Cashea: Bringing Back Consumer Credit to Venezuela

In Venezuela, where hyperinflation and financial crisis left millions without access to credit, a fintech achieved the unthinkable: restoring consumer credit to an entire country.

Today, from NuMundo, I want to tell you the story of Cashea, a company making a real difference in Latin America—proving that innovation can thrive even in the most challenging markets.

What is Cashea, and Why is It So Revolutionary?

Cashea is a Venezuelan fintech founded by Pedro Julio Vallenilla Sosa, born to address an urgent need: the near-total disappearance of consumer credit in Venezuela. To give you context on how important this fintech is for us, let me share its story:

After years of hyperinflation, the country went from having over 10 million credit card users to practically none. Banks stopped lending because regulated interest rates were far below inflation, making traditional credit models unviable.

Cashea reinvented credit access with an innovative model: merchants finance customer purchases, while Cashea only buys delinquent invoices. This way, the company minimizes risk and offers Venezuelans the chance to buy essential products—like phones and computers—in interest-free installments.

Today, Cashea processes over 650,000 loans per month and serves 4.5 million users, equivalent to nearly two out of every ten adults in the country.

Who is Pedro Vallenilla, and How Was Cashea Born?

Pedro Julio Vallenilla Sosa is a serial Venezuelan entrepreneur. After his early success with Groupon in Venezuela and several other ventures (in data and hospitality), he experienced firsthand the challenges of building a business in a crisis-stricken country.

After the pandemic, his experience in debt collection gave him deep insight into Venezuela’s credit reality—and how it could be revived. Motivated by prior investments and a desire to solve a real problem, he took the bull by the horns and founded Cashea in 2021.

Vallenilla and his team—including Ramón Lange Fernández, Nicolás Curat, and Arnoldo J. Gabaldón—achieved what seemed impossible: building one of the most remarkable fintechs in recent years, with metrics rivaling top U.S. startups but with a fraction of the capital raised.

Cashea’s Impact: Credit, Inclusion, and Empowerment

Cashea has transformed the lives of millions of Venezuelans. Before, upgrading a phone, buying a computer for work, or accessing basic goods was a mission impossible for most. Now, thanks to Cashea, users can pay an initial installment (40-60%) followed by interest-free biweekly payments, making technology and essential goods accessible.

The impact goes beyond numbers:

• Cashea has grown 10x in the past year.
• It serves 1 in 3 Venezuelans.
• It processes 2.5% of all transactions in the country.
• It empowers thousands to work, study, and improve their quality of life.

The key? Deepening its presence in one market before expanding, conquering “one shopping mall at a time” and adapting its model to local realities. Cashea proves that even in “small” or underserved markets, it’s possible to build massive, profitable companies.

How NuMundo Supports Companies Making a Difference in Latin America

At NuMundo, we believe real impact comes from backing visionary entrepreneurs like Pedro Vallenilla and companies like Cashea. Our mission is to identify, support, and empower startups that are shifting paradigms and creating opportunities in the region.

Cashea is a perfect example of how technology, talent, and resilience can restore hope and credit to millions.

Why Cashea is a Game-Changer in Venezuela

• Credit model innovation: Merchants finance, Cashea manages risk.
• Real financial inclusion: Credit access for the excluded.
• Exponential growth with limited capital.
• Adaptation to dollarization and new economic realities.
• Empowering users to access technology and improve their lives.

At NuMundo, we support entrepreneurs breaking barriers and creating solutions for the region’s biggest challenges. Join the conversation and be part of the change! Learn more about this initiative here: