Ulu Ventures

Ulu Ventures is a Palo Alto, California-based seed and early-stage venture capital firm that backs technology-driven startups across the United States. Founded in 2008, it focuses on internet-enabled consumer and business services and a broad range of sectors including EdTech, FinTech, healthcare, sustainability, enterprise IT, SaaS, IoT, digital media, mobile, agtech, and marketplaces. The firm emphasizes backing diverse entrepreneurial teams and typically engages in co-investments with other investors to pursue meaningful exits. It is described as the first Latina-led venture fund in Silicon Valley and is among the larger seed-focused vehicles in the region.

Kathy Chen

Partner

Kevin Hoffberg

Venture Partner

Clint Korver Ph.D

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Stephen Malinak

Venture Partner

Steve Reale

Venture Partner

Past deals in Payments

Cenoa

Seed Round in 2023
Cenoa is a financial technology company that offers a borderless superwallet application aimed at enhancing access to dollar-based products in emerging markets. The platform allows users to buy dollars at real exchange rates and convert their assets into digital assets seamlessly. Cenoa's service is designed to be secure and user-friendly, with no associated fees, enabling customers to earn fair yields on their investments. Users can withdraw their funds at any time, providing flexibility and convenience in managing their financial assets.

OCHO

Series B in 2022
OCHO is an auto insurance provider focused on affordable, fair, and credit-building coverage. The company offers auto insurance with zero down payments and lower premiums, and provides options that reduce security deposits for rent and eliminate deposits for utilities, enabling customers to secure assets at a low and fair price. By combining accessible pricing with credit-building benefits, OCHO serves customers who may have limited credit histories while simplifying the path to vehicle protection and related assets.

Bridge Money

Seed Round in 2022
Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a mobile banking platform designed to enhance users' financial experience. The platform offers a range of services, including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), along with zero overdraft fees. Additionally, Bridge Money provides a secure debit card without associated fees, aiming to simplify banking for its users and facilitate daily financial transactions.

CoreChain Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
CoreChain Technologies specializes in B2B payments using blockchain technology. Its platform securely automates the exchange of transaction data and funds, reducing reconciliation errors and unlocking tied-up working capital.

Ugami

Seed Round in 2022
Ugami is a developer of a financial mobile application that offers financial rewards services specifically tailored for gamers. The platform allows users to earn points through virtual card purchases made with debit and credit cards, which can be redeemed in its store for a variety of gaming-related items, such as merchandise, digital goods, hardware, and software. Additionally, users can gain preferred access to exclusive game sessions and esports events. Ugami aims to enhance the gaming experience by enabling players to earn rewards while also providing tools for personal finance education and safe fund management.

Sika Health

Seed Round in 2022
Sika Health is a New York-based company founded in 2021 that specializes in payment solutions for the healthcare sector. It develops technology that integrates health wallets, allowing users to manage expenses related to medical bills, dental care, medications, and other health-related costs. By partnering with health and wellness brands, Sika Health's platform facilitates customer engagement at the point of sale, enabling consumers to utilize their health benefits accounts effectively. This innovative approach not only minimizes the risk of cart abandonment but also supports users in making financially sound decisions that align with their long-term health objectives.

CoreChain Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2021
CoreChain Technologies specializes in B2B payments using blockchain technology. Its platform securely automates the exchange of transaction data and funds, reducing reconciliation errors and unlocking tied-up working capital.

Savvy

Seed Round in 2021
Savvy is a company focused on enhancing the rental experience for both landlords and tenants. It offers a platform that enables landlords to provide cash back rewards to residents for timely rent payments, lease renewals, and participation in community events. This initiative aims to foster tenant satisfaction and retention while simultaneously increasing leasing efficiency for property owners. Additionally, Savvy connects renters with local and online merchants, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem that drives traffic to neighborhood businesses and offers exposure to brands targeting high-spending individuals. The company envisions a more equitable housing model that benefits over 100 million renters, landlords, and local enterprises.

OCHO

Seed Round in 2021
OCHO is an auto insurance provider focused on affordable, fair, and credit-building coverage. The company offers auto insurance with zero down payments and lower premiums, and provides options that reduce security deposits for rent and eliminate deposits for utilities, enabling customers to secure assets at a low and fair price. By combining accessible pricing with credit-building benefits, OCHO serves customers who may have limited credit histories while simplifying the path to vehicle protection and related assets.

TomoCredit

Seed Round in 2021
Founded in 2018, TomoCredit is a fintech company based in San Francisco. It offers an AI-powered platform designed for millennials and small business owners to build credit history and qualify for loans using alternative data sources. The company provides a smart credit card and a mobile application for account management.

Savvy

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Savvy is a company focused on enhancing the rental experience for both landlords and tenants. It offers a platform that enables landlords to provide cash back rewards to residents for timely rent payments, lease renewals, and participation in community events. This initiative aims to foster tenant satisfaction and retention while simultaneously increasing leasing efficiency for property owners. Additionally, Savvy connects renters with local and online merchants, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem that drives traffic to neighborhood businesses and offers exposure to brands targeting high-spending individuals. The company envisions a more equitable housing model that benefits over 100 million renters, landlords, and local enterprises.

Oyster Financial

Seed Round in 2020
Oyster Financial, established in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Mexico City and Kathmandu, specializes in providing financial management solutions for freelancers, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises. The company's online application streamlines financial tasks, offering features such as a Mastercard debit card, fee-free fund transfers, bill payment services, invoice management, and real-time transaction updates. By simplifying financial management, Oyster empowers businesses to make informed decisions and focus on growth.

Bridge Money

Seed Round in 2020
Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a mobile banking platform designed to enhance users' financial experience. The platform offers a range of services, including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), along with zero overdraft fees. Additionally, Bridge Money provides a secure debit card without associated fees, aiming to simplify banking for its users and facilitate daily financial transactions.

TomoCredit

Seed Round in 2020
Founded in 2018, TomoCredit is a fintech company based in San Francisco. It offers an AI-powered platform designed for millennials and small business owners to build credit history and qualify for loans using alternative data sources. The company provides a smart credit card and a mobile application for account management.

SnapCheck

Seed Round in 2018
SnapCheck is a San Francisco-based company that has developed a mobile application offering digital check deposit services primarily for credit unions and banks. The company's platform provides a high-speed, secure, and universally accepted solution aimed at eliminating the use of paper checks, which number around 18 billion annually in the United States. By replacing traditional checks with a digital alternative, SnapCheck enables businesses, consumers, and financial institutions to significantly cut costs and reduce fraud losses. This innovative approach not only streamlines check payments but also has the potential to save the economy over $50 billion each year while also contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage.
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