Amela: the community that is closing the gender gap in Venture Capital

Amela has emerged as the largest networking club for women in technology across Latin America and Europe, tackling one of the most persistent challenges in the region: limited access to venture capital for women-led startups. 

Founded by Peruvian entrepreneur Anais Cisneros, the platform now brings together over 250 active founders across 14 countries and has already supported fundraising rounds surpassing US$5 million in just the last six months.

From Frustration to Action

In 2021, while living in Berlin, Anais Cisneros came across an article claiming that “zero capital” was being invested in women-founded startups in Latin America.

“I was furious, and I thought I had to do something about it,” she told DFSUD.

That moment of indignation marked the beginning of Amela.

“I'm the third generation of entrepreneurs in my family. I grew up seeing how entrepreneurship could transform lives and communities, and I knew I wanted to create change through it,” Cisneros explained.

Building a Strategic Network for Women

What started as a support group quickly evolved into a professional network that combines mentoring, training, and access to investors. According to Cisneros, the key lies in strategic connections.

“Many times, women are excluded from the circles where decisions are made,” she said.

Amela’s programs are designed to break those barriers. The Fundraising Bootcamp prepares founders to pitch and negotiate with investors, while the Morning Cup brings founders and investors together in informal settings, starting with exercise and ending over coffee, to foster genuine connections before discussing capital.

The network also offers mentorship from global leaders, including executives from Tinder and Cabify, and has recently added new programs focused on AI-driven prototypes.

Addressing the 2% Capital Gap

Despite the rise of women entrepreneurs in the region, the numbers reveal stark inequality: only 2% of global venture capital reaches women-led startups. For Cisneros, the issue comes down to access. 

“There’s no way to justify that number. The talent exists, but the networks and knowledge are missing. Even with an MBA and international experience, I had no idea where to start when I launched my first startup,” she recalled.

Through Amela, Cisneros seeks to change that reality. The organization not only supports established startups but also encourages aspiring founders who have yet to take the leap. 

“We want them to connect with people who have already walked this path, because that contact can make the difference between staying with an idea and actually building a company,” she emphasized.

Mapping the Regional Landscape

Amela’s experience highlights both opportunities and disparities across Latin America. Mexico has become the leading hub for women-led startups, while Colombia, once a strong player, has lost some momentum. Argentina stands out for its cultural approach.

“Argentine women dare to try everything, and that is crucial in startups. If you don’t take risks, it’s hard to grow,” Cisneros noted.

Long-Term Vision

With an MBA from INSEAD, professional experience across more than 10 countries, and fluency in five languages, Cisneros is determined to scale Amela’s impact.

 “We are better prepared than ever in history, but we still don’t have the same access to capital. My obsession is finding a way to ensure that every woman in this field gets the opportunities she deserves,” she concluded.