Venturi Partners Hits Final Close of USD 175M in Maiden Fund

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Investment platform aims to invest in growth stage consumer-businesses in India & SE Asia 

Venturi Partners, a Singapore-based investment platform that empowers audacious brands in India and Southeast Asia, announced today that its maiden fund has hit its final close of USD 175 million. The firm may, however, increase the quantum of the fund with demand for investments going up. 

Founded by veteran consumer investor Nicholas Cator, the investment platform's expertise lies in identifying and supporting Asian high-growth consumer companies with an online or offline presence in sectors ranging from FMCG to education and healthcare services. The Venturi team has, in their previous roles, invested and supported a variety of consumer brands such as Byju's, Lazada, Pristyn Care, Cure.fit, Chewy, Oatly, Global Fashion Group, Burger King, Sula Vineyards, Domino's & Future Consumer.

Venturi has already deployed 30% percent of the fund across three investments in India and South- East Asia, and aims to deploy the rest over the next 24 months. The platform typically invests $10 million to $40 million in series B to series D rounds. The team has strong prior entrepreneurial and operating backgrounds and will leverage this experience to be a value-added partner to its companies.

"The Venturi team has a unique expertise, network and track record in the Consumer space in the region. Founders today are looking for more than just investors - they want long term partners that understand consumer trends and brands and have a long-term mindset. Adding value to portfolio companies by being sector focused, operationally minded and supporting management teams on specific projects is more relevant now than ever. We will only make 8 investments from Fund - 1 and work closely with our founders," said Nicholas Cator, Managing Partner at Venturi Partners.

The platform has raised commitments from large EU and Asian family offices, such as Peugeot Invest, Ackermans & Van Haaren and Frederic De Mevius, Founder of Verlinvest and a member of the family ownership of ABI.

"Our aim is to build a long-term, partnership-based investment platform with a small number of Families with similar values that want to participate in the Asian consumer growth story. We offer our Families more transparency on our portfolio than a traditional fund and will offer up to 100% of their commitment in co-investment opportunities. This enables us to deploy larger amounts into our portfolio companies and to support them over multiple rounds," said Nicholas Cator, Managing Partner at Venturi Partners

LPU prof, finalist in climate journalism awards

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A special lecturer at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Manila has been recently selected one of the finalists in the second annual Covering Climate Now Climate Journalism Awards.

Jhesset Thrina O. Enano, who handles journalism subjects at the LPU Manila College of Arts and Sciences, has been shortlisted under the Emerging Journalists category of the 2022 CCNow Awards.

Apart from teaching journalism at LPU, Enano also works as a freelance journalist, writing on “interesting new angles such as the psychological toll of climate disasters.” CCNow noted that “through excellent storytelling Enano captures the struggle and suffering of people confronting rising seas.”

The LPU journalism lecturer shared that she is “deeply humbled by this recognition of my work that amplifies our voices and our fight for climate justice here in the Philippines.”

“I’m thankful to my former editors at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and more importantly, to my sources whose trust I carry with me always. I’ll continue telling stories of our planet and our people,” she added.

At Inquirer, Enano wrote compelling stories and produced multimedia reports on the climate crisis, biodiversity, natural hazards, and the interaction of communities with the natural environment. Her previous assignments focused on human rights, local governance, criminal justice, and education.

As an environment reporter, she was able “to shed light on the climate crisis, the environmental defenders, our country’s rich biodiversity, and the challenges that beset our planet and the people.”

Enano previously won Best Special Feature in the 2020 Catholic Mass Media Awards for her three-part series on wildlife trafficking and illegal trade in the Philippines published by the Inquirer in August 2019. She was also a recipient of a story grant in 2019 from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, where she reported on the impact of climate change on the mental health of Filipinos. She also covered the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Her works have been published in local and international media. She has spoken on BBC Newshour and CGTN’s Asia Today on domestic events with global and regional significance. Beyond her daily journalistic work, she also gives seminars and workshops on news, feature, environment and science writing to students, scientists, and researchers.

