Kamay Ventures, a Latin American VC fund, is seeking fresh investors in the food and beverage sectors. Grupo Bimbo recently joined the fund as its latest LP. Established by Coca-Cola Latinoamerica and Argentinan food group Arcor in 2019, the fund is managed by VC veterans Gabriela Ruggeri and Antonio Peña.
Speaking to Just Food, Ruggeri emphasized the gap in the Latin American capital market and the potential for SMEs and investors to capitalize on it. She shared that the fund has already identified 15 companies to invest in, and has only announced 12 publicly. The most recent investor to join the fund is Mexican bakery giant Grupo Bimbo.
Kamay Ventures has invested in various businesses such as Wiagro, Auravant, Bacu, and Aerialoop. The plan is to invest in 30-35 companies, and the fund is expected to be able to provide more significant funding. So far, the average investment has been $300,000.
“We’ve been looking into startups in the packaging sector,” Ruggeri said. “Also some food tech and plant-based projects.”
The Latin American VC fund is striving to support the food and beverage industry in the region. The capital market is not as deep as in Europe or the US, and corporations in the region do not invest in startups as often. There is a significant potential for growth in this sector, and Kamay Ventures aims to tap into it.
Moreover, for companies where supply chain and infrastructure are a challenge in rural areas, a direct sales channel holds the key. These companies need to distribute to small stores, which are crucial in the region’s framework. With this in mind, the fund sees opportunities for investment and innovation in this space.
With its expansion and commitment to identifying investment opportunities, Kamay Ventures is poised to make a significant impact in the food and beverage industry in Latin America. Access to comprehensive company profiles and powerful industry insights can further aid potential investors in making informed decisions.
