Ulu Ventures

Ulu Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in seed-stage and early-stage investments in technology companies. Founded in 2008, the firm primarily targets opportunities in sectors such as enterprise IT, educational technology, legal informatics, and internet-enabled services. Ulu Ventures focuses on investments in the Bay Area, leveraging the market opportunities created by the Stanford and Silicon Valley communities. The firm typically co-invests with other investors, aiming for cumulative investments between $500,000 and $1 million. Ulu Ventures utilizes a disciplined decision-making process that emphasizes risk-reward trade-offs and logical principles of portfolio construction, distinguishing itself from other venture capital firms. Its investment strategy includes a preference for companies with viable exit strategies in subsequent stages of growth.

Andrea Bogarin

Senior Associate

Kathy Chen

Partner

Kevin Hoffberg

Venture Partner

Clint Korver

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Stephen Malinak Ph.D

Venture Partner

Nancy Torres

Partner

Past deals in Personal Finance

Finalis

Seed Round in 2022
Finalis is a modern broker-dealer and deal technology platform based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on enhancing private market transactions. Founded in 2017, the company provides compliance and technology solutions tailored for investment banks, placement agencies, and fintech firms. By streamlining the deal execution process, Finalis enables M&A professionals to efficiently manage due diligence, track checklists, and access pertinent information at any time. Its innovative approach aims to significantly improve the efficiency of deal-making for a range of financial services professionals, including investment bankers, fund managers, and corporate executives, ultimately saving them time and money.

Ugami

Seed Round in 2022
Developer of a financial mobile application designed to offer financial rewards services for gamers. The company provides virtual card purchases made on debit and credit cards to earn users points that can be redeemed in its store to purchase gaming merchandise, digital goods, hardware, software, exclusive game sessions and esports event preferred access, enabling gamers to play games for rewards, learn more about personal finance and manage their funds safely.

Onuu

Seed Round in 2022
Onuu, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a developer of a software-as-a-service (SaaS) financial platform aimed at enhancing financial stability for individuals lacking access to essential financial products. The platform offers personalized life insurance, savings options, and credit card products, along with a tailored financial literacy experience. By providing individualized guidance and resources, Onuu seeks to empower its members with the knowledge and tools necessary for achieving financial security and resilience.

NewRetirement

Seed Round in 2021
NewRetirement is a retirement planning technology company that provides a comprehensive tool designed to assist individuals in managing their financial future. The platform functions as a virtual financial advisor, offering automated services that encompass various aspects of retirement planning, including income generation, healthcare management, tax reduction, and fee optimization. Users can leverage the tool to navigate complex decisions related to Social Security, Medicare, home equity, and estate planning. Additionally, NewRetirement allows users to access fee-only advice on-demand, facilitating collaborative planning that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their retirement.

Landed

Series B in 2021
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

SUMA, LLC

Seed Round in 2021
SUMA, LLC is a financial wellness company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2019. The company focuses on promoting financial inclusion within the Latino community by providing a comprehensive platform that combines digital media, financial technology, and virtual experiences. SUMA aims to educate and empower individuals by offering culturally relevant content and tools that simplify complex topics such as investment and debt management. Its mission is to help Latinos navigate financial challenges, enhance their economic knowledge, and build sustainable wealth, ultimately positioning itself as a trusted resource for fostering financial well-being and prosperity.

Plentina

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of financial software designed to unlock financial services for people in emerging markets via alternative credit scores and microloans. The company uses machine learning algorithms to build an alternative credit score and application that provides store credit financing to buy essentials like food and medicine, enabling users to access essential goods and financial services easily.

Figure

Series D in 2021
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.

Figure

Series D in 2021
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.

