Our Story

Our visionary leaders, Maria Alvarez, Alex Ohnona, and Franco Capurro, embody a distinctive fusion of unparalleled industry expertise and visionary insight.

Their collective leadership propels our fund into the forefront of innovation, steering us towards ventures that not only redefine industry standards but also yield remarkable profitability.

Our mission

At Vida Capital, we’re dedicated to more than just financial gains; we’re in the business of enriching lives. Our mission is to open doors to new opportunities, offering our investors not only a stake in Portugal’s thriving hospitality industry but also a pathway to an enriched life in Europe.

Through the Golden Visa program, we facilitate the dream of European residency, bringing with it the promise of freedom, security, and a world of possibilities for you and your loved ones.

It’s not just about investment returns; it’s about crafting a legacy, connecting cultures, and creating a future where you and your family can thrive in the rich tapestry of European life.

Golden Visa | Vida Cap
Golden Visa | Vida Cap

What Sets Us Apart

Focused Expertise

Specializing exclusively in Portugal’s hospitality sector, we leverage our deep market knowledge to identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities.

Regulatory Compliance

We prioritize integrity and transparency in all our dealings, adhering to the strictest regulatory standards set by [Regulatory Body].

Investor-Centric Approach

Our investors are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining clear communication, transparency, and high standards of customer service. We go beyond the conventional investment model. Our focus is on enabling our investors to unlock the potential of an EU passport, offering a gateway to a world of opportunities, security, and a rich cultural tapestry.

Exceptional Team at the Helm

The cornerstone of our success is our team, a blend of seasoned professionals and innovative thinkers. Each member brings a wealth of experience, a track record of success, and a passion for excellence. From astute investment strategists to hospitality specialists, our team’s synergy and expertise are unparalleled in the industry.

Sustainability at Our Core

We are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Our projects are guided by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles, ensuring that our investments not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

€100M

Target Fund Size

7 years

Fund Lifecycle

10% IRR

Total Target Return

2x

Money Multiple

€500,000

Minimum GV Eligible

Golden Visa

Eligible

Triple Check System

Vida is highly regulated to ensure each investment goes through a triple check system via the Vida Advisors, Fund Manager, and Custodian Bank. The Fund is subject to a strict and thorough auditing process that complies with the Portuguese Regulator and assures sound management of the Fund.

1

Fund advisor

The executive team of Vida will source and review potential investments and submit nonbinding recommended opportunities that meet the defined objectives and strict criteria for approval by the Investment Committee.

2

Fund manager

Upon recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Fund Manager will be responsible for analyzing and deciding on each investment proposal and dictating the final sign-off on each investment.

3

Custodian bank - Validates (Regulated)

The Custodian Bank is the final control in
relation to the investors’ investment, in addition
to the required approval and ongoing regulatory
supervision by CMVM (Portuguese Regulator).

VidaCap

Meet the team

Alex Ohnona

Partner

Alex Ohnona is a Partner at Vida Advisors, responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives related to asset selection, concept development, design, and hospitality. He previously served as Managing Partner at Solis Capital, aiding real estate operators with expansion plans and capital raising.

Alex was the VP at Selina, the fastest international hospitality expansion to date, where he spearheaded product development, managed global partnerships, and contributed to significant portfolio expansion. Alex played a pivotal role within the Chairman of Strategy Office at HCL He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Babson College.

Maria Alvarez Garcia

Partner

Maria Alvarez Garcia is a Partner at Vida Advisors, overseeing tax, legal, structuring, and fundraising matters. She also specializes in proprietary delta one trading on listed securities in EU markets.

Before Vida, Maria co-founded a multiplatform with €250M financing and worked at Macquarie Bank and Barclays Capital in London.

She began her career as a corporate M&A and Tax Lawyer at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Madrid. Maria holds degrees in Economics & Finance and Law from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain.

José Covas

Chief Investment Officer

José is the CIO at Vida Advisors and oversees sourcing, investment, and divestments.José Covas is the founder and CEO of Iniciativability, a Portuguese Family Office and Advisory Firm. With almost three decades of experience in the real estate industry, Mr. Covas has become a leading figure in the field of investment advisory, renowned for his expertise in valuation, strategic planning, risk management, and business development.He managed the advisory and valuation departments in Iberia of International companies like Colliers, Cushman & Wakefield or Knight Frank. As a Founder and Partner at Aura REE, he advised on Southern European real estate investments. José also teaches Real Estate Valuation and Ethics in top Portuguese MBA programs and holds significant roles as President of RICS Portugal and Member of the IVSC Standards Review Board.

Franco Capurro

Partner

Franco is a Partner at Vida Advisors, overseeing sustainability strategy. He is also the Chairman at Regenera and the Co-founder and President of Banverde, Mexico’s first rooftop solar investment fund with a substantial USD $76M financing facility. Previously, he served as CEO at OneKey Ventures, handling M&A and project finance for Larrain Vial’s $4.2B mining and energy asset portfolio in China.

