New York real assets investor Vision Ridge Partners opened its first non-U.S. office in London’s St. James’s district with an eye on sustainable businesses across Europe and the U.K.
The firm announced that it seeks to build its deep industry relationships and “long-standing boots on the ground presence” in the region. The newly expanded team will increase visibility into investment opportunities and partnerships, and expanded resources for new and existing portfolio companies globally, officials said in a press release.
“Expanding Vision Ridge’s presence in London is a marker of the progress we believe we have made in identifying, developing, and transforming complex assets across energy, transportation and agriculture. We look forward to cultivating new and existing strategic relationships globally as we seek to continue executing our investment strategy for our clients,” added George Polk, a London-based partner of Vision Ridge.
Polk is currently supported by a team of investment and administrative professionals, but Vision Ridge is expected to seek opportunistically to grow its team on the ground in London with top talent as the firm continues to scale its platform, according to industry sources.
The focus is to add investments that Vision Ridge believes have the potential to achieve strong financial returns as well as positive climate mitigation and/or adaptation outcomes. The investments the team considers are in support of the transition to a lower-carbon economy, but also the office will deepen Vision Ridge’s institutional relationships in the region, according to Reuben Munger, managing partner and chief investment officer of Vision Ridge.
Vision Ridge’s existing investments in the region include Fjord1, Norway’s largest owner and operator of ferries, and Loch Duart, a company with salmon farming assets in Scotland. Under Vision Ridge’s ownership, the proportion of vessels in operation at Fjord1 that are electric has increased by over 50%, while Loch Duart has increased its production footprint of premium-branded salmon farmed in lower densities and with a focus on animal welfare, the firm said.
“Vision Ridge has a demonstrated history of sourcing and executing investments across Europe, and we believe now is the right time in our Firm’s evolution to cement our position in London,” Munger added.
Vision Ridge’s U.S. offices span Colorado, New York, and California, where it has invested in and helped to scale sustainable real assets, including battery storage provider, Key Capture Energy, renewable natural gas developer, Vanguard Renewables, and public vehicle charging network, EVgo.
The London office opening follows several other initiatives Vision Ridge has executed this year in support of its continued growth, including the hirings of Jamie Pannese as principal of People and Chris Tehranian as head of investor relations.
