comprende 035: Latino-Led Linker Finance Raises $3.7M, Acapulco Renewed, and Sol Trujillo on Immigration

BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 35th edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we highlight Latino-led Linker Finance, founded by Jorge Garcia, which just secured $3.7M to transform digital banking for community banks.

• Next, we dive into the exciting renewal of Acapulco for Season 4 on Apple TV+, demonstrating the strong demand for Latino stories on screen.

• Finally, we feature Sol Trujillo’s call for smart immigration reform, emphasizing the need for more workers to fuel the U.S. economy and support on-shoring jobs.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

Latino-led Linker Finance Raises $3.7M to Drive Innovation in Community Banking

Pasadena-based fintech company, Linker Finance, has raised $3.7 million in seed funding to transform the digital banking experience for community banks across the U.S. Founded by Honduran-American entrepreneur Jorge Garcia, Linker Finance aims to bridge the technological gap that often leaves community banks struggling to compete with larger financial institutions and fintechs.

Garcia, who has over 20 years of experience working with global brands like Disney and The Coca-Cola Company, was inspired to launch Linker after facing the frustrations of outdated banking systems while expanding one of his ventures. A proud Latino and passionate advocate for financial inclusion, Garcia was named an MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35, a fellow of The Aspen Institute, and an alumnus of the Stanford Latino Business Action Network (LBAN).

Linker Finance provides a comprehensive mobile and online digital banking platform allowing community banks to enhance customer experiences while maintaining personal relationships.

The platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, eliminating the need for banks to overhaul their infrastructure. This enables small financial institutions to deliver secure, innovative services to their customers without sacrificing their unique touch.

The $3.7 million in funding was led by Ten One Ten Ventures and Chingona Ventures, the funding round also saw participation from Audaz Capital, Techstars, and other key investors, positioning Linker Finance for accelerated growth.

Linker Finance plans to invest in product development and expand its team, focusing on creating new features tailored to business and commercial banking. The company’s goal is to introduce cutting-edge no-code tools by 2025 that will empower community banks to improve operational efficiency and deliver exceptional digital services.

Linker Finance is set to reshape the future of community banking by equipping local institutions with the technology they need to thrive in a rapidly changing financial landscape, ultimately strengthening the economies they serve–which directly impacts our Latino community.

Acapulco’s Season 4 Renewal Reflects Strong Audience Demand for Latino Stories

Apple TV+ has renewed the hit comedy Acapulco for a fourth season, signaling a growing appetite for Latino-centered stories in television and film. Starring and executive produced by Eugenio Derbez, the series has not only captivated audiences but also garnered significant critical acclaim, with nine Imagen Award nominations recognizing the achievements of Latino talent.

Inspired by Derbez’s film How to Be a Latin Lover, Acapulco follows the journey of Máximo, played by both Derbez and Enrique Arrizón, as he navigates life working at a luxury resort in the 1980s. The show masterfully blends humor, heart, and cultural nuance, offering viewers a refreshing look at the complexities of Latino identity.

Produced by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions, and The Tannenbaum Company, the series' renewal and awards demonstrate that there’s not only a need but a strong desire for more Latino stories on screen. The success of Acapulco underscores that audiences are not only ready for more diverse narratives but are actively seeking them, creating a powerful moment for Latino voices in entertainment.

Sol Trujillo Calls for Smart Immigration to Boost U.S. Economy

Sol Trujillo, chairman of the Latino Donor Collaborative, emphasizes the urgent need for smart immigration policies to sustain the U.S. economy’s growth. In a recent interview, he highlighted how immigration has historically driven economic expansion, noting that the U.S. economy thrives when more people are working and have money in their pockets.

Trujillo points out that as industries move jobs back to the U.S., known as on-shoring, there’s a growing demand for workers that the current labor market cannot meet. He stresses that without the necessary workforce, the U.S. risks losing these opportunities to countries like Mexico.

Trujillo advocates for immigration reforms that can efficiently bring in workers with the right skills and implement training programs for those who don’t yet have them.

