Founded
2019
Headquarters
Bogota, Colombia
Industry
Fintech
Subsectors
Empowering and financing productive assets to underserved MSMEs with a unique credit scoring system that accelerates access to capital, shortening approval times from weeks to just a few days.
The challenge
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Latin America’s economy, accounting for 90% of businesses and more than 60% of formal employment. Despite their critical role in driving economic growth, these enterprises face systemic challenges, with an estimated $100 billion financing gap in the region. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this gap stems from barriers such as the lack of collateral, high informality, and limited access to traditional financial systems. Without access to affordable financing, MSMEs struggle to acquire productive machinery—a key driver of operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. This gap disproportionately affects key industries like agriculture, healthcare, and construction, which rely on machinery to meet growing demands. The consequences include stunted business growth, reduced job creation, and an uneven industrial landscape that prevents economic equity across regions. By addressing these challenges, there is an immense opportunity to unlock the potential of MSMEs and catalyze sustainable growth in emerging markets.
The solution
Finmaq’s innovative financing model directly addresses the financing gap faced by MSMEs, empowering them to acquire the productive assets they need to succeed. Finmaq enables businesses to overcome traditional lending barriers by leveraging technology and customer-centric strategies. Key elements of their solution include: I. Tailored Credit Scoring: Finmaq’s proprietary credit scoring system evaluates and offers precise, risk-adjusted solutions that cater to the unique circumstances of each client. This includes assessing factors like asset productivity and sector-specific risks to ensure informed lending decisions. II. Asset-Backed Guarantees: A multi-layered framework of safeguards protects both Finmaq and its clients, ensuring capital recovery and risk mitigation. III. Efficient Processes: Finmaq’s workflows streamline the lending process, enabling pre-approvals in under 10 minutes and final approvals within seven days. This speed is critical for distributors and end-users who depend on timely financing to maintain operational continuity. Since 2022 to date, the company has grown its portfolio 4.8x to over $17 million, reaching more than 550 clients and consolidating its presence in key productive sectors through partnerships with over 40 machinery distributors. Finmaq ensures seamless access to financing for MSMEs, driving productivity in critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and construction. This approach not only addresses immediate financing needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic sustainability.
The founders
Finmaq was founded by CEO Diego Sanz de Santamaria and CFO Diego Acero, who are dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and innovation throughout Latin America. With over 12 years of experience in venture capital and entrepreneurial development, Diego Sanz previously headed Iwana Ventures—his vision for Finmaq centers on developing sustainable financial models that empower neglected businesses and communities. Diego Acero, an experienced financial strategist, enhances this vision with his operational management and fiscal oversight expertise. Together, they have fostered a company culture that emphasizes customer impact, technological progress, and economic inclusiveness. The founders are committed to Finmaq’s mission of bridging the financing gap while enhancing MSME productivity across Latin America.
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