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Semilla Ventures is a venture capital firm committed to supporting startups in emerging markets, primarily in spanish-speaking Latin America.

Driven by a mission to empower founders tackling critical issues in the region, Semilla Ventures serves as both an investor and a strategic partner to its portfolio companies.

Founded by José Vielma, General Partner of Semilla Ventures, brings a domain in telcom technology and entrepreneurship, enabling him to identify startups that address genuine market needs and leverage his deep roots in Mexico.

José’s journey began with his family's telecommunications company, which was founded by his father, Héctor Manuel Vielma Valdivia, in the late 1960s as a service and infrastructure provider specializing in building cable infrastructure for third parties. Over time, the company started developing its own network and became one of the pioneers of cable television in Mexico.

With the advent of fiber optics and the evolution of cable companies into full-scale telecommunications providers, the company eventually transformed into an Internet Service Provider (ISP), operating in more than 40 cities; offering TV, internet, and voice services to the consumers, medium and large enterprises, carriers, and government entities.

In 2015, the company was sold to Televisa and is now part of Izzi.

Semilla Ventures Inception

Actively operating and being deeply involved in his family’s telecommunications company, José witnessed the rapid expansion of internet accessibility and began to envision the countless opportunities that would emerge, along with new businesses with the potential of transforming entire industries.

In 2016, after selling the company, he embarked on his journey as an angel investor, supporting promising startups such as 100 Ladrillos, Yo Te Presto, Billpocket, Parco, and many others building a portfolio of nearly 90 companies.

In 2024, he decided to institutionalize his experience, taking the next natural step by founding Semilla Ventures. His goal was to enhance support for disruptive startups in the region, focusing on early-stage investments and leveraging the expertise he had refined throughout his career as an angel investor.

Semilla Ventures operates with a deep understanding of the Latin American entrepreneurial environment, where startups often face funding and scaling barriers not seen in other regions.

This firsthand knowledge informs their hands-on approach, allowing them to invest with purpose and precision. “We’re constantly inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of founders here,” says José. “Our role is to support them with resources and expertise so they can realize their full potential and drive meaningful change.”

Today, Semilla Ventures continues to expand its impact, investing in diverse sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainable, impactful growth across Latin America.

Supporting Founders Beyond Capital

Semilla Ventures doesn’t just provide financial backing—it also offers a range of resources to help startups scale effectively.

From mentorship to industry insights, Semilla is committed to empowering its portfolio companies with everything they need to succeed.

“Founders need more than just money; they need a partner who understands the road ahead.” - José Vielma 

To achieve this, Semilla focuses on helping founders navigate operational, financial, and market-specific challenges. “We see our role as helping founders avoid common pitfalls and capitalize on key opportunities,” José explains. “Whether it’s connecting them with the right industry experts or guiding them through complex regulatory landscapes, we’re there to support them at every stage.”

Managing Partners

José Vielma 

Fund History & Investment Stage

• Fund(s): Fund 1, $11m

• Portfolio: Nufi, LlamadaPro, Saptiva, Ya Vendio, Grupalia, Felz, Neuraan, Sellebrate, Supervisor, Parsed

• Stage: Pre Seed & Seed  

• Check Size: 100k- 200k 

Fund Investment Thesis

“Our investment thesis centers on companies that are making life easier, more efficient, or more accessible for people in Latin America. We look for founders who aren’t afraid to tackle complex problems and are driven by a purpose.” - José Vielma 

Jose explained to VC Mexico that the Semilla team prioritizes founders with both market insight and purpose-driven innovation. “We’re not just investing in ideas; we’re investing in people. The founders we back have an intense passion for sustainably solving big problems. They bring grit, resilience, and a clear understanding of the market challenges—and those are qualities we prioritize in our investment decisions.”

Additionally, Semilla Ventures seeks to balance risk and growth potential, focusing on ventures where scalability aligns with measurable, positive impact.

“Scalability and impact aren’t mutually exclusive. The companies with the strongest foundations are often the ones that focus on both—growing their businesses while improving lives.” - José Vielma

Identifying Emerging Opportunities

Semilla Ventures stays agile in an evolving market landscape, seeking out sectors ripe for innovation and societal impact.

By engaging directly with founders, industry experts, and communities, the Semilla team uncovers insights and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.

A major component of this process is understanding shifts in technology and consumer behavior. “We’re constantly looking at how technology can meet high-impact needs. It’s not just about trends but about long-term potential—what can make a lasting difference.”

This forward-thinking approach allows Semilla to identify promising investments that address both immediate and emerging challenges in their target markets.

“We keep an ear to the ground through conversations across the ecosystem. This way, we’re able to spot opportunities before they become mainstream, positioning us to support the companies poised to create significant change.”- José Vielma

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