Kiara Capital

Kiara Capital is a Miami-based venture capital firm established in 2023, specializing in early-stage investments within the B2B fintech sector. The firm focuses on companies operating in Latin American markets and those with cross-border ties to the United States. Their investment thesis centers on foundational shifts in financial innovation, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and embedded finance. Kiara Capital aims to identify and support startups that are redefining how capital, credit, and trust function across various technologies and geographical boundaries.

The firm was co-founded by seasoned fintech entrepreneurs Michael Esrubilsky and Daniel Arippol. Michael Esrubilsky brings over 25 years of experience in fintech, with a notable track record of four successful exits in Brazil totaling nearly $1 billion. His personal investment history includes 14 angel and seed investments, demonstrating a strong return on invested capital. Daniel Arippol complements the leadership with more than 15 years of expertise in venture capital, private equity, and corporate innovation, particularly within emerging markets in Latin America and the US.

Kiara Capital operates with a hands-on, operator-led approach, prioritizing founders with deep industry knowledge and strong execution capabilities. They emphasize deal sourcing through trusted networks and referrals, and actively collaborate with their portfolio companies post-investment. The firm announced the first close of its inaugural fund in June 2025, targeting a total of $30 million with the potential to scale up to $40 million. To date, approximately $2 million has been deployed across five early-stage companies.

Notable investments include Astride, a US-based fintech providing accounting infrastructure for foreign investors, and Payana, an AI-driven platform designed to optimize financial operations for small and mid-sized businesses in Mexico and Colombia. The firm's portfolio also includes startups based in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, reflecting its core geographic focus. Kiara Capital aims to build a concentrated portfolio of 15 to 20 startups, with initial checks starting at $500,000 and reserves allocated for follow-on rounds.