Investment and expansion on an international stage is a significant opportunity for both founders and investors.

We’re increasingly seeing our network of investors extend internationally and founders of early-stage and growing businesses are also looking to break into these lucrative, often game-changing, global markets.

In particular, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has seen a rapid rise in venture capital activity over the last 3 years. It’s benefitted from a young and tech driven nation, large potential markets, strong government support and strengthening links with the rest of the world.

Investors from this region are also looking to diversify funds with investment in early-stage, growing businesses based around the world, and we are seeing increased interest in UK startups from investors based in MENA.

We’re excited to focus on this as our theme for our Reverese Pitch Event (Virtual), with investors based in Africa and the GCC States presenting and pitching to founders, highlighting what they are seeking in investment opportunities.

Our regional expert partners Hanim Dogan-Jain (Africa) and Caroline Liddon (GCC States) will also feature on a panel discussion about funding and expansion internationally.

Reverse Pitch Event (Virtual)

Investors Pitching To Founders: Middle East & Africa Focus

Thursday 23rd May 2024, 2pm-3pm (GMT)

Click here to register to attend.

Opportunities To Expand Internationally

Spotlight On Franchising – Is It Right For Your Business?

By PACP Consumer & GCC States Partner, Caroline Liddon

Franchising is an excellent way to increase your company’s topline and, if done correctly, can vastly improve net margins. A business with a fast growth strategy, which is accelerated by international expansion, has much to  consider; and if Franchising is the way forward founders should not walk into it with their eyes closed.

The path can also be riddled with complications: choosing the wrong franchise partner; failing to understand and address potential impact on your own internal structure; and not adopting a ‘local’ mindset approach can create challenges.

However, if done right, it can have significant benefits, including:

• Increased turnover with reduced risk
• Expansion with no contingent liability
• Improved company valuation driven by faster growth and an established scaleable model
• Increased brand awareness and speed to market

There are key considerations that are crucial to a successful franchising strategy, and top of the list is choosing the right Franchise Partner.

Other considerations include:

• Initial investment to cover upfront costs
• Engaging with an experienced franchise lawyer
• Establishing payment terms, completing registration and compliance
• Selecting the relevant regions and countries for trading internationally

The full Benefits and Considerations checklist can be seen in Caroline’s full article – click here to view.

At PACP, we have a team of experienced professionals with extensive tenure in Franchise Management that are available to help and guide you through to success.

If the benefits of operating a franchise model is something that you feel is right for your company and would like to find out more, please contact caroline@pa-capitalpartners.com

PACP Client Successes Achieving International Growth

RE:NOURISH is a category defining soup brand – the world’s first fresh soup in a microwaveable (IP protected), fully recyclable bottle.

Healthy and clean ingredients, combined with great taste and grab and go convenience are disrupting an $18bn global market to such an extent that Re:Nourish was 2023’s fastest growing soup brand (Nelson Q3 Facts).

Ir’s recently established its first international market in the UAE with Spinneys and Choithrams and is set to exceed £4.7m sales this year, with plans to launch into the US market in early 2025.

For more information and to request an investor deck please contact greg@pa-capitalpartners.com

CROSSIP is an award-winning non-alcoholic spirit brand that is breaking through the high end hospitality market, globally.

Its USP is a focus on flavour and mouth feel and has achieved over £1m revenues to date. They already have a presence in 5 countries in the Middle East, with 2 more to follow later this year, in over 300 bars, restaurants and hotels.

On the back of their YoY performance in the GCC, +132% vs LY, but are looking for further expansion and an additional US$1m funding.

For more information and to request an investor deck please contact caroline@pa-capitalpartners.com