Investing where it matters.

Investing in the Companies Defining This Century

120+ startups funded across 10+ countries. From AI to space, we invest in what matters.

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About Mahalo Ventures

Mahalo Ventures empowers visionary entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into high-impact businesses. We invest in startups shaping the future through technology, real economy, and digital transformation — connecting them to global opportunities and building a legacy of innovation that redefines industries.

Founded by Juliano Primavesi, with 25+ years building and leading technology companies, we take a strategic, results-driven approach across direct investments and curated fund allocations. Explore our portfolio to see our impact in action.

  1. 1998Prokura (exit Digiweb 2000)
  2. 2000Hostnet (exit Digirati 2002)
  3. 2006KingHost (exit Locaweb 2019)
  4. 2012Giga Internet (exit Adylnet 2018)
  5. 2024Mahalo Ventures

Investment Focus

Before the sector, we look at the engine: recurring revenue, leverage, and compounding growth. We back companies that scale, generate cash, and make a real difference in the world.

Technology & AI

Investing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and SaaS platforms that redefine industries — from Anthropic and xAI to Perplexity.ai and Shield AI.

Real Economy

Businesses that make real life better — smarter food with Pink Farms, more accessible health with Biosens. Solutions that scale and grow.

Digital Transformation

Backing companies that accelerate digital innovation — from blockchain payments with Ripple to digital accounting with ContaJa and fintech with Payer.

Our Impact

120+ Startups

Direct Invested

25+ Years

of Expertise

10+ Countries

Global Presence

3 Continents

Americas, Europe & Beyond

Our Portfolio

A selection of our direct investments shaping the future.

Investments in Venture Capital Managers

We also invest as LP in funds led by world-class managers.

Built by Mahalo

Products we own and operate, beyond our investment portfolio.

Nivel Guaíba

Monitoring platform for the rivers of the Guaíba basin and upstream rivers.

nivelguaiba.com.br

CFO

A Brazilian business-data platform aggregating official records on every company in Brazil — lead generation, market intelligence and due diligence via web search and REST API.

cfo.com.br

Mahalo Ventures at a Glance

Headquarters
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Track record
25+ years building and leading technology companies
Direct investments
120+ startups across 10+ countries
Model
Hybrid — direct startup investments plus fund-of-funds allocations in leading venture capital managers: Canary, Monashees, Coatue, Headline
Sectors
Technology & AI (Anthropic, Perplexity.ai, xAI, Shield AI) · Real Economy (Pink Farms, Biosens) · Digital Transformation (Ripple, Kraken, ContaJa, Payer)
Also notable
SpaceX and Flapper in transportation and aerospace — see the full portfolio
Stage
Early to growth, across Latin America and globally
Support
Capital plus strategic support through accelerator programs and a network spanning multiple continents and industries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mahalo Ventures do?

Mahalo Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative startups through a hybrid model: direct investments in early-to-growth stage companies and fund-of-funds allocations in leading VC managers. With 120+ portfolio companies across 10+ countries, the firm focuses on technology, AI, real economy, and digital transformation.

Who founded Mahalo Ventures?

Mahalo Ventures was founded by Juliano Primavesi, an investor with over 25 years of experience in venture capital and strategic investments in technology and innovation.

Who can apply for funding from Mahalo Ventures?

We work with visionary entrepreneurs and startups in early to growth stages, particularly those focused on technology, artificial intelligence, real economy, and digital transformation. Contact [email protected] to discuss your project.

What sectors does Mahalo Ventures invest in?

Mahalo Ventures invests across three main sectors: Technology & AI (including machine learning, SaaS, fintech, and blockchain), Real Economy (foodtech, vertical farming, healthtech), and Digital Transformation (digital payments, accounting automation, healthtech).

What notable companies has Mahalo Ventures invested in?

The portfolio includes investments in Anthropic (AI safety), SpaceX (space exploration), Perplexity.ai (AI search), xAI (scientific AI), Shield AI (defense AI), Ripple (blockchain payments), Kraken (cryptocurrency exchange), and many other innovative startups across multiple industries.

Where is Mahalo Ventures located?

Mahalo Ventures is headquartered at Av. Padre Cacique, 2703, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, with a global investment presence spanning 10+ countries.

How can I contact Mahalo Ventures?

You can reach us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp. We typically respond within 48 hours.

What stages does Mahalo Ventures invest in?

Mahalo Ventures invests primarily at the Seed and Series A stages, backing companies with early traction that are ready to scale.

Does Mahalo Ventures lead rounds or co-invest?

Mahalo typically co-invests alongside other investors, participating in rounds rather than leading them.

Does Mahalo Ventures make follow-on investments?

Yes. Mahalo supports its portfolio companies with follow-on capital in subsequent rounds as they grow.

Does Mahalo Ventures focus on a specific country or region?

No. Mahalo has no geographic restriction and invests globally, from Brazil to companies across 10+ countries and 3 continents.

How do I pitch or submit a startup to Mahalo Ventures?

The fastest way to reach us is through founder Juliano Primavesi on LinkedIn, or by emailing [email protected] with a short summary of your company.

What does Mahalo Ventures mean by "Real Economy"?

Real Economy refers to businesses rooted in the physical world - food, health, agriculture, energy, mobility and infrastructure - that produce tangible goods and services, generate recurring revenue, and scale. It is a deliberate contrast to purely financial or speculative plays.

What is the difference between Mahalo's direct investments and fund investments?

Direct investments are equity stakes Mahalo takes directly in startups. Fund investments are allocations Mahalo makes as a limited partner (LP) into leading venture capital managers such as Canary, Monashees, Coatue and Headline, giving broader exposure to the ecosystem.

What is the founder's track record?

Founder Juliano Primavesi has 25+ years building and leading technology companies. He founded KingHost in 2006 and grew it into one of Brazil's largest web hosting companies before its acquisition by Locaweb (LWSA) in 2019, and founded Mahalo Ventures in 2024.

How many exits does Juliano Primavesi have?

Juliano Primavesi, founder of Mahalo Ventures, has exited four technology companies he founded or co-founded. The three most notable: Hostnet (co-founded in 2000, stake sold to Digirati in 2002), KingHost (founded in 2006, acquired by Locaweb/LWSA in 2019), and Giga Internet (founded in 2012, acquired by Adylnet in 2018). His first venture, the search engine Prokura, launched in 1998, was sold to Digiweb in 2000.

Let's Talk

Great companies start with a conversation.

Av. Padre Cacique, 2703 · Porto Alegre, RS +55 (51) 4042-0520