3rd Annual VCFamilia Awards Gala - San Francisco
Join us for the 3rd Annual VCFamilia Awards Reception, a black-tie event celebrating Latine achievements in venture capital. As the largest global community of Latine venture capitalists, VCFamilia supports more than 600 VCs from their first days in the industry to raising their own funds.
This prestigious event, with support from Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation will kick off the holiday season on December 3rd, 2026 in San Francisco, the mecca of VC.
The cost of the event ticket for the VCFamilia Awards Reception includes entry to the black-tie awards, food and drinks, networking opportunities with prominent figures in VC, a commemorative program highlighting the evening’s events and honorees, and a fundraising portion (live auction + paddle raise). Consider making an additional donation to support VCFamilia’s mission.
This year, we are proud to honor our 2026 VC award winners:
Legacy Award: Santi Subotovsky, General Partner at Emergence Capital
Catalyst Award: Samara Hernandez, Chingona Ventures
Rising Star Award: Michelle Dhansinghani Limón, Cherryrock Capital
Santi Subotovsky, General Partner at Emergence Capital, grew up in Argentina planning to be a mechanic like his father. When there were no jobs, he built his own company instead. That founder’s instinct led him to back a little-known startup called Zoom, earned him a place among the first three Latin American-born investors on the Forbes Midas List, and now drives his work helping Latin American founders go global.
Samara Hernandez, Founding Partner of Chingona Ventures, is the 2026 VCFamilia Catalyst Award winner. Samara launched Chingona Ventures in 2019 to back founders the rest of venture overlooks, and she serves on the NVCA Board of Directors. She is an Aspen Finance Fellow, a Kauffman Fellow, and co-founder of the Latinx Founders Collective. Celebrate with her at the 3rd Annual VCFamilia Awards Gala on Thursday, December 3 in San Francisco. She is proud to be joining previous Catalyst Award honorees Alejandro Guerrero and Justis Mendez.
Michelle Dhansinghani Limón, Vice President at Cherryrock Capital, is the 2026 VCFamilia Rising Star Award winner. Michelle leads Series A and B investments at Cherryrock and co-founded VC Unleashed to grow Black and Brown representation in venture. Before investing in companies, she founded and scaled a business in Latin America. Celebrate with her at the 3rd Annual VCFamilia Awards Gala on Thursday, December 3 in San Francisco. She is proud to be joining previous Rising Star honorees like Jonathan Diaz.
Join us as we recognize these outstanding Latine leaders, celebrate our shared heritage, and set the stage for an impactful 2026!
Our Sponsors:
Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation is a group of organizations founded by Melinda French Gates in 2015. They work to accelerate the pace of social progress using high-impact investments, philanthropy, partnerships, and advocacy to get more power in the hands of more people—especially women—in the U.S. and around the world/
Ashurt Perkins Coie is a top-20 global law firm whose Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice backs founders, emerging managers, and established funds from first check to exit. We are proud to have them alongside us at the 2026 VCFamilia Awards Gala.
BMO is a leading North American bank with more than 200 years of experience helping individuals, businesses, and communities grow. BMO provides personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking services. Guided by its purpose to "Boldly Grow the Good in business and life,"
The cofounders of VCFamilia
Sold out last year - grab your tickets ASAP.
Event photos here:
Are two or more people from your team attending? Consider becoming a sponsor! Reach out to our claudia@lafamiliafoundation.com
If the cost of the ticket is prohibitive, please email hola@vcfamilia.com with more information.
Donate to make a difference: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/9122cd5c-e6fb-4716-94cd-0f6e695614a5 If your corporation matches donations we'd be happy to provide any necessary documentation
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VCFamilia normalizes the Latine experience in venture and provides the network, resources, and guidance to grow and empower more diverse checkwriters and fund managers. Our mission is to create an open and inclusive environment for current and future Latine investors to thrive. VCFamilia brings Latine cultures into the venture community and increases representation in investment roles. We are part of LaFamilia Foundation.