Venture capital firm Triaxis Capital is launching a major investment initiative focused on Brazil's Northeast, a region often bypassed by the country's financial centers. The firm plans to execute over 30 investments in the coming years, backed by a substantial $76.9 million in available capital from two active funds. This strategic pivot leverages Triaxis's decade-long presence in Recife to identify and nurture high-potential startups, aiming to unlock the untapped value within the burgeoning local technology scene.
Tapping into an Underserved Innovation Hub
The core of Triaxis's strategy lies in its recognition of the Northeast as a fertile ground for innovation that has been historically underfunded. According to co-founder Haim Mesel, the region presents a unique blend of entrepreneurial drive, real-world market needs, and an increasingly sophisticated ecosystem. This creates a compelling opportunity for investors willing to look beyond the traditional South-Southeast axis, offering the potential for both significant returns and impactful regional development.
Key cities such as Recife, Fortaleza, Natal, and Salvador are emerging as vibrant centers of technological activity, supported by influential institutions like Porto Digital and the CESAR innovation center. Triaxis's local office, established in 2012, provides a critical on-the-ground advantage for sourcing deals and providing hands-on guidance to founders. This deep integration allows the firm to conduct more thorough due diligence and offer consistent support, which is vital for early-stage company success.
A Multi-Fund Approach to Regional Growth
Triaxis manages its investment activities through three funds operated in partnership with Crescera, each at a different stage of its lifecycle. While its first fund, Criatec II, is now in a divestment phase, two others are actively building their portfolios. The Criatec IV fund has a national mandate, but the R$ 150 million FIP Nordeste Capital Semente fund is specifically designed to champion the region's seed-stage companies.
The FIP Nordeste Capital Semente fund, launched in collaboration with the federal innovation agency FINEP and the Banco do Nordeste (BNB), represents a cornerstone of this regional commitment. With a combined R$ 400 million ready for allocation across its active funds, Triaxis is well-positioned to provide crucial early-stage and follow-on capital. This financial firepower is intended to fuel a new generation of startups and help them scale beyond their local markets.
Investment Thesis and Future Vision
While the firm remains sector-agnostic, it shows a clear preference for scalable business models, particularly B2B and B2B2C Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies. Its areas of interest span fintech, insurtech, healthtech, and cybersecurity, viewing artificial intelligence as a transformative layer across all industries. This approach allows for flexibility while maintaining a focus on high-growth, technology-driven ventures that can achieve significant scale and market penetration.
Ultimately, Haim Mesel states that the investment decision hinges on fundamental strengths rather than industry labels. The firm seeks out exceptional founding teams, differentiated technology, large addressable markets, and sustainable business models with proven execution capabilities. Looking forward, Triaxis is also exploring new investment products, including a growth-stage fund for more mature companies and specialized vehicles targeting specific technology verticals, signaling a long-term commitment to the ecosystem.
Triaxis Capital's strategic and well-funded initiative marks a significant endorsement of the Northeast's potential as a major force in Brazil's innovation landscape. By channeling substantial capital and expertise into a historically underserved market, the firm is poised to accelerate the growth of promising startups. This commitment not only opens a new frontier for venture investment but also promises to foster economic development and solidify the region's role in the national technology ecosystem.
Source: startups.com.br