Cambodia's Amara Capital backs local hospitality operator

Thalias was founded with the establishment of Topaz Restaurant in 1997 by CEO Arnaud Darc, who is currently president of the Cambodia Restaurant Association. It is best know for high-end restaurants, deli-shops, and bakeries under brands such as Malis, Khema, Go and Siena. There is also a catering and events business.

Amara is active across growth private equity and debt, including microfinance for small to medium-sized enterprises businesses and real estate projects, exclusively in Cambodia. It describes itself as a fund manager serving regional investors, as well as a platform for local entrepreneurs.

The team is led by Taihei Yamada, previously an investor in the private equity unit at Norinchukin Bank, and Monivann Hun, an executive with several Cambodian companies and formerly of EY Cambodia. Socheat Lim, formerly of Cambodia's Leopard Capital, is the managing partner.

“We have a high conviction on the growth in the demand for high-end cuisine in Cambodia along with the economic growth of the nation and post-COVID tourism recovery,” Yamada said in a statement.

“Thalias has been and will be the choice for the growing high-end segment. We are committed to bringing value to Thalias through the development of governance as well as business and finance strategy.”

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• Topics
• Southeast Asia
• Consumer
• Expansion
• Cambodia
• Growth capital