Franco has received recognition, including being listed in “40 under 40” by Renewable Energy World and featured in publications like Financial Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, and CNN. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Babson College and a Bachelor’s in Business and Economics from Universidad de Chile.

Strategic partners

Francisco Nogueira De Sousa

Francisco Nogueira de Sousa is a seasoned leader with a career spanning over 15 years in the hospitality industry. His journey includes fast-tracking through various operations and commercial assignments in Portugal and Europe at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Notably, as the Managing Director of Hotéis Real, Francisco orchestrated a deep turnaround and successfully led the management of the prestigious Martinhal resort.

Certified in Blue Ocean Strategy by INSEAD, Francisco founded BlueShift in 2012, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. His strategic vision and operational acumen have positioned BlueShift as a key player in the industry. Francisco’s commitment to scouting opportunities and driving value creation is evident in the company’s considerable project pipeline.

His recognition as ‘General Manager of the Year’ at the Marriott Excellence Awards for Europe in 2016 attests to his exceptional leadership in managing franchised properties.

Filipe Santiago

Filipe Santiago, an economist with an MBA from INSEAD, brings a wealth of strategic insight to the table. His consulting background at Roland Berger and BCG laid the foundation for a stellar career marked by impactful roles in banking. Since 2007, Filipe has held top management positions within the hospitality sector, showcasing versatility as Business Development Director, CS&MO, and COO.
Joining BlueShift in 2016, Filipe played a pivotal role in creating the consulting division. His strategic foresight and commitment to performance enhancement projects have contributed significantly to BlueShift’s success. Filipe’s dedication to knowledge transfer is evident in his role as the co-creator of the first post-graduation program for top management executives in hospitality at INDEG-ISCTE. As an advisor to Nova SBE for management applied to hospitality, Filipe continues to shape the industry’s future, emphasizing BlueShift’s commitment to industry innovation and talent development.

BlueShift

BlueShift, under the visionary leadership of Francisco Nogueira de Sousa and Filipe Santiago, stands as a formidable force in the hospitality industry. The company was founded in 2012 and has since become a beacon of excellence, specializing in deep turnaround and performance enhancement projects. With an impressive track record in top management positions and a keen ability to scout opportunities, BlueShift has established itself as a one-stop-shop for the end-to-end development of hospitality ventures. From lead generation to product strategy, setup, and operation, BlueShift exemplifies an entrepreneurial attitude, driven by a commitment to portfolio growth and value creation.

Gisela Martins

Gisela has 20 years of experience as a qualified lawyer specializing in corporate and tax law, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial contracts.
In addition, she has extensive experience in providing advice and counseling on the taxation of high-net-worth individuals.
Her experience spans AML & KYC procedures, due diligence, and risk assessment knowledge gained working at a private wealth management company.

Diogo Saraiva Ponte

Established and managed two Asset Management Licenses (Luxembourg and abroad). Managed more than €2B of assets in Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, and Angola. Diogo has experience at a major Private Equity institution in Portugal and is a former senior manager at Millennium Investment Bank. In addition, he is a guest speaker at conferences in Luxembourg, Belgium, Angola, and Portugal.

António Pereira

A qualified lawyer at Dixcart Portugal specializing in private wealth management and venture capital funds.
António has in-depth knowledge of due diligence and risk assessment relating to investments and is experienced working with the Portuguese Stock Market’s regulating agency.

Team has extensive expertise & track record

Operating assets

Developed, promoted, and/or managed over €900M+ worth of assets in Lisbon, Porto and Algarve. Including iconic projects such as Nomad Bay Algarve, Porto’s Palácio de Comércio, and the Six Senses Douro Valley.

Fund management

Raised and/or managed funds over €2B across Europe, USA, Latin America, and Africa Trusted by LPs such as CIFI (Corporacion Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura), WRB Enterprises, IFC, EdRE (Rothschild), and sovereign funds.

Hospitality & sustainability

Scaled an international hotel group from 2 properties to over 150+ hotels in 20+ countries. Built, financed, and operated 40+ sustainability projects along with partners who served clients such as Marriot, JLL, Wallmart.

Our Impact

Beyond generating returns, we are passionate about contributing to Portugal’s economic growth and the enrichment of its tourism and hospitality sector. Our investments not only yield financial benefits but also promote sustainable practices and cultural enrichment.
Golden Visa | Vida Cap
Golden Visa | Vida Cap

Join Us

Join VIDA Capital and embark on a transformative journey towards a new European lifestyle. Our investment opportunities go beyond financial gains, offering a gateway to the Golden Visa program and the countless possibilities it brings.

Imagine a future where you and your family can enjoy the rich cultural tapestry and security of EU citizenship, all through an investment in Portugal’s vibrant hospitality sector.

We are here to guide you every step of the way, turning your aspirations into reality with integrity and expertise. Start your journey towards a legacy that transcends borders by contacting us today.

Want to find out more?

Golden Visa | Vida Cap

Contact us

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +351 91 436 81 16

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