Arrowhead Innovation Fund’s associate fund manager named 2020 ‘31 Under 31’ venture capitalist

Date: 04/23/2020
Writer:
Cassie McClure, 575-312-3242, [email protected]

The investment world is diversifying its real-world portfolio by increasing its diversity, and one of Arrowhead Innovation Fund’s own is being recognized by HBCUvc as one of the “31 Under 31” to watch in the world of venture capitalists.

Carlos Murguia, Arrowhead Innovation Fund associate fund manager, was recently named to the prestigious list. He is responsible for overall fund operations, including the development and implementation of business support programs and industry ecosystems to help startups maximize growth and success.

HBCUvc supports and aids members of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions to learn about venture capital and technology entrepreneurship. Their “31 Under 31” list provides a fuller picture of who is coming up the ranks in venture capital today, and how diverse the class is in terms of race, ethnicity, geography, and role.

“HBCUvc’s ‘31 Under 31’ list is a dynamic group of venture capitalists,” said Chelsea Roberts, who coordinates Partnerships & Community Engagement at HBCUvc. “The value in being recognized really lies within the HBCUvc network through peer learning, access to deal flow, and having 30 other people in your industry who look like you and thus understand what it’s like to walk in your shoes.”

Roberts added, “There aren’t many other lists that look like ours, all people who identify as black and Latinx changing the culture of innovation and bridging access to capital, we see that as an advantage. Carlos is one of our graduates to enter venture capital immediately following graduation.”

Murguia recently completed the HBCUvc fellowship, a program that provides fellows with venture capital skills training, mentorship and the opportunity to build professional relationships with seasoned investors and entrepreneurs.

AIF has commitments from New Mexico’s Catalyst Fund, a “fund of funds” to support New Mexico companies, and from the NMSU Foundation, as well as a $300,000 grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies program, and other private investors.

“After getting a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, and with New Mexico State University identifying as a HSI, I recognized that I needed to have a global view of what was happening in the venture capital world to make sure that different groups – groups that are sometimes overlooked – have the same shot at start-up financial growth for their businesses,” Murguia said.

“AIF is proud to have Carlos recognized by HBCUvc,” said Beto Pallares, AIF’s fund manager. “The training he’s done with their organization is something he’s been able to bring back to enhance our ability to scout and serve under-funded businesses in our region. His success is a model for others to aspire to and showcases the opportunities that southern New Mexico is offering to the rest of the country.”

AIF stands at $2 million in commitments and is looking for companies with entrepreneurs fully committed to growing and scaling their company, and who are seeking between $25,000 and $150,000 in investment toward their total seed round fundraising target. For more information about AIF, visit http://aifvc.com or contact Murguia at [email protected] or 575-405-1042.