The value of investing in a sustainable future

In Greek mythology, Gaia, was the divine personification of the Earth and the matriarch of all things in existence. The primordial – the first – mother or Earth goddess, and one of the deities that ruled over the universe before anything else existed.

“We are delighted to present you and your family with a unique sustainable route to invest in Permanent Residence and European Citizenship with a Golden Visa in Portugal.

The GAIA INVESTMENT FUND is a private equity fund that invests and deploys projects in vineyards and wine, as well as forestry, beginning with cork, under the ethos that green business is the key to driving the change we need to see in the world.

As an investor, your role in this urgent change-making is critical, defining both your family legacy through multi-generational European Citizenship, and your personal impact on the environment and social framework you leave for those generations.

This is all about our choices and being proud of them, assuring that we do well and good at the same time. Sustainability will be the driving force, because we believe it is the only way to make a better world, while reducing investment risk and guaranteeing robust returns.

This next-generation fund offers an opportunity with low-volatility, aiming for healthy financial returns in the framework of a much-needed green remodelling.

We have the right partners to navigate this path with you, in a secure framework managed by a team of experts with a proven track record, and under the regulation of CMVM, the Portuguese Stock Market Regulator.”

Artur Gama Chairman of Advisory Committee

Internal Organization
Business Principles

The fund is based on the long-term experience and analytic proficiency of the Fund Manager and of the Advisory Committee in these areas, aiming to maximize competitive advantages in the acquisition process, the upgrading of technology and marketing, and in extracting synergies from increased scale through additional acquisitions.

Excellence in Investing

Innovation

Transparency

Reputation

Profitability

Team

Insula Capital

Florence Ricou

Partner & Chair

Florence has strong expertise in the Portuguese market, built over 20 years of groundwork, particularly in the management of real estate investment funds and asset management. Prior to founding Insula Capital, Florence was Executive Board Member of a real estate investment fund management company with EUR 1 Billion under management. Prior to that, Florence managed a prime shopping centre portfolio for Multi Corporation in Portugal and in Paris (circa 500 retail units). She started her career at Fnac in Paris and was marketing manager for Fnac Portugal in Lisbon. She holds a degree in Management from HEC – Paris.

Insula Capital

Maria João Rodrigues

Executive Board Member – Legal

Maria João has 10 years of experience as head of lega companies, including as a participant in investment fu relevant experience working for a consulting firm spec management company for a risk capital fund. She hold from the Lisbon University and a postgraduate degree and Corporate Tax Law. She is concluding a master’s d Law at ISCTE – Lisbon.

Insula Capital

Rita Neves

Executive Board member – Venture Capital Fund

Rita has 20 years of experience in asset management, corporate finance and venture capital funds, having joined our team last June. Previously, she acted as Asset Manager at Lynx Asset Managers, after being at MNF Corporate and also Orey Financial, where she had the opportunity to act as asset manager for funds and private client portfolios and analyst for ventures capital investments. She started her career at NCO Dealer as a research analyst. She holds a degree in Management from ISCTE -Lisbon and a master’s in Financial Markets.

Advisory Committee

Artur Gama

Wine Production and Brand Development

Artur spent the last 15 years in the wine business, starting with senior commercial trading positions. His career has seen him operate across Europe, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, providing him with the network and expertise to develop his own wine trading business. In 2014, he established his own handcrafted winery and in just 5 years, the vineyard began to receive national and international recognition for producing elegant wines, that can be also found on the menus of leading restaurants across cities including London, Lisbon, New York, Tokyo, Moscow and São Paulo. His expertise of farmland, wine production and brand development are today widely recognized. He holds a degree in Political Science from ISMAG in Lisbon.

Advisory Committee

Tim Mclaughlin-Green

Wine Industry Expert

Tim has been dedicating his life to outstanding wine projects from the consumer perspective and product brand development. In 1988 Tim created Che Restaurant & Bar, after joining Alain Ducasse at Monte’s in London and previously Simon Hopkinson at Bibendum Restaurant, also in London in 1990. In 1999 he created Sommelier's Choice with the philosophy of 'handpicking' boutique wineries producing wines of excellent, consistent quality. Sommelier's Choice is a faith-based business and the owners support a number of children around the World through Compassion and Action Against Hunger.

Advisory Committee

Antonio Rovisco Pais

Farmland and Forestry Expert

Antonio has more than 30 years of experience in farmland and forest industries, where he has been acting as developer and consultant. He is member of the Board of the Forest Products Association in Evora, and also acted as Member of the Advisory Board of the Cork Industry and Mediterranean Forest. He also acted as veterinary assistant at the beginning of his career.

