Valar Ventures

Valar Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that specializes in investing in high-margin, fast-growing financial technology companies across the globe. The firm's core investment thesis centers on identifying and supporting transformative technology companies that are founded outside of Silicon Valley, with a particular focus on addressing structural inefficiencies within global financial services. They partner with exceptionally talented teams to help scale these businesses into market leaders.

The firm was co-founded in 2010 by Peter Thiel, Andrew McCormack, and James Fitzgerald, spinning out of Thiel Capital. Peter Thiel, a renowned entrepreneur and investor, provided the initial backing and vision, while Andrew McCormack and James Fitzgerald took on the roles of managing partners, leading the firm's day-to-day operations and investment strategies. McCormack's background includes significant experience at PayPal, working closely with Thiel, and in international development, while Fitzgerald is credited with establishing the firm's analytical rigor.

Valar Ventures boasts a diverse and impactful portfolio of companies. Notable investments include Wise (a peer-to-peer currency exchange service), Taxfix (a tax filing app), N26 (a mobile bank), Novo (a business banking platform for small businesses), and Albo (a leading Mexican neobank). The firm has also invested in companies like Parker (corporate card and software tooling), Regate (accounting automation, acquired by Qonto), Petal (credit card company, acquired by Empower Finance), Octane (recreational purchases financing), Link (open banking payments), Shares (social investing app), and Velocity (business financing in India). Their portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on disrupting traditional financial services through innovative technology.

The Valar Ventures team is characterized by its lean structure and deep expertise in the technology and financial sectors. Andrew McCormack and James Fitzgerald, as managing partners, bring extensive experience in investment and operational leadership. The team also includes key individuals such as Alison Berger (CFO), Amina Abrahams (Principal), Erin Ashley Porterfield (Associate), Rachel Phan (Finance Associate), Reuben Kobulnik (Operating Partner), Giff Carter (Investor), Sahar Shirazi (Principal), Michael Roth (Principal), and Elina Rayberg (European Investor). This collective expertise enables the firm to provide strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies, fostering their growth and global expansion.