Latinos, who now represent a GDP larger than India’s, are a key driving force behind the U.S. economy. Trujillo believes smarter immigration processes can continue to unlock this potential, benefiting not just the Latino community but the entire country. His vision focuses on modernizing immigration systems, creating pathways for legal immigration, and ensuring that labor gaps are filled to keep the economy strong.

Method’s $16 Million Series A Round, Results from Main Street America’s 2024 Survey, and the latest in funding opportunities

Breaking Down a Fundraising Deal: How Debt Fintech Startup, Method Financial, Raised $16 Million from a16z, Truist Ventures, Y Combinator, Abstract Ventures, SV Angel and others.

Method’s co-founders, Jose Bethancourt and Marco del Carmen, are simplifying the way in which consumers are managing their payments across all of their existing debts.

Prior to their most recent Series A raise, Method had managed to onboard 45 customers that resulted in them reaching over 100k end users, connecting $2B in consumer debt while also seamlessly processing $50M in direct debt and bill payments.

One of Method’s investors, Truist Ventures, shared why they invested in Method Financial :

1. Market Size & Pain Point: Method addresses a huge pain point that consumers face within a rather large market. Leveraging Method’s API, financial institutions like debt consolidation lenders can now easily access all of a borrower's list of liabilities in order to directly initiate payments to those debts, on the consumer’s behalf.
   
   Prior to this technology consumers were, as Truist points out, “managing bulky account information between different institutions [that added] painful friction to basic financial wellness activities, from tracking debt payments and balances to comparing rates.”
   

2. Thesis Alignment: Method’s mission to change the way consumers manage and pay their debt aligns with that of Truist Ventures, an alignment that most venture funds search for in their investments as well. For Truist, they seek “innovative partners who are as dedicated as we are to bringing better financial experiences to our clients and communities.”

Main Street America’s 2024 Survey Results

The Research team at Main Street America launched a survey that heard from 996 small business owners spanning across 46 states including Washington, D.C.

Here are a few of their take-aways:

• Main Street consists largely of makers and manufacturers. Approximately ⅓ of surveyed indicated manufacturing a product or good.

• Small business confidence fell slightly from last year.

• Over 80% of small businesses need less than $25,000 in affordable capital.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:

• Female Founder World Grant x Vistaprint | Apply by September 17

  • For women founders, $15k grant.

  • Apply Here

• Galaxy of Stars Galaxy Grants | Apply by September 30

  • For women and minority-owned small businesses, $4,250 grants.

  • Apply Here

La Esquinita is written by Comprende Collaborator, Adriana Román. Learn more about Adriana or connect with her on LinkedIn here

FOUNDERS:

If you’re a founder who wants to get further connected and learn more about Comprende, be featured in our newsletter or marketplace, or inquire about our creative and strategy agency services, please fill out this form: Comprende Founders Submission

How to Make: Argentinian Matambre a la Pizza

Matambre a la Pizza is a unique Argentine dish that combines the flavors of pizza with thin slices of beef, offering a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Perfect for a barbecue or an oven-baked dinner, this recipe is a favorite among meat lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 large beef matambre (flank steak)

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)

• 1 onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat.

2. Season the matambre with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika on both sides.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or directly on the grill and sear the matambre on both sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes per side).

4. If grilling, move the meat to indirect heat and cook for about 20 minutes until it becomes tender. If using the oven, transfer the matambre to a baking sheet and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

5. Once cooked, spread the tomato sauce evenly over the matambre.

6. Sprinkle the minced garlic on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. If desired, add slices of bell peppers and onion for extra flavor and texture.

8. Place the matambre back on the grill or in the oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and slice to serve.

Matambre a la Pizza is a perfect fusion of Argentina’s love for beef and pizza, offering a deliciously meaty meal that’s sure to satisfy. Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete Argentine dining experience.

Last week, we asked: Which Argentine soccer player is considered one of the greatest of all time and won the FIFA World Cup in 1986?

The right answer was: Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, an Argentine soccer legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Known for his incredible skill, vision, and flair on the field, Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His performance in that tournament was highlighted by the famous "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England. Maradona's influence extended beyond his playing days, as he became an iconic figure in global soccer culture. His legacy continues to inspire fans and players around the world.

Question:  What is the national animal of Guatemala?

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

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