La historia de Havanna: De la Quiebra al Exito Mundial | Damián Pozzoli

Damián Pozzoli, founding partner of Inverlat and owner of Havanna, built a $1.5 billion investment fund in Argentina. In this episode, he recounts how he acquired Havanna for $17 million, his private equity thesis, and how to invest in the real economy in volatile markets. 👉 If you want to make the switch to the digital world: https://tinyurl.com/EpifaniaxGhostWri... How do you build a $1.5 billion investment fund in a market as volatile as Argentina's? In this episode, Damián Pozzoli, founding partner of Inverlat and owner of Havanna, reveals his roadmap: from his beginnings as a bank analyst to becoming a leading figure in private equity and the real economy. Damián tells us the "behind the scenes" of one of the region's most iconic M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) deals: the purchase and transformation of Havanna. Discover how to identify opportunities where others see crises, the importance of strategic management, and why human capital is the most valuable asset when scaling a company. Throughout the talk, we analyze the mindset needed to invest for the long term, navigate complex economic cycles, and lead with values ​​in the competitive world of finance and business. ✅ From Analyst to Investor: The professional path to leading an investment fund. ✅ The Havanna Case: Acquisition strategy during a crisis and international brand expansion. ✅ Investment Thesis at Inverlat: What requirements must a company meet to be attractive? ✅ Crisis Management: Lessons learned from over 20 years of investing in emerging markets. ✅ Leadership and Human Capital: The critical role of management in corporate growth. ✅ Legacy and Values: Family influence and building a business purpose. An essential interview for entrepreneurs, investors, and finance professionals seeking to understand how high-impact decisions are made in uncertain contexts. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:01:18 – Havanna Case: From the USD 17M Purchase to Financial Success 00:02:04 – Economic Context: The Impact of the Post-Convertibility “Mantle of Realism” 00:05:36 – Investment Thesis: Seasonality or Intrinsic Product Value? 00:08:25 – Scalability in Argentina: How to Grow with a Traditional Company 00:09:34 – Strategic Rebranding: The Process of Rejuvenating an Iconic Brand 00:10:43 – Profitability vs. Volume: Successful Products That Don't Generate Margin 00:11:53 – Customer Loyalty: The Emotional Bond with the Argentine Consumer 00:12:59 – Market Analysis: Alfajor Consumption Statistics in the Country 00:13:43 – Brand Storytelling: The Historical Connection with Mar del Plata 00:27:01 – Professional Milestones: Damián Pozzoli's Greatest Achievement 00:28:00 – Internationalization: Adapting Products for the Brazilian Market 00:28:36 – Crