About
A research firm that ships software.
Colibrí Strategies helps investors assess venture managers and helps managers build and explain their funds. We do that through two software platforms and an advisory practice, informed by research published independently through Colibrí Institute.
Founders
The researchers behind the platforms.
Dr. Mariela SalasCo-foundermariela@colibristrategies.com
Mariela leads the qualitative and policy research behind both platforms and helps turn the findings into practical product features. She holds a postdoctoral fellowship at Pepperdine University, where she researches leadership, identity and venture capital performance.
Her background spans two decades across venture capital, finance, infrastructure, and technology, with prior positions at JPMorgan, Verizon, and Ascendus, and leadership roles at SomosVC and the ALMA Fund.
Dr. Itzel MoncadaCo-founderitzel@colibristrategies.com
Itzel leads the quantitative research behind both platforms. Her doctoral work at Pepperdine University examined how venture funds are built and how those choices relate to performance. That work informs Blueprint and Architecture.
She previously worked in fund investing, portfolio analysis, and institutional capital strategy as an investor at Reinventure Capital and a Private Equity Associate at Cebron Group.
Why this firm
What shapes our work.
Built around venture capital
Our framework begins with venture data and the way venture returns behave. A small number of investments can account for much of a fund’s value. We examine that dependence on exceptional outcomes, along with the choices about investment size, reserves and company count that shape the portfolio.
Doctoral research, published openly
Our platforms and advisory framework draw on doctoral research into fund design and performance. The research is published through Colibrí Institute so readers can examine the methods and limitations.
Both sides of the table
We have evaluated funds as investors and helped managers prepare for evaluation. That experience informs both kinds of work: the evidence an investor needs to understand a fund, and the practical changes a manager can make.
Clear boundaries around our role
No assets under management, no placement, no success fees, no OCIO mandate, no capital under our control. Nothing we recommend earns us a transaction fee, and the research is held in a separate entity that is never a party to an engagement.
The work behind it
Operating figures only. Engagement outcomes and quantitative findings are shared under NDA, with methods and limits attached.
The two entities
Two organizations with distinct roles.
Colibrí Institute publishes independent research and maintains the policy that protects it from commercial influence. Colibrí Strategies builds the platforms and provides advisory services. The two organizations have separate governance, finances and channels.
Colibrí Institute
Publishes the research and holds the independence policy. Never a party to a client engagement.
Colibrí Strategies
Builds the platforms and runs the advisory practice. Client data never crosses back into the research.
Blueprint and Architecture
Our two platforms apply the research framework to fund readiness and firm design. Both offer a free starting point.