Colombian fintech startup Quipu has secured a US$300,000 investment from Impacta VC, a Latin American venture capital fund focused on social and environmental impact. This strategic funding aims to accelerate Quipu's mission of democratizing financial access for micro-businesses traditionally excluded from the formal banking system. The investment positions Quipu to scale its innovative credit scoring technology across Latin America, addressing a critical gap in the region's financial landscape.
A New Approach to Credit Scoring
Founded in 2021 following an incubation process at MIT's DesignX, Quipu has established itself as a credit bureau for the informal economy. The company leverages artificial intelligence and non-traditional data to develop alternative scoring models for individuals without a formal credit history. This innovative approach provides a pathway for micro-entrepreneurs to access fair and personalized credit, fostering economic empowerment and visibility.
Strategic Investment for Regional Expansion
Impacta VC led the bridge funding round, which also saw participation from Decelera, Vertical Partners, Corteza Capital, and Comfama. The capital will be primarily used to expand the reach of Quipu's alternative scoring model by integrating its API into more financial institutions like banks and digital wallets. The investment will also strengthen the company's technology and data intelligence teams while supporting its expansion into new Latin American markets.
Proven Impact and Strategic Alliances
To date, Quipu has demonstrated significant market validation and positive unit economics, generating new credit scores for over 300,000 users. The company has successfully disbursed more than US$7 million in loans, proving the efficacy of its model. Strategic alliances with major players such as Nequi, Claro, Bancóldex, and ProMujer have further solidified its position and validated its business model within the Colombian market.
A Shared Vision for Financial Inclusion
The partnership reflects a deep alignment between both organizations' missions, a connection first established at the 2023 Latin American Impact Investment Forum (FLII). Mercedes Bidart, CEO of Quipu, noted that Impacta VC understands Quipu is not just a fintech but an infrastructure to transform credit allocation. David Alvo Verdugo, CEO of Impacta VC, affirmed this, stating they see Quipu as a competitive team poised to become a regional leader in alternative scoring.
Future Outlook and Growth Trajectory
Looking ahead, Quipu plans to expand its technological infrastructure to new countries by 2026 and is preparing for a new equity round in 2027. The company will also continue to grow its debt funding to increase its loan portfolio in Colombia. For Impacta VC, adding Quipu as the 13th startup in its portfolio marks a key step as it prepares to close its Fund I and launch its second fund in 2026.
This investment marks a significant milestone for Quipu and a crucial advancement for financial inclusion in Latin America. By empowering micro-entrepreneurs with access to credit, the collaboration between Quipu and its investors is set to foster sustainable economic development across the region. The initiative underscores the transformative power of technology in creating a more equitable and accessible financial ecosystem for millions.