Curql is a Des Moines, Iowa–based venture collective representing a nationwide network of over 130 credit unions, united with a shared mission: to invest in financial technology solutions purpose-built for the credit union industry. Through its collaborative model, Curql brings credit unions together as co-investors, enabling them to collectively identify, back, and implement cutting-edge fintech innovations that improve member experiences, streamline operations, and ensure continued relevance in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.
Curql focuses exclusively on early to growth-stage fintech companies that provide solutions directly applicable to the credit union space. The firm seeks startups delivering technologies in areas like digital banking, lending, payments, fraud prevention, member engagement, core infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
Curql’s strategic investments aim to empower credit unions to compete with traditional banks and fintech disruptors by adopting scalable, intuitive, and member-centric tools.
In May 2025, Curql announced it had raised nearly $309 million for Curql Fund II, with the fundraising window set to close on July 31, 2025. Backed by 83 forward-looking credit unions from across the United States, the fund is one of the largest credit union-led fintech investment initiatives to date.
Fund II builds on the momentum of Curql’s first fund, which raised $254 million from 64 credit unions and backed 38 companies. With this new fund, Curql plans to deepen its efforts in identifying high-impact fintech solutions tailored to the specific needs of credit unions.
The fund offers a dual benefit: access to financial returns for participating credit unions and the ability to directly implement portfolio solutions to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency. This collective model ensures alignment between capital deployment and real-world use cases within the credit union community.
Leadership
Curql is led by President and CEO Nick Evens, who brings deep expertise in financial services and innovation. Under his leadership, the organization has rapidly expanded its network of credit union partners and fintech collaborations, becoming a leading voice in purpose-driven fintech investing.
Investment Strategy
Curql operates a mission-aligned venture capital model built around the unique needs of credit unions. Rather than investing in generic fintech solutions, the firm evaluates companies based on their ability to address core operational and strategic challenges facing credit unions today.
Curql adds value beyond capital by providing fintech startups with immediate access to a nationwide network of institutional customers, accelerating product feedback, pilot testing, and scaled adoption. Its collaborative investment platform turns credit unions into stakeholders and end-users, creating an ecosystem where innovation and implementation move in tandem.
Notable Investments
Curql’s portfolio includes over 40 fintech companies that serve the credit union ecosystem, though individual names from Fund II have not yet been publicly disclosed.
