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Mario Ruiz

Co-Founder and Managing Partner | Kauffman Fellow

Mario Ruiz is a prominent venture capitalist and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Infinity Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on fintech infrastructure and commerce enablement. He co-founded Infinity Ventures in May 2021, leveraging his extensive experience in the financial technology sector to invest in innovative companies that enhance commerce capabilities.2

Background and Education

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Mario has a strong academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Baruch College and later obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Yale School of Management. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on; he started a sneaker reselling business in middle school, which helped fund his college education.3

Professional Experience

Before founding Infinity Ventures, Mario held several key positions:

  • Principal at PayPal Ventures (2019-2021): At PayPal, he led investments in fintech innovations and conceptualized the Economic Opportunity Fund, which invested in 19 Black and Latinx venture capital fund managers.2
  • Managing Partner at Dorm Room Fund (2017-2019): A student-run venture capital firm where he co-founded a mentorship program for aspiring underrepresented founders.
  • Growth Equity Investor at Napier Park Global Capital (2013-2017): Focused on growth investments in financial technology.3
  • Investment Banking Analyst & Associate at Barclays (2010-2013): Specialized in mergers and acquisitions within the financial institutions group.

Advocacy and Impact

Mario is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within venture capital. He has actively worked to support underrepresented communities through various initiatives, including leading PayPal's investments into diverse fund managers and co-founding programs aimed at mentoring BIPOC founders.3 He is also a member of the Kauffman Fellows Program, which focuses on leadership development for venture capitalists and is part of Class 27 of this prestigious program.13

In summary, Mario Ruiz combines his extensive experience in finance with a commitment to fostering diversity in entrepreneurship, making him a significant figure in the venture capital industry today.

Highlights

Feb 21 · TechCrunch
Five of the most important fintech VCs investing heavily in the sector
Five of the most important fintech VCs investing heavily in the sector
Sep 20 · thenetwork.com
Mario Ruiz - The Network
A 'Dirty' Job That Few Want: Mining Companies Struggle to Hire for ... - The Wall Street Journal
A 'Dirty' Job That Few Want: Mining Companies Struggle to Hire for ... - The Wall Street Journal
Introducing: Class 27 Kauffman Fellows | Journal
Introducing: Class 27 Kauffman Fellows | Journal

Related Questions

What are Mario Ruiz's key achievements at Infinity Ventures?
How did Mario Ruiz's experience at PayPal Ventures influence his current role?
What is the focus of Infinity Ventures under Mario Ruiz's leadership?
How does Mario Ruiz contribute to the Kauffman Fellows network?
What was Mario Ruiz's role at Dorm Room Fund?
Mario Ruiz
Mario Ruiz, photo 1
Mario Ruiz, photo 2
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Location

New York, New York, United States