LaFamilia Foundation

From Colombia to Silicon Valley: Meet Alex Ruiz, Speaker at DALE! ?? ? Alex Ruiz’s story is about heart, hustle, and never forgetting his roots. As a Colombian immigrant growing up in the fast-paced environment of New York City, he learned early on that resilience is in the DNA of Latine entrepreneurs. Those values carried him through a career built from the ground up—from creating fintech tools for small businesses to leading global Android customer success at Google. ? He founded a cybersecurity startup that uses AI to protect small businesses like the ones he grew up around. For him, it wasn’t just about tech; it was about making a real impact. Alex built partnerships with governments, NGOs, and industry leaders to change the game in cybersecurity. His company’s success attracted millions in venture capital, but for Alex, it's always been about more than just business—it’s about opening doors for others. ? He is also part of our team! Through his work with LaFamilia Foundation, he’s helping Latine founders access the capital, connections, and support they need to thrive. He knows the hustle, the risks, and the ambition behind the startup dream. ? Come hear Alex share his journey with honesty and heart —because he’s been there, faced the struggles, and continues to push forward. This is your chance to connect with someone who truly understands what it takes to make things happen. ???? Thanks to all our sponsors, you can still apply for complimentary tickets for Dale here: https://tally.so/r/wADMGB #LATechWeek #DALE2024 #LaFamiliaCommunity #LatinesInTech #StartupsLA #LATechScene #LatineFounders #TechForGood #LatinxEntrepreneurs #SiliconBeach

Let's give a big shoutout to all of our amazing ?Dale! Pitch Competition finalists! ?? Corinne Vargas (mysmartcharts.com), Val Emanuel (rifcare.com), Ody De La Paz (sensytec.com), Eddy Mejia (growearnest.webflow.io), Carolyn Trevi?o Jenkins (wearehere.com), Marco Vallejo Jr (aizenflow.com), Cathleen Turner (autaly.co), Francisco Javier Román Roig (tugerente.com), Helena Jaramillo (pampam.city), Juan Giraldo (livewaku.com). We can't wait to see them rock the stage at Oracle's LA offices on October 15. They'll be competing for the $25K grand prize and $10K for the runner-up. Our team is beyond excited to celebrate their success in this competition, which recognizes Latine founders' incredible talent, determination, and strength. Join us at Dale for a day filled with exciting live pitches, insightful panels, and genuine conversations about founders' and investors' journeys. Thanks to our sponsors, you can still apply for free tickets here: https://tally.so/r/wADMGB. See you there! A big thank you to our amazing co-hosts,?Techqueria?and?PledgeLA, as well as all our sponsors, for making this event possible! ?? JPMorganChase - Oracle - Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs - Annenberg Foundation - Morrison Foerster - Crescent - Google Cloud - Liquid Death ? #LATechWeek #LosAngelesStartups #PitchCompetition #LatineFounders #VentureCapital #Startups #LatineEntrepreneurs #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #TechCommunity #Founders #InclusiveTech #LatineTech #DiversityInTech #VCCommunity

What does it look like when a Latina trailblazer starts changing the game? For Maria Lopez Rosas, it looks like lifting up those around her, embodying a relentless commitment to empowering underrepresented voices while breaking new ground in VC. This year, VCFamilia proudly honors Maria Lopez Rosas with the Rising Star Award, recognizing her incredible impact and potential. ? Maria’s journey is defined by her unwavering belief in impact. At Illumen Capital, she’s gone beyond her role as an impact investor—helping uplift fund managers and entrepreneurs who often face systemic barriers.? ? Her dedication to uplifting Indigenous women in entrepreneurship is equally remarkable. She served as a mentor for the Indigenous Femme Founders Hackathon, where she supported 10 Indigenous entrepreneurs toward their next fundraising goals. She’s also supported the W.E. Build Tulsa Accelerator as a selection committee member and mentor, empowering women entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from critical resources and funding. Last year, she graduated from the Rematriating Economies Apprenticeship, where she was recognized as one of ten Indigenous women in fund management. Through fireside chats and podcast appearances, Maria continues to share her insights and inspire others to step into spaces where they are often underrepresented. ? On October 14, VCFamilia will proudly honor Maria’s incredible journey with the Rising Star Award. Join us as we also celebrate the Catalyst and Legacy Award winners! RSVP here: lu.ma/7mxwmkl7 (Only 15 tickets available) #RisingStarAward #VCFamilia #LatineExcellence #LatinxInVC #VentureCapital #DiversityInTech #LatineLeadership #LatineEntrepreneurs #InclusiveInvestment

How does a first-generation Mexican-American rise to reshape the VC landscape? For Alejandro Guerrero, it’s been a journey fueled by grit, heart, and an unwavering belief in opening doors for those who come after him. This year, VCFamilia is proud to honor him with the?Catalyst Award, recognizing the trail he's blazing for the Latine community in venture capital. Alejandro’s story is one many of us can relate to. Born and raised in San Diego, he was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his degree from UCLA. Without the networks or access that others may take for granted, Alejandro pursued his goals with determination. Instead of waiting for opportunities, he created his own path—starting companies, learning through experience, and making it his mission to open doors for others like him. Today, Alejandro is the Co-Founder and General Partner at?Act One Ventures, a Los Angeles-based seed fund investing in business software startups, currently managing $147 million in AUM. The firm has invested in more than 60 companies, 70% of which were founded by women or minorities. Alejandro isn't just talking about diversity—he's making it happen. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Alejandro introduced the?Diversity Rider for Representation at the Cap Table, a groundbreaking initiative ensuring diverse co-investors have a chance to participate in venture deals. The rider, adopted by major firms like Greycroft Partners, Harlem Capital Partners, and Precursor Ventures, has become a beacon of change in an industry long criticized for its lack of inclusivity. His work isn’t just about numbers or deals; it’s about bringing people in. For the founders he backs and for our community, Alejandro isn’t just an investor—he’s a partner, a mentor, and someone who believes in the potential of others. For him, success means creating a space where founders and investors from underrepresented communities can thrive—ensuring that the next generation doesn’t have to face the same barriers he did. On October 14, VCFamilia will proudly honor Alejandro for all that he’s accomplished and for the legacy he’s building for Latine entrepreneurs. Join us as we celebrate Alejandro, along with our Rising Star and Legacy Award winners, at the VCFamilia Awards!?RSVP here: lu.ma/7mxwmkl7 (Only 15 tickets available) #CatalystAward #VCFamilia #LatineExcellence #LatinxInVC #VentureCapital #DiversityInTech #LaTechWeek #LatineLeadership #VCLeaders #LatineInvestors