Backer

Venture Round in 2021
Backer is a social savings platform that enables users to set up a tax-free 529 account where family and friends can contribute. It is backed by leading edtech and fintech venture firms, Princeton University, Dartmouth University, USC’s Marshall School of Business, and founders of SoFi, Facebook, Quizlet, CircleUp, AltSchool, Patreon, and LendingHome. Backer was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Plentina

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of financial software designed to unlock financial services for people in emerging markets via alternative credit scores and microloans. The company uses machine learning algorithms to build an alternative credit score and application that provides store credit financing to buy essentials like food and medicine, enabling users to access essential goods and financial services easily.

Oyster

Seed Round in 2020
Oyster Financial, Inc. is a financial services company that offers an online application designed to manage capital and simplify financial management for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in Mexico City and Kathmandu, Oyster provides a comprehensive digital platform that allows business owners to conduct various financial tasks directly from their mobile devices. Services include a Mastercard debit card, fee-free fund transfers, bill payments to over 70 service providers in Mexico, invoice management, and access to discounts at numerous locations. By streamlining these processes, Oyster aims to empower entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals and make informed financial decisions.

Pando

Series A in 2020
Pando has created a new financial tool for people in high volatility careers. We connect individuals with similar expected earnings and provide tools for them to pool a fraction of their future income — delivering both risk mitigation and the ability to capture upside potential. Our client focus includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA’s.

Snowball Wealth

Seed Round in 2019
Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management company based in San Mateo, California, that specializes in providing personalized guidance for student loans and consumer debt. Founded in 2018, the company offers users a platform that connects with their student debt accounts, allowing for the creation of tailored plans to pay off loans while monitoring progress. Snowball Wealth assists individuals in comparing refinancing options, optimizing payments, and accessing federal programs to ensure they make informed financial decisions. In addition to student loan management, the company also provides advice on retirement, investments, and savings, aiming to help users effectively build wealth and achieve their financial objectives.

Backer

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Backer is a social savings platform that enables users to set up a tax-free 529 account where family and friends can contribute. It is backed by leading edtech and fintech venture firms, Princeton University, Dartmouth University, USC’s Marshall School of Business, and founders of SoFi, Facebook, Quizlet, CircleUp, AltSchool, Patreon, and LendingHome. Backer was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Wisetack

Series A in 2019
Wisetack, Inc. operates a technology platform that facilitates real-time consumer lending at the point of sale. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, Wisetack enables businesses to enhance their sales by providing consumer-friendly financing options. The platform allows customers to make purchases through installment payments, ensuring a transparent process without hidden fees. Wisetack's technology is designed for scalability and speed, featuring an easy API integration that checks customer eligibility and streamlines the payment experience for businesses and consumers alike. The company combines expertise in finance, payments, and technology to offer fair financing solutions.

Landed

Series A in 2019
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Ellevest

Series A in 2019
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Figure

Series B in 2019
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.

Wisetack

Seed Round in 2019
Wisetack, Inc. operates a technology platform that facilitates real-time consumer lending at the point of sale. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, Wisetack enables businesses to enhance their sales by providing consumer-friendly financing options. The platform allows customers to make purchases through installment payments, ensuring a transparent process without hidden fees. Wisetack's technology is designed for scalability and speed, featuring an easy API integration that checks customer eligibility and streamlines the payment experience for businesses and consumers alike. The company combines expertise in finance, payments, and technology to offer fair financing solutions.

Finalis

Seed Round in 2018
Finalis is a modern broker-dealer and deal technology platform based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on enhancing private market transactions. Founded in 2017, the company provides compliance and technology solutions tailored for investment banks, placement agencies, and fintech firms. By streamlining the deal execution process, Finalis enables M&A professionals to efficiently manage due diligence, track checklists, and access pertinent information at any time. Its innovative approach aims to significantly improve the efficiency of deal-making for a range of financial services professionals, including investment bankers, fund managers, and corporate executives, ultimately saving them time and money.

Landed

Seed Round in 2018
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Figure

Series A in 2018
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.

Figure

Series A in 2018
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.

