Mendoza Ventures - Untapped Potential: Investing In Underrepresented Founders with Senofer Mendoza

MPF Discussion with Senofer Mendoza
Mendoza Ventures - Untapped Potential: Investing In Underrepresented Founders with Senofer Mendoza

About Senofer
Senofer Mendoza is the founder and General Partner at Mendoza Ventures, a Boston-based venture capital firm she launched in 2016. Focused on fintech, AI, and cybersecurity, Senofer has made diversity central to her investment strategy, with 75% of her portfolio led by immigrants, people of color, and women. Following a successful early exit from her first fund, she launched Mendoza Ventures Fund II in 2019 and is now raising a groundbreaking $100M Fund III to support Series A to C rounds. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Senofer also serves as Board Chair at The Capital Network, helping direct funding and education to female tech founders. Through her work, she has proven that investing in diverse founders drives strong returns and meaningful change in venture capital.

Mendoza Ventures - Untapped Potential: Investing in Underrepresented Founders
In this episode of My Perfect Failure, I’m joined by the dynamic Senofer Mendoza, co-founder of Mendoza Ventures.

Senofer shares the remarkable story of how she and her husband Adrian transitioned from startup founders to venture capitalists, creating one of the few VCs with a mission deeply rooted in transparency, opportunity, and supporting underrepresented founders.

We dive into what sets Mendoza Ventures apart—a VC firm that does so much more than write checks. Senofer reveals how their boutique approach blends capital, resources, and education to help founders not just survive but build lasting, generational wealth.

We talk candidly about entrepreneurship, navigating the highs and lows, the power of representation, and how today's tools like AI are empowering a new wave of founders. If you’re a dreamer, builder, or future founder—you’ll find gems of wisdom here!

5 Takeaways from this episode:
•Transparency Matters: Mendoza Ventures was born out of a desire to bring honesty and openness to venture capital.
•Support Beyond Capital: Investing in founders isn't just financial—it's about education, community, and true partnership.
• Diversification is Key: Investing in diverse teams and ideas isn't just the right thing—it's smart business.
•Defensible IP and Graceful Leadership: Founders must protect their innovations and lead with resilience, especially under pressure.
•Think Differently: To thrive, break your existing network and challenge the status quo—bold moves create new futures.

Social Links to Senofer
Website : Mendoza Ventures : http://Mendoza-ventures.com
Senofer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senofermendoza/

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Mendoza Ventures - Untapped Potential: Investing In Underrepresented Founders with Senofer Mendoza

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