Mekong Enterprise Fund IV completed an investment in Marou Chocolate Company
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (31 March 2021) – Mekong Capital announces that the Mekong Enterprise Fund IV (MEF IV) completed an investment in Marou Chocolate Company.
Among the first bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate makers in Asia, Marou Chocolate has long pleased the Vietnamese consumers’ tastebuds with its signature singleorigin dark chocolate bars. Marou’s chocolate is distinctly Vietnamese, made from cacao beans coming from six provinces in southern Vietnam. The unique taste and beautiful packaging of its bars have caught the attention of the international press and the foodie community, evidenced by the multiple awards Marou has received. Besides manufacturing and distributing chocolate, Marou also runs a chain of three café-patisserie-chocolate factory concepts called Maison Marou in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. In 2020, the company developed another concept offering on-the-go experience called Marou Station.
The investment from MEF IV will facilitate Marou to further scale up the Maison Marou and Marou Station concepts, develop new products, as well as build its team of exceptional leaders. Marou aims to widen the appeal of its chocolate to Vietnamese customers while maintaining a premium for cacao farmers.
Mr. Vincent Mourou, Co-Founder and CEO of Marou, said:
“Our choice for Mekong Capital started as a spirited conversation between founders, and effortlessly evolved into a partnership of synergy. Samuel and I recognized that Mekong Capital’s Vision-based approach resonated with the values-based company that we have been building since 2011. Their stellar reputation, and proven ability to support and deliver founder’s visions, cemented our decision to further the conversation. We are thrilled to have them on-board as we take our adventures in chocolate to more chocolate lovers around the world.”
Mr. Chad Ovel, Partner of Mekong Capital, said:
“Since my first taste of Marou Chocolate nearly ten years ago, I have been a loyal and devout fan ever since. Thus, I was absolutely thrilled when the Founders of Marou invited Mekong Capital to join them on the next stage of their adventure in chocolate: to bring their authentic product to wider audiences, both in Vietnam and abroad. Together, we are highly committed to achieving that bold vision.”
About Marou Chocolate Company Limited
Founded in 2011 by two Frenchmen living in Vietnam, Marou Chocolate is a testament to the sophisticated flavors that Vietnamese cacao beans offer to the world. The founders Samuel Maruta and Vincent Mourou first crossed paths during a survival course weekend in the jungles of Vietnam. Later, intrigued by the cacao beans growing in Vietnam, the pair set course for a cacao farm in Ba Ria Province and, on the ferry back to Ho Chi Minh City, decided to try their hand at chocolate making. Ever since, Marou Chocolate has stayed true to its origin of making dark chocolate entirely from Vietnam’s finest ingredients.
In 2016, Marou opened its first Maison Marou location on Calmette street in Ho Chi Minh City, and subsequently expanded to Hanoi. Their three flagship stores offer customers with an immersive experience in the world of fine chocolate-making and pastries, all the while highlighting Marou’s adventures via beautiful designs and graphics.
Marou Chocolate Company Limited is the first investee company announced by Mekong Enterprise Fund IV.
For more information about Marou, please visit the firm’s website at marouchocolate.com.
About Mekong Capital & Mekong Enterprise Fund IV
Established in 2001, Mekong Capital has the most extensive private equity track record in Vietnam. Their funds have completed 42 private equity investments, of which 28 have been fully exited. Mekong Capital has advised 5 funds, and 2 are currently active.
Mekong Capital’s investee companies have typically been among the fastest-growing companies in Vietnam’s consumer-driven sectors such as retail, restaurants, consumer products, and education. Some of their well-known investment successes include Mobile World, Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ), ICP, Golden Gate, Vietnam Australia International School (VAS), Masan Consumer, Traphaco, Pharmacity, F88, YOLA, Pizza 4P’s, Vua Nem, ABA Cooltrans, and Nhat Tin Logistics.
Mekong Enterprise Fund IV (MEF IV) is a private equity fund with $246 million in committed capital. MEF IV will continue Mekong Capital’s successful strategy of investing in growth equity investments in Vietnamese companies and exclusively in proven consumer-driven sectors that benefit from the growth in Vietnamese consumer demand and the adoption of modern business practices. The Fund will focus in particular on retail, education, restaurants, consumer services, FMCG, and health care.
MEF IV applies Mekong Capital’s Transformational Private Equity approach and the Vision Driven Investing framework with an intention to fulfill its commitment for each investee company to achieve its vision.
