There's a new VC focused on fintech startups supporting financial health
An overwhelming 70% of Americans face financial health challenges, and two-thirds live paycheck to paycheck. ResilienceVC is tackling these widespread issues by investing in early-stage fintech companies. Their initial fund raised more money than expected—over $56 million—for investments in startups working on new and creative solutions to issues such as the lack of affordable insurance and the difficulties people face when trying to buy a home. Seasoned fintech experts Tahira Dosani and Vikas Raj, the cofounders and managing partners of ResilienceVC, aim to drive financial resilience while delivering strong returns.
The oversubscribed fund tackles obstacles such as limited access to affordable insurance, challenges in the path to homeownership, and difficulties in accessing pre-tax and government benefits.
ResilienceVC's strategy is centered on seed-stage fintechs, with plans to make approximately 25 investments, each with an average initial investment of $1 million. The venture capital firm has already invested in several high-growth potential startups that are making a significant impact, including Alice, Chaiz, EarlyBird, Foyer, Mirza, OS Benefits, PartnerSlate, and Suma.
ResilienceVC was founded in 2023 by Dosani and Raj, two seasoned experts in fintech venture capital, operational leadership, and financial services innovation. Together, they have many years of experience, including their time as co-leaders at Accion Venture Lab. There, they jointly invested in and managed over 50 different companies. Many of those companies went on to become successful, with several evolving into highly valuable 'unicorn' startups.
Their experience isn't limited to just investments. Dosani and Raj also have operational experience, having worked in financial services startups, including microfinance institutions in India and Afghanistan's first mobile payment system. These experiences provided them with a unique understanding of financial customer needs and how to serve them effectively.
'When people have easy access to high-quality, relevant, and affordable financial tools through channels they are already familiar with, they can increase earnings, reduce expenses, mitigate risks, and build assets,' says Dosani. 'This is a win-win as it creates financial resilience for Americans as well as more stable, loyal, and profitable customers for the companies providing those services.'
Avi Karnani, CEO and co-founder of Alice—one of ResilienceVC's portfolio companies—shares his experience: 'Vikas and Tahira actively help us navigate the complexities of bringing pre-tax benefits to hourly workers. They focus on what matters—from introductions to operational guidance and strategic support.'
'At Spring Point Partners, we champion community-driven change by investing in transformational leaders, networks, and solutions that break down barriers to economic opportunity," said Sabrina Bainbridge, associate director of investments at Spring Point Partners. "We are excited to back ResilienceVC's debut fund as their thesis directly reflects that commitment, and their mission to drive meaningful innovation in financial resilience for Americans is strongly aligned with our broader vision of economic justice."
Raising a first-time fund is a formidable challenge, even in the best of economic climates. ResilienceVC fundraised in the turbulent years of 2023 and 2024. Macroeconomic headwinds and a cooling venture capital market created significant obstacles.
A key factor in their success was the strong track record of co-founders Dosani and Raj. While ResilienceVC was a first-time fund, Dosani and Raj were not first-time fund managers. Their track record at Accion Venture Lab helped build trust with investors.
By focusing on financial resilience, they tapped into a growing awareness of the economic struggles facing much of the U.S. population. Interestingly, the firm's mission attracted interest from both sides of the political spectrum.
"I really believe that impact investing writ large is something that can appeal equally to the left and right,' explains Dosani. The right likes impact investing because the private sector and capital markets take on these problems, not the public sector. The left likes it because of the impact piece and the social outcomes."
ResilienceVC's high-touch investment strategy impressed investors. By backing fewer companies, they can work more closely with each one. This "high conviction" approach appealed to investors who cared about more than just making a profit.
Locating the firm in Washington, D.C., was a strategic decision. Being based in the nation's capital provides ResilienceVC a unique vantage point from which to observe decision-making by regulators and policymakers. "You know, DC is maybe not the most obvious place to base a venture fund, but fintech companies need to stay abreast of what's happening on the policy and regulatory fronts," notes Dosani.
ResilienceVC has received investments from a range of limited partners. This included strategic investors from the financial services sector, such as MetLife and Ally Financial, as well as foundations like the Skoll Foundation, and family offices. The fact that family offices invested is particularly significant. As wealth increasingly transfers to the next generation, these offices are demonstrating a growing interest in investments that align with their values and have a positive social impact.
ResilienceVC also prioritized engaging high-net-worth women as LPs. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in this asset class, the firm set a lower investment minimum for women. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also taps into a significant pool of capital that has been historically underserved.
ResilienceVC raised more money than its goal, demonstrating that more investors recognize both the profit potential and the social importance of fintech solutions that foster financial resilience. Their deep experience and hands-on approach with portfolio companies position them well to drive real innovation and help make the financial system more inclusive.
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