Posted on 28 May, 2020
Utkal Tubers is a vegetable seeds company focused on
development of high-yielding disease resistant varieties of seed potatoes. The
company has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of industry
veteran, Vinod Bhat as Chief Executive Officer.
Click here to read the full article on ‘Economic Times’
Below are excerpts from the post that first appeared on Economic
Times on 28 May 2020:
Zephyr Peacock backed potato seeds company, Utkal Tubers,
has announced the appointment of Vinod Bhat, an industry veteran as Chief
Executive Officer (CEO).
With this appointment, the lab-to-land innovation company
engaged in potato research, cultivation and marketing, is moving a step closer
to its vision of improving India’s agricultural yield. Utkal Tubers is
committed to innovate and promote sustainable agriculture and improve farmer
income.
“Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is the largest source
of livelihood in India. A majority of the country’s rural households depend on
agriculture to earn a living, but the yield is one of the lowest in the world.
The sector needs a tech makeover to improve productivity. Utkal has worked with
stakeholders including the farmers, researchers and leading agencies across the
world to enhance efficiencies in potato production. I am excited to join this
team and look forward to helping them deliver their full potential. I believe
Utkal can revolutionize potato farming in India,” said Vinod Bhat, CEO, Utkal
Tubers.
Zephyr Management is a global emerging markets investment manager, specializing in the creation and management of highly focused private equity funds
Since its inception in 1994, Zephyr has sponsored and/or managed 26 investment funds in both public and private securities markets representing approximately $1.2 billion in combined commitments and assets under management
Emerging Markets Focus
The firm has initiated several private equity funds investing in several African countries, South Korea, Mexico, India, and Sri Lanka since its founding. Zephyr's funds serve medium size enterprises that are often ignored by larger private equity players. Zephyr funds provide growth capital to established companies with proven business models and sustainable competitive advantages.
Investment activities are currently focused on India, Sri Lanka and Africa.
Zephyr Peacock India
Zephyr Peacock India provides equity financing for fast growing, small to medium sized companies led by strong entrepreneurs and management teams.
Read MoreEmerald Sri Lanka Fund
Emerald Fund provides equity financing for fast growing, small to medium sized (SME) Sri Lankan companies led by strong entrepreneurs & management teams.
Read MoreZephyr Acorn provides equity
Zephyr Acorn provides equity financing and business support to innovative early-stage companies in East Africa.
Read MoreActive Portfolio Support
The firm's special expertise lies in bringing global best practices to medium-sized growing companies by assisting them in conceptualizing sustainable business strategy, management development, compensation, ESG, expansion outside of their home country, capital structure and positioning for stock exchange listing or trade sale.