Edrizio De La Cruz is a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, investment expertise, and his commitment to supporting founders of color. As a Y-Combinator Visiting Partner, Edrizio brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the startup ecosystem.
Edrizio's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. As a Dominican immigrant raised in Harlem, he faced various challenges along the way. Despite dropping out of college to work as an aircraft technician, he recognized the value of education and eventually returned to complete his studies. He went on to work on Wall Street and earned an MBA from The Wharton School, solidifying his business acumen.
In 2013, Edrizio co-founded Arcus, a fintech company that quickly gained recognition and success. With a dedicated team, he built Arcus from the ground up, growing it to over 100 employees and securing more than 100 clients. The company's achievements were further amplified by raising $19 million in funding from prestigious investors such as Y-Combinator, Ignia, Softbank, and Citi Ventures. Arcus's impactful work in the fintech space caught the attention of industry leaders, leading to its acquisition by Mastercard in 2021.