Partners

Our Vision

Our vision is of a planet in which human interests are pursued with a sustainable economic, environmental, social and cultural long-term approach. We believe that business must be a vehicle for change. We see ourselves as green entrepreneurs.

We present a portfolio of profitable low-risk sustainable investments in farmland in areas where Portugal has competitive advantages and an important growth potential - vineyards and forests.

Wine is a growing market, strongly trending with new consumers - new countries and millennials. For us a vineyard is about leaving the land in better shape for future generations, and we focus on projects that have brand awareness and a reputation for being sustainable, both socially and environmentally.

Today, Portugal is the 11th largest wine producer in the world, and its brands are ranking among the most internationally recognised.

We depend on forests for our survival. They create oxygen, reduce pollution and soil erosion, provide food security, represent watershed protection and contribute decisively towards the fight against climate change.
To begin, we will focus on cork as a unique sustainable product for different usages.

Forests represent around 5% of the Portuguese economy and Portugal is the #1 producer of cork in the world.

Through the Gaia Investment Fund, we share this vision and investment opportunities with those who also want to make this change happen, diversifying your financial portfolio and allowing you and your family to acquire European citizenship.

Why Portugal

Investing in European Citizenship is a unique investment in the future. Today, Portugal is the best gateway to Europe, offering an exceptionally pleasurable journey.

Starting with its welcoming and mostly English-speaking population, which makes the integration process a fantastic experience, the mild climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the great lifestyle with wonderful food and nature, the political and social stability and security, free high-quality healthcare and education, more than 830 km of amazing beaches to relax and surf, and all with the lowest cost of living in Western Europe.

# 3 Safest country in the world
IEP Global Peace Index
# 1 Golden Visa in the world
Best Citizenships
# 5 Best expat destination
CNBC
# 1 Best European country for expats
Inter Nations
# 3 Safest country in the world
IEP Global Peace Index
# 1 Golden Visa in the world
Best Citizenships
# 5 Best expat destination
CNBC
# 1 Best European country for expats
Inter Nations

The Portuguese Golden Visa

The Golden Visa (GV) allows you and your family to become European citizens through an investment. This is a status full of lifelong opportunities for you, your family and generations to come. Having permanent residency, and more than one citizenship if desired, offers freedom of mobility, choice and peace of mind to live your best and most advantageous life.
Portugal is one of the most competitive countries to obtain a GV in Europe and in the world, with a clear and advantageous programme. Since its launch in 2012, 10.000 investors and 17.000 family members have been granted a GV. Many more have ongoing GV processes and will soon benefit from all the associated benefits.

This visa gives you the freedom to live and work in Portugal, as well as to travel throughout the other 25 Schengen Area European countries, which have eliminated internal borders. Any Schengen passport provides equal rights and protections across the entire area, including rights to open businesses, own property, live, work, and access health and education systems.

Permanent residence after 5 years
Extended to family members
No visa required in 185 countries with citizenship
Enter and travel freely in europe
Passport after 5 years
Live/work/study with residency elsewhere
Low minimum stay p/year (total 35 days throughout first 5 years)
Tax benefits (nhr)

Tax Benefits in Portugal

0% Fund Profits

The private equity fund is fully exempt from Corporate or Capital Gains tax.

0% Investor Profits

Non-resident investors are fully exempt from tax.

0% Nhr

Tax residents in Portugal and tax-haven jurisdictions will be subject to a 10% tax.

10% Pension Tax

New residents can register for Non-Habitual Resident status, capping tax on income from overseas at 0% (for 10 years), depending on the source / typology of income and provided certain requirements are met.

0% Inheritance/Gift Tax

Pensions ported to Portugal can be drawn down with 10% income tax.

0% Wealth Tax

Spouses and children are exempt from inheritance and gift tax in Portugal.

Why invest in a Private Equity Fund

Investing in a private equity fund is the most efficient and affordable investment, being tax and fee efficient, comparing well to the alternatives, namely direct investment in real estate,which is the most common way to acquire permanent residence and portuguese citizenship.

Lower investment for a fund (€ 350K) than for a new property (€ 500K)
Fund process is easier than property purchase
Fund process is faster and cheaper
Fund investment is hassle-free, whereas property purchase will require property O&M
Fund process has lower taxation and legal fees
Fund typically has lower risk through diversification

Core Investment Strategy

The Gaia Investment Fund provides its investors with access to a diversified set of assets focused on two chosen areas – vineyards and forests – in order to reach the adequate balance between risk and returns.

We believe that investment in land and agricultural activities, coupled with production and bio improvement and branding innovation, presents a safe bet in a world where demand for these products is increasing.

The targets are identified based on their growth potential and competitive acquisition price.

