Singapore-based growth equity firm Venturi Partners recently announced investing $25 million into DALI, a leading hard discount grocery chain in the Philippines. The investment comes out of Venturi Partners’ $180 million maiden fund, representing its second investment in the Philippines overall (the firm previously invested in PICKUP COFFEE last year).
Other companies in Venturi Partners’ portfolio include several consumer-facing brands such as direct-to-consumer furniture company Koala, halal-certified beauty brand Believe, interior design and renovation services provider Livspace, and fresh milk and pantry essentials brand Country Delight.
With Venturi Partners having built a portfolio focusing on consumer investments across India and Southeast Asia, its latest investment is anticipated to boost DALI’s ambitious expansion efforts, advancing its mission to provide high-quality, affordable groceries for everyday needs at the lowest possible prices in its local neighborhood stores.
Founded in 2020, DALI offers a range of 400 consumer goods encompassing both food and non-food. The company is known to keep costs low by carrying proprietary brands, employing a lean staff, and refraining from advertising. The chain currently operates over 250 branches throughout the Philippines.
DALI’s recent growth coincides with growing concerns over inflation. In a recent survey conducted by OCTA Research, managing the rise in prices of essential goods and services emerged as the primary national concern for the majority of adult Filipinos in the fourth quarter of 2023, with 73% of respondents prioritizing this issue.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with DALI, a company that is democratizing access to high-quality groceries in the Philippines,” said Nicholas Cator, Founding Partner at Venturi. “DALI’s commitment to maximizing value for its customers aligns seamlessly with our consumer-first investment philosophy, and we see tremendous potential for the company to expand its reach and improve the lives of even more households across the Philippines.
“Venturi Partners’ latest investment sees it joining a number of other investors at DALI’s cap table. Previously, DALI had raised funds from firms such as Navegar, Creador, the Asian Development Bank, and other institutional investors and family offices.
How many branches do they have now?
Nice!