VC firm Nyca raises $125 million to invest in fintech

One of the most active venture funds focused on fintech has reloaded its coffers.

Nyca Partners in New York announced Friday it raised more than $125 million in total commitments for its second fund with 10 institutional investors and 29 limited partners with senior experience in financial services technology.

Jim Reed jreedpphoto@aol

The second fund has already invested in more than dozen companies, including: portfolio optimization firm Axioma; insurance tech firm EmBroker; life insurance tech firm Ladder; data processing firm LeapYear; and artificial intelligence firm Personetics.

The firm was launched in 2014 by Hans Morris, the former president of Visa and a longtime Citigroup banker. Through its first fund, which totaled $30 million, Nyca invested in more than 30 companies in merchant payment solutions, alternative credit, digital advice and financial infrastructure.

Nyca was the third most active firm invested in fintech globally, according to an August 2016 study by KPMG and CB Insights.

"When we started Nyca nearly three years ago, the goal was to create a unique firm that was comprised of experienced financial services and technology professionals that could help companies succeed in the global financial system," Morris said in a press release. "By providing financial technology knowledge to early stage companies, we are able to offer a unique and much-needed service. This is an exciting time for fintech and this latest fund will allow us to continue to invest in companies that leverage technology to build platforms that empower consumers."