Each investment was targeted, visited and hand picked by the General Partner – following very tight criteria
The fund focuses on steady, predictable and scalable growth with the main concern being the preservation of capital
Investing in farmland is investing in future generations

How We Invest in Wine

Strategy

Build up a multi-brand wine portfolio aligned with current industry trends
Focus on new wine regions with high growth potential
Focus on growing international market development
Investments protected by land value

How We Invest in Cork

Strategy

Provide a layer of even more stable and predictable cash flow
Improve a scarce commodity
Explore economies of scale with low maintenance and investment needs
Investments protected by land value

Why Invest in Wine in Portugal

“The wine country of 2021 will be... Portugal”
Bloomberg

There is a clear evolution occurring in the wine industry, and Portugal is taking on a leading role. We are seeing new taste trends, a search for lower alcohol content, more technology in the vineyard, increased efficiency and a higher demand for eco-friendly wines. Millennials are shifting the entire industry, looking for authenticity, new wines and new experiences. Portugal, where most grape varieties are native, with some still unknown to the world, has been strongly benefiting from these trends.

The Portuguese wine industry has unique terroir and climate conditions. It is believed that vineyards were first cultivated on lands currently within Portuguese territory in about 2000 BC, by the Tartessos, along the Tagus river and Sado valley. These native grapes have endured thousands of years of human occupation and climate changes.

# 8 in the world in terms of vineyard areas.
# 9 largest exporter, reaching new records year after
# 1 per capita wine consumer in the
# 4 in unitary export value, following France, Italy and the US
20% + increase in export unitary value over the last
# 8 in the world in terms of vineyard areas.
# 9 largest exporter, reaching new records year after
# 1 per capita wine consumer in the
# 4 in unitary export value, following France, Italy and the US
20% + increase in export unitary value over the last

The quality of Portuguese wine has been recognized with numerous awards around the world. Notable examples include the recent 492 medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the 643 medals won at the last Wine Challenge Edition, having 3 wines in the Robert Palmer Top 100 Wine Discoveries, 6 in the Top 100 Best Buys by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, or the 78 prizes at the Sakura Women's Wine Awards, with a jury exclusively comprised by women chefs, sommeliers and journalists. All of these outstanding recognitions have contributed to a significant increase in the prices of Portuguese wines

Furthermore, these developments have been achieved with a vineyard acquisition cost by hectare that is significantly lower than in other key markets, including Spain, Italy and France.
Our targets present the potential to respond to the above-mentioned market trends, namely optimum organic and environmental characteristics, and resilience in the context of climate change.

Why Invest in Cork

Cork forests are biodiversity hotspots, harbouring an essential reservoir of animal and plant species and helping to reduce human desertification of rural areas. They also are an example of how to use natural materials for multiple purposes in the context of a much-needed circular economy, contributing to the fight against climate change. In Portugal alone, cork-oak forests are estimated to retain 14 million tons of CO2 every year.

Cork and wine are two natural products that represent perfect allies, not only because of the superior performance offered by cork in ageing wine, but also in terms of environmental performance. This symbiotic relationship is an increasingly important factor in consumer choices and a growing number of wineries are providing carbon data to their consumers. Whereas cork stoppers have a markedly negative carbon footprint, the opposite is true for aluminium screw caps and plastic stoppers.

Globally, today more than 70% of all wines are sealed with cork stoppers, a clear upswing driven by sustainability factors, industry innovation and premiumisation. As an example, over the last decade the US market registered a rise from 47% to 67% in corked-sealed premium wines, with more than 90% of wines priced above $20 being sealed with cork.

Cork-oak forests are areas that can have significant visibility in cash flow, representing a stabilizer for the fund. The portfolio targeted is well spread across the cork-extraction cycle of 9/10 years, allowing to unroll income along this time-period and minimizing the effects of any price swing.

GAIA
INVESTMENT
FUND

Insula Capital

Florence Ricou

Partner & Chair

Insula Capital

Maria João Rodrigues

Executive Board Member – Legal

Insula Capital

Rita Neves

Executive Board member – Venture Capital Fund

Advisory Committee

Artur Gama

Wine Production and Brand Development

Advisory Committee

Tim Mclaughlin-Green

Wine Industry Expert

Advisory Committee

Antonio Rovisco Pais

Farmland and Forestry Expert

0% Fund Profits

0% Investor Profits

0% Nhr

10% Pension Tax

0% Inheritance/Gift Tax

0% Wealth Tax

Why invest in a Private Equity Fund

How We Invest in Wine

How We Invest in Cork

What is the Portuguese Golden Visa?

Can my family benefit from my Golden Visa?

Why investing in a Fund is the best way to secure a Golden Visa?

How is the fund managed and regulated?

Contacts

Insula Capital

Gaia Investment Fund

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