Ant Group is expanding its fintech operations in Latin America by partnering with R2, a startup that provides lending tools for technology companies. Through its international arm, Ant International, the company is investing in R2 to improve credit access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using AI-driven risk assessment. R2's innovative revenue-based loan model automatically deducts repayments as a percentage of sales, helping reduce delinquency rates for platforms such as Rappi and InDrive. This strategic move by Ant Group comes as venture capital in Latin America hits a seven-year low, according to PitchBook. By focusing on targeted investments and digital lending solutions, Ant Group aims to address the funding gap and support the growth of SMEs in the region.