Etlin Elected Chairman of LAVCA

Patrice Etlin, a managing partner of Advent International has been elected chairman of the Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association(LAVCA). Etlin succeeds Eduardo Elejalde, founding partner of Latin America Enterprise Fund Managers (LAEFM), who served as chairman from 2006.

PRESS RELEASE

Patrice Etlin, a Managing Partner of Advent International, was elected Chairman of the Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LAVCA)* and will take up this role in January.
“LAVCA’s membership and influence have grown dramatically, and I am honored to be a part of the leadership team at such an important time in the development of the industry. While LAVCA has made great strides in advocating for and supporting the development of private equity and venture capital throughout Latin America, our work today is more critical than ever. Private equity and venture capital are enabling local companies to become competitive, not just locally, but regionally and globally,” said Etlin.
Mr. Etlin succeeds Eduardo Elejalde, Founding Partner of Latin America Enterprise Fund Managers, L.L.C. (LAEFM), who served as Chairman from 2006. Mr. Elejalde led the organization during a time of great transformation of the region’s significance as a private equity and venture capital market.
“Eduardo’s commitment to LAVCA has been unparalleled. We will miss his leadership, but look forward to his continued participation in the Association,” noted Cate Ambrose, President and Executive Director of LAVCA. “We are excited to welcome Patrice as LAVCA begins a new chapter in its growth. Under his leadership, LAVCA will continue to generate proprietary data and independent research for the region’s private equity and venture capital practitioners. In addition, we will be focusing on the launch of new products in response to investor demand, and expanding initiatives to support the region’s entrepreneurs and early-stage ecosystem.”
Founded in 2002, LAVCA currently represents over 120 member firms, from leading global investment firms active in the region to local fund managers from Mexico to Argentina, producing programs of research, public policy and education.
Mr. Elejalde will remain on LAVCA’s Board of Directors, which also includes: Erik Peterson of Aureos Capital, (Treasurer), Cate Ambrose of LAVCA, (President), Enrique Bascur of CVCI, Susan García-Robles of the Multilateral Investment Fund, Álvaro Gonçalves of Stratus Group, Marcus Regueira of FIR Capital, Arturo Saval of Nexxus Capital, Susan Segal of The Council of the Americas, and J. Scott Swensen of Conduit Capital.
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About Patrice Etlin
Patrice Etlin joined Advent International, a global private equity firm with operations across Latin America, in 1997 and started the firm’s investment activities in Brazil. As one of Advent’s 14 global Managing Partners, he helps oversee the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities, with a particular focus on Latin America. Patrice has 18 years of private equity experience and has led, co-led or participated in 13 Advent investments. These include Terminal de Contêineres de Paranaguá, the third-largest container terminal in Brazil; Kroton Educacional (BM&FBOVESPA: KROT11), one of Brazil’s largest private education companies; International Meal Company (BM&FBOVESPA: IMCH3), the leading quick-casual restaurant chain in Latin America; Microsiga, Brazil’s largest ERP software provider (now part of TOTVS, BM&FBOVESPA: TOTS3); and CSU CardSystem (BM&FBOVESPA: CARD3), the largest independent credit-card administrator in Brazil.
From 1994 to 1997, Patrice was a partner at International Venture Partners in São Paulo, where he was responsible for the overall operation of a media and communications fund focused on Brazil. Previously, he spent five years with Matra Marconi Space, initially as a systems engineer on a project to develop a European military observation satellite. In 1990, he was promoted to general representative for Brazil, in charge of setting up a private telecommunications satellite system providing services to Mercosul countries. Patrice is also a board member of ABVCAP, the Brazilian private equity association, and a member of the Listing Committee of Bovespa Mais. He received an undergraduate degree in electronic engineering from the University of São Paulo, a master’s in industrial engineering from École Centrale de Paris and an MBA from INSEAD.
About the Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association*
The Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LAVCA) is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the growth of the private equity and venture capital industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. LAVCA’s membership is comprised of over 120 firms, from leading global investment firms active in the region to local fund managers from Mexico to Argentina. Member firms control assets in excess of $50 billion, directed at capitalizing and growing Latin American businesses. In addition to the support of its member firms, LAVCA research and programs are made possible thanks to an ongoing core commitment from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF/FOMIN) and the Andean Development Bank (CAF).
*Please note: LAVCA has formally changed its name from the Latin American Venture Capital Association to the Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association to better reflect its areas of expertise and represent all of its members. The Association will continue to use the acronym LAVCA.
Contact:
Maria Bustamante, LAVCA
Director, Marketing & Communications