Mato Perić

Caliza raised an $8.5 million round of funding led by Initialized Capital. This is the first #LatAm-focused investment of the VC firm originally founded by Alexis Ohanian Sr., Harjeet Taggar and Garry Tan. Real-time #payments are becoming commonplace for individuals and businesses, but not yet for #crossborder transactions. That’s what Caliza is hoping to change, starting with Latin America. Founded in 2021 by American entrepreneur Ezra Kebrab, who now lives in São Paulo, #Brazil, Caliza offers an alternative to transfers made via #SWIFT, which are the norm in the Americas but can take days to settle. Instead, Caliza provides an API and front-end payment system that use #crypto #stablecoins - specifically, Circle’s reserve-backed #USDC - and existing real-time payment networks to allow for instant transfers and provide international merchants with U.S. digital dollar accounts.

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5 key takeaways in the VC market from my trip to the UAE 🇦🇪 I recently returned from an engaging trip to the United Arab Emirates, a journey filled with client meetings, strategic partnerships, and groundwork for our upcoming launch in the DIFC. This visit has been nothing short of enlightening, offering a deeper understanding of the burgeoning VC and private equity landscape in the region. Here are my 5 key takeaways: 1. Investor Queries One prevalent question among investors is why seek funding in the UAE when markets like the UK and US are well-established? The answer lies in the unique strategic opportunities the UAE market offers, particularly in bridging Eastern and Western economic corridors. 2. Value to the Region UAE investors are particularly interested in how foreign businesses plan to integrate locally. Questions arise about setting up physical offices, serving regional customers, engaging in local M&A activities, and the broader impact these companies aim to have within the UAE. 3. Investment Dynamics There's a cautious approach among local investors who prefer not to lead investment rounds initially. They often seek reassurance through the presence of a lead investor, reflecting a risk-averse attitude typical of emerging markets. 4. Sustainability and Innovation Post-COP28, there's a noticeable increase in the emphasis on sustainability, supported by new regulations from entities like the Dubai Development Authority to ensure new developments adhere to stringent energy efficiency and sustainability standards. 5. Emerging Trends Alongside sustainability, sectors like AI and FinTech have seen significant interest and growth. These areas are rapidly becoming central to the UAE's economic diversification plans. While the UAE's economy and market are relatively nascent, the rapid development, entrepreneurial spirit, and favorable business regulations are positioning it as a formidable force in the VC and PE arenas. The UAE is not just a place to invest, but a thriving hub for initiating and scaling innovative businesses. As we plan our expansion into this vibrant region, we're excited about partnering with local investors and founders who share our vision for groundbreaking ventures. The UAE's dynamic market is ripe with opportunities, and we are committed to being a part of its growth story. If you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or industry stakeholder interested in the UAE market, I would love to connect and explore potential collaborations. #VCUAE #PrivateEquity #Innovation #Sustainability

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In addition to building our own VC practice at AAF Management Ltd., we’ve invested in 37 VCs since 2017. Here is what, I believe, it takes to build a multi-vintage, early-stage, venture franchise: 𝟭- 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: hyper-focused GPs build longevity and consistency in their businesses. If you pitch LPs saying you will invest in early stage consumer but end up doing late stage consumer that’s a massive red flag. Stay germane to your mandate and strategy. 𝟮- 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: the market is crowded with venture firms, articulate your differentiated value proposition to LPs and founders. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on 1-2 value propositions to your stakeholders and execute them with excellence and defensibility. 𝟯- 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆-𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: we tell stories everyday. Raising capital for a fund and building your venture firm requires that same story-telling skillset. Tell consistent narratives to the market to help build your own brand as well as your firm’s brand. 𝟰- 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁-𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: if you possess subject-matter expertise in a certain vertical, domain or industry, you already own a defensible moat. Accentuate that to your advantage when building your firm, raising capital from LPs and winning deals from founders. 𝟱- 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: early stage venture is a highly collaborate asset class. Keep your ego at the door, you will never be able to do everything it takes to build a firm alone. Leverage LPs, partners and founders for deal flow sourcing, diligence and overall industry best practices. 𝟲- 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁-𝗙𝗶𝘁: in quintessential startup vernacular, ideally find your product-market-fit by the time you launch your second fund. You need product-market-fit before you scale your AUM, grow your team and carry more fiduciary responsibility. 𝟳- 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: early stage VC investing is a marathon. Patience will reward you personally, professionally and financially. Build mental, physical and psychological stamina to endure the inherent ebbs and flows of your entrepreneurial journey. 𝟴- 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺: early stage VC investing is the archetypal long-term financial asset. Think in 10 year increments for your firm’s grand vision, think in 4 years for a given fund’s investment period and think in quarters when reporting material updates on your portfolio to your LPs. 𝟵- 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻: if instant gratification, short feedback loops and a constant need for reaffirmation is what you are looking for in a career then early stage VC investing will not fulfill you. Have fun building, and as Naval Ravikant once said: "𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣." Finally, and most importantly, be authentic and true to yourself. #firmbuilding #entrepreneurs #VC

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Check out the Business Insider article by Rebecca Torrence.

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