance and resources to help portfolio companies scale efficiently.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Gilgamesh Ventures has invested in several notable fintech companies, including:

Baselayer: Automates business risk assessment and eliminates B2B fraud for over 1,900 financial and government institutions.

Nexu: A digital platform designed for car dealerships, offering real-time financing solutions through AI and automation.

Xepelin: Provides financial solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America, including short-term and long-term loans, capital credits, and accounts payable financing.

Cayena: Operates a B2B marketplace facilitating the wholesale food industry in Latin America, connecting restaurants and grocery stores with suppliers for next-day delivery.

Stages of Development

The portfolio companies are at various stages, including seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, reflecting the firm's strategy to support companies through different growth phases.

Target Conditions

The investments target conditions such as:

Financial Inclusion: Enhancing access to financial services for underserved populations.

Operational Efficiency: Improving business processes through technological solutions.

Market Expansion: Facilitating entry into new markets, particularly in Latin America.

Anticipated Milestones

The firm anticipates:

Scalability: Supporting portfolio companies to scale efficiently across the Americas.

Innovation: Encouraging the development of innovative financial products and services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Gilgamesh Ventures invests in companies that develop proprietary technologies, including:

AI-Powered Platforms: For data analysis and decision-making processes.

Blockchain Solutions: Enhancing transaction security and transparency.

Automated Financial Services: Streamlining financial operations for businesses and consumers.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm emphasizes investments in companies utilizing:

Machine Learning Algorithms: For predictive analytics and personalized financial services.

Data Science Techniques: To inform strategic decisions and optimize business processes.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Miguel Armaza: Founding Partner. Former banker at Citi and MUFG, fintech podcast host, MBA from Wharton.

Andrew Endicott: Founding Partner. Co-founder of Petal, investment banker at Lazard, corporate lawyer at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, JD from Harvard Law School.

Paula You: Partner. Experienced in public and private markets and operations, joined Gilgamesh Ventures in 2022.

Key Contributions

The leadership team brings a wealth of experience in banking, fintech, law, and operations, enabling Gilgamesh Ventures to effectively support and scale its portfolio companies.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

Paula You: Joined as a partner in 2022, expanding the firm's focus on diversity and inclusion.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The fintech venture capital landscape is characterized by rapid innovation and competition. Gilgamesh Ventures differentiates itself through its focus on early-stage investments and its strategic emphasis on Latin American markets.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

QED Investors: Focuses on early-stage fintech investments globally.

Monashees: Brazil-based firm investing in Latin American startups.

Bicycle Ventures: Invests in early-stage companies across various sectors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Gilgamesh Ventures has established partnerships with institutional investors such as Foundation Capital, GBM Ventures, and Encore Bank, as well as fintech founders like Renaud Laplanche and Dan Henry, enhancing its investment capacity and strategic reach.

Operational Insights

The firm's strategic focus on early-stage investments and its emphasis on Latin American markets position it uniquely to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the fintech sector.