ALIVE Ventures

ALIVE Ventures, also known as Acumen Latam Impact Ventures – ALIVE, is an impact investment firm dedicated to addressing economic inequality and improving the lives of low-income communities across Latin America, with a particular focus on Colombia and Peru. The firm strategically invests in high-growth companies that leverage technology and other innovative solutions. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying profitable businesses that inherently embed social impact within their models, aiming to deliver both attractive financial returns for investors and measurable positive change for vulnerable populations.

The firm was co-founded by Virgilio Barco and Santiago Álvarez, pioneering its impact investing approach in 2018. ALIVE Ventures was established to bridge the financing gap for early-stage impact businesses in Latin America, fostering an ecosystem where local investors are encouraged to prioritize both financial performance and social impact. This initiative led to the creation of an autonomous fund manager, operating independently from Acumen, to deploy capital through traditional private investment structures.

ALIVE Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio of 17 investments across 6 countries in Latin America. Notable portfolio companies include Crehana, which democratizes online education; SunCompany, a provider of renewable energy solutions; Finaktiva, expanding credit access for SMEs; Symplifica, formalizing employment for domestic workers; and Solfium, making solar energy accessible for businesses. The firm's investments span four key themes: Education & Pathways to Quality Jobs, Sustainable Income Generation Opportunities, Access to Critical Goods & Services, and Solutions for Climate Resilience & Adaptation.

The ALIVE Ventures team is composed of multidisciplinary professionals with expertise in venture investing, impact finance, and international development. Managing Partners Virgilio Barco and Santiago Álvarez, alongside Partner Maria Pia Morante, lead the firm. They provide significant value-added support to their portfolio companies, covering areas such as Marketing & Sales, Governance & Talent, Impact, Gender, & ESG, Operations & IT, and Strategic Finance. ALIVE Ventures also benefits from a strategic partnership with Acumen, leveraging its extensive experience and network in global impact investing.