About
Independent, method-forward field builders
Colibrí Institute’s work is shaped by deep experience in venture capital and doctoral training, combining practitioner insights with rigorous research methods to produce evidence that can be cited, applied, and built on.
Leadership
Itzel Moncada
Itzel brings experience across venture capital and private equity, with a focus on how venture funds generate returns and what drives performance. Previously a Senior Associate at Reinventure Capital and a Private Equity Associate at Cebron Group, she has worked across fund investing, portfolio analysis, and institutional capital strategy. Her work helps institutions underwrite venture managers with greater rigor and confidence. She is a Doctoral Candidate at Pepperdine University, where her research examines venture capital fund performance and the structural drivers of outcomes within the asset class.
Dr. Mariela Salas
Mariela brings over 20 years of experience across venture capital, finance, infrastructure, and technology, with leadership roles at JPMorgan, Verizon, and Ascendus. Former Executive Director of SomosVC and Partner at ALMA Fund, she has advised emerging fund managers and limited partners on strategy, fundraising readiness, and ecosystem-building. Mariela holds a Doctorate from Pepperdine University, where she is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow. Her research focuses on leadership, identity, and long-term performance in venture capital.