CCNow is a project co-founded by Columbia Journalism Review and The Nation committed to bringing more and better coverage on the climate crisis. The global journalism initiative now includes more than 460 partners worldwide, with a combined audience of more than one billion people.

The Emerging Journalist award goes to an early-career journalist (five or less years of professional experience) whose body of work shows exceptional promise.

Other categories include short and long form print coverage, short and long form video and audio coverage, investigative reporting, newsletters, multimedia project, commentary, social media engagement, photography, student journalists, and industry innovation.

This year’s finalists for the different categories were chosen from 900 entries from 65 countries by an international jury of 90 distinguished journalists around the world.

Winners will be notified individually and will be publicly announced this September.

10 Tips for Tourists Traveling to France

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France is a beautiful country with plenty to offer tourists. Its location in the heart of Europe makes it easily accessible from anywhere in the world, and its rich culture and history make it a popular destination for travelers.

Most tourists traveling to France will likely visit Paris, the country's capital and largest city. While Paris is certainly worth visiting, don't forget to check out some of France's other unique destinations.

Ensure that you are aware of the medical care in France for foreigners;it will help you enjoy your stay without any surprises.

Before travelling, make sure to do your research to prepare for your trip. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip to France:

1- Choose your travel dates carefully

The peak tourist season in France is generally from May to August. If you travel during this time, expect large crowds and higher prices. September and October are good months to travel as the weather is still pleasant, and the public has thinned out somewhat.

November to April is the off-season, so that you can find deals on accommodations and flights during this time. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible rain or snow.

2- Get travel insurance

No matter where you are travelling, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance. If something goes wrong – you lose your passport, your flight is canceled, etc. – travel insurance will help cover the costs.

It is also advisable to know the healthcare for tourists in France if you travel to a country with a different healthcare system. In France, all residents and citizens are required to have health insurance. You may be able to get coverage through your travel insurance, but it is always best to check before you leave.

3- Learn some basic French phrases

While most people in France speak English, it is always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few basic French phrases. It will help you communicate better with the locals and get more out of your trip.

4- Book your accommodation in advance

France is a popular tourist destination, so booking your accommodation well in advance is essential, especially if you are traveling during the peak season. There are plenty of options available, including hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and camping.

5- Rent a car

If you want to explore France at your own pace, renting a car is the best way to do it. It gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. Just be aware that driving in France can be tricky – the roads are narrow, and there are many roundabouts.

6- Know your rights

As a tourist in France, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with these before you travel to avoid any problems.

Some of your rights include the right to security, the right to information, and the right to consular assistance in case of arrest or detention. Your responsibilities include obeying French laws and regulations, respecting local customs, and being considerate of other people.

7- Be prepared for the weather

The weather in France can be unpredictable, so it is essential to be prepared for all eventualities. Pack a mix of clothes for warm and cool weather, and bring an umbrella just in case.

The weather expectation is a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius.

- Enjoy the food and wine

France is famous for its delicious food and wine, so enjoy a few meals and drinks while you are there. The French cuisine is some of the best globally, so try as many dishes as possible. And don't forget to wash it all down with a glass of French wine!

9- Visit some of the famous landmarks

France is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Versailles Palace. Make sure to visit at least some of these during your trip.

10- Know your visa requirements

If you are travelling from a country outside the European Union, you may need a visa to enter France. Ensure the conditions before you travel to get the appropriate visa.

Some of the other popular tourist destinations in France include the following:

a) The Louvre – one of the largest and most famous museums in the world

b) The Palace of Versailles – the former home of the French kings

c) Notre Dame Cathedral – a Gothic cathedral in Paris

d) The Eiffel Tower – perhaps the most iconic landmark in France

e) Marseille – France's second-largest city and a popular tourist destination

f) Lyon – a historic city with plenty of Roman ruins

g) Nice – a beautiful city on the French Riviera

h) Bordeaux – a wine-producing region in southwestern France

I) Cannes – a glamorous city on the French Riviera, famous for its film festival

So, the next time you visit France, keep these tips in mind! They will help you to have a more enjoyable and memorable trip.