Clara, the Latin American solution for businesses to make and manage all their payments, has announced the appointment of Cristian Raygoza as its new Head of Startups, Venture Capital & Private Equity.
This strategic move reinforces Clara‘s commitment “to fostering innovation and expanding its reach within the Latin American business ecosystem.”
Cristian reportedly brings “a wealth of experience to Clara, having served as the Managing Partner of Iluminar Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund that has invested in 35 companies with operations across Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.”
His previous experience includes “being an Investor at Gaingels, a prominent venture firm known for promoting diversity and inclusion that has invested in Clara and where he remains as a Venture Partner.”
He has also “worked in the CIO’s office at AIG’s $360 billion asset manager.” He holds a degree in Economics “from the University of Chicago.”
Cristian said:
“From my own experience meeting hundreds of fast-growing startups and investors across the region, I know that Clara’s solution is much-needed, and the team’s passion for creating the best possible product for their customers is unparalleled. I’m proud to join Clara in their mission.”
Gerry Giacomán Colyer, CEO and co-founder of Clara, expressed enthusiasm about Cristian joining the team, stating:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Cristian to Clara as Head of Startups, Venture Capital and Private Equity. As an early investor and believer in Clara’s mission, Cristian knows our story well. I’m excited that his role will accelerate our efforts to become the best regional partner to the innovation ecosystem – including both startups and investors. While most of our customers today are larger and consolidated businesses, we believe in being the strongest allies and support the competitiveness of high-growth companies.”
With operations in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, Clara claims that it “services over 11,000 companies in the region and has processed more than USD 500m in payments from startup customers.”
Clara’s platform offers businesses “a comprehensive platform designed to help companies operate with agility and financial clarity, streamlining their payment operations and boost efficiency.”