In the dynamic world of business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) are often the backbone of the economy. At the forefront of supporting these businesses is Frank Briceno, a visionary entrepreneur and investor who has dedicated his career to fostering growth in this vital sector. As the founder of Progreso Ventures, an investment management firm specializing in SMBs and lower middle-market companies in the United States, Briceno is on a mission to create a lasting impact—not just in business, but in the lives of entrepreneurs and communities that are often overlooked.
With a decade of experience navigating the complexities of investment, advisory, and business operations, Briceno brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His background includes raising over $300 million in two SPAC IPOs, providing him with firsthand insight into scaling businesses from early-stage ventures to billion-dollar enterprises that can compete on platforms like Nasdaq. This expertise has shaped his unique approach to investment—one that goes beyond capital infusion and focuses on strategic scaling and long-term success.
“My goal is to build an alternative asset investment platform that systematically scales high-potential companies in the U.S. and Latin America to a global level,” Briceno shares. With this vision in mind, he embarked on a capital raising process, prioritizing investments in SMBs, particularly in underserved communities that traditional financial institutions often neglect.
Briceno’s passion for his work stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of investment. “What excites me the most is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives and in the U.S. economy by investing in SMBs and middle-market companies,” he explains. His commitment is evident in the numbers—72% of his funding has been directed toward minority-owned businesses and communities that lack access to traditional financing.
Of course, the road to success has not been without obstacles. The investment space is highly competitive, especially with established players who have dominated the industry for years. However, Briceno sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback. “We bring to the table a level of sophistication that’s on par with that of some of the more institutional players in the industry that other smaller players might not necessarily have, and the nimble quality and scrappiness that smaller players tend to have that institutional investors sometimes lack,” he explains. This balance allows Progreso Ventures to carve out a unique position in the market.
Beyond just providing capital, Briceno and his team take a hands-on approach, working closely with business owners and management teams to help them navigate challenges. “We like to roll up our sleeves and actively engage with owners and managers to help them navigate the challenges they face with their businesses,” he says. This philosophy ensures that businesses not only receive the financial support they need but also the strategic insights to thrive.
Looking ahead, Briceno has ambitious plans for Progreso Ventures. He aims to scale the initiative significantly, deploying eight figures annually in funding. “At the moment, we are testing the waters on a particular strategy we find very exciting. Once we get our proof of concept, which looks like we will very soon, we’ll be hitting overdrive a bit,” he reveals.
Frank Briceno exemplifies what it means to combine passion with expertise to drive meaningful change. Through his work with Progreso Ventures, he is not only investing in businesses but also in the people and communities behind them, setting the stage for sustainable growth and innovation.To stay updated on Frank’s journey and his work, follow him on Instagram @frankdotcom or visit his website, Progreso Ventures.
