First Check Ventures
First Check Ventures is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020 that invests in early-stage startups across the globe. Founded by Ali Jamal, a veteran investor with over 10 years of experience at companies like Zynga, RockYou, Agoda, Rappi, and PayClip, the firm focuses on overlooked emerging markets including Pakistan, Venezuela, Nigeria, and Brazil.
Investment Approach
First Check Ventures makes pre-seed and seed investments, often being the first institutional investor. They invest at the earliest stages - sometimes before incorporation, almost always before there's traction. The firm has developed a rich network of global business partners and makes early and transformational investments in companies with potential for significant impact.
Ali Jamal himself is an active angel investor who has completed over 200 deals, bringing extensive hands-on experience to portfolio companies. The firm looks for hard-working, visionary entrepreneurs building companies that can do great things.
Geographic Focus
Unlike most US-based VCs, First Check Ventures specifically targets overlooked emerging markets. Their portfolio includes companies from:
- Pakistan - Tajir (YC W20), Byte (YC S20), Udhaar (YC W21)
- Brazil - Carupi (YC W20), Yummy, Treinta (YC W21), Sprout (YC S21)
- Mexico - Kredi (YC W21), Morada Uno (YC W21), Mono (YC W22)
- India - Gimbooks (YC W21), HiGeorge (YC W21)
- LatAm more broadly - Various fintech and marketplace companies
Notable Portfolio Companies
The firm has backed numerous Y Combinator companies including:
- Tajir (YC W20) - Marketplace for mom-and-pop stores in Pakistan
- Carupi (YC W20) - Managed peer-to-peer marketplace for used cars in Brazil
- Yummy (YC S21) - Super app for Venezuela
- Kredi (YC W21) - Mortgage credit platform for LatAm
- Mono (YC W22) - Neobank for SMBs in LatAm
How to Connect
First Check Ventures accepts cold outreach and reviews all pitches. The firm has a dedicated team looking for vision
Application process:
- Reach out via their website contact form
- Include your pitch deck and team background
- Be ready to share your vision for emerging markets
Key contact:
- Ali Jamal - Founding Partner - @alijamal on LinkedIn
Pro tips:
- Focus on emerging market opportunity
- Show understanding of local market dynamics
- Demonstrate ability to navigate local challenges
What they look for:
- Visionary entrepreneurs in overlooked markets
- Companies with potential for regional impact
- Strong founder-market fit
Website: firstcheckventures.com