Copec WIND Ventures

Copec WIND Ventures is the strategic corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Copec, a leading energy and retail corporation with a significant presence across Latin America and the United States. Based in San Francisco, the firm identifies, incubates, and scales innovative ideas to address the evolving needs of a new era. Its primary focus areas include new mobility, new energies, and new convenience, aiming to drive decarbonization, foster sustainable mobility solutions, and create exceptional consumer experiences. The firm leverages Copec's extensive resources and market reach to provide global startups with what it terms 'unfair access' to the rapidly growing Latin American markets.

WIND Ventures was founded in 2019, with active investing commencing in 2020. The establishment of the venture arm was a strategic move by Copec to bridge global innovation with local market opportunities, facilitating the company's transformation and contributing to sustainable development in the region. Brian Walsh leads WIND Ventures, bringing extensive venture capital experience to the firm. The team is dedicated to supporting startups and scale-ups that align with Copec's core businesses and strategic vision.

The firm has made over 25 investments, deploying more than $160 million in capital. Notable portfolio companies include Moment Energy, which focuses on repurposing EV batteries for energy storage; INERATEC, a developer of modular technology for synthetic fuels; and Wallbox, an electric vehicle charging management platform. Other investments span areas such as business productivity software (Artemis), water-sourcing (Source Global), and financial services (Remitee). WIND Ventures typically invests in Series A, B, and C+ stage companies, offering not just capital but also strategic partnerships and market expansion support.

The team at WIND Ventures comprises experienced venture professionals with backgrounds in corporate development, investment management, and strategic innovation. Key team members include Brian Walsh, Head of WIND Ventures; Bob Ma, Principal; Francisco Larrondo, Strategic Development Manager; Mark Dryden, Investor; and Gracia Lagos, Investment Analyst. Their collective expertise enables the firm to identify promising startups, provide valuable guidance, and facilitate their growth within the Latin American and global markets, reinforcing Copec's commitment to innovation and sustainability.