Figure

Series A in 2018
Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing consumer financial solutions primarily focused on home equity products. Incorporated in 2018, the company offers services such as home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back options, facilitating access to capital for customers in as little as five days. Figure leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to enhance its offerings, enabling customers to effectively manage their financial needs, including debt consolidation and retirement planning. Additionally, Figure has developed Provenance, a blockchain platform designed for businesses to manage digital assets and execute financial transactions efficiently.

Pando

Seed Round in 2017
Pando has created a new financial tool for people in high volatility careers. We connect individuals with similar expected earnings and provide tools for them to pool a fraction of their future income — delivering both risk mitigation and the ability to capture upside potential. Our client focus includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA’s.

EarnUp

Series A in 2017
EarnUp is a consumer-first fintech platform that intelligently automates loan payments for the more than 200 million Americans with debt. They help you put a few dollars aside for your loans when you can afford it – then they make your loan payments for you, allocating funds in the way that gets you out of debt faster. They are dedicated to giving control back to everyone who is frustrated managing their finances

EarnUp

Series A in 2017
EarnUp is a consumer-first fintech platform that intelligently automates loan payments for the more than 200 million Americans with debt. They help you put a few dollars aside for your loans when you can afford it – then they make your loan payments for you, allocating funds in the way that gets you out of debt faster. They are dedicated to giving control back to everyone who is frustrated managing their finances

Ellevest

Series A in 2017
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Landed

Seed Round in 2017
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Landed

Seed Round in 2016
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Zebit

Series A in 2016
Zebit, Inc. is an e-commerce company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2001. It offers a wide range of products through its website, Zebit.com, and specializes in providing no-cost, interest-free credit to consumers. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals facing cash constraints or limited credit access, who often resort to high-cost financing options like payday loans or rent-to-own schemes. By utilizing consumer income data and advanced risk analytics, Zebit enables members to shop for millions of brand-name products in a closed marketplace, allowing them to pay over time without interest. This innovative approach aims to disrupt the traditional high-cost installment financing industry, which is valued at $25 billion, by offering the advantages of online shopping, including extensive product selection and lower prices.

Ellevest

Series B in 2016
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Juntos

Seed Round in 2013
Juntos Finanzas, Inc. is a company that provides a mobile communication solution aimed at enhancing the engagement between financial institutions and low-income consumers, particularly in emerging markets. Founded in 2010 in San Carlos, California, the company develops digital tools that empower individuals to manage their finances effectively and achieve their financial goals. By collaborating with banks and financial service providers, Juntos delivers engaging conversations through SMS, which helps build trust and confidence among customers entering the financial system for the first time. The company emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and behavioral insights to motivate increased account usage and foster financial stability for low-balance customers.

SoFi

Series A in 2011
SoFi is a finance company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that provides a diverse range of lending and wealth management services. Established in 2011, it primarily serves early-stage professionals by offering various financial products, including personal loans, mortgage refinancing, and MBA loans. Additionally, SoFi offers services such as estate planning, credit cards, and small business financing. The company's aim is to help individuals achieve financial independence and reach their goals, whether that involves homeownership, retirement savings, or managing student debt. By creating modern financial solutions, SoFi seeks to assist its customers in borrowing, saving, spending, investing, and protecting their money effectively.

ProFounder

Convertible Note in 2011
ProFounder Financial, Inc. is a crowdfunding platform established in 2007 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The platform facilitates entrepreneurs in raising investment capital from their personal networks, including friends, family, and community members. By leveraging these connections, ProFounder aims to provide accessible funding opportunities for individuals looking to launch or expand their businesses.

Trefis

Angel Round in 2008
Trefis is a stock analysis service that focuses on evaluating stock prices by assessing the contributions of a company's key products and business segments. Its innovative model allows users to adjust underlying assumptions through an interactive interface, enabling them to forecast future prices and market shares by simply manipulating visual charts. This capability facilitates real-time updates to price targets based on user-defined changes. In addition to stock analysis, Trefis offers data analytics technology that supports investors and business decision-makers in sharing and collaborating on strategic analyses, thereby enhancing their ability to understand risks and develop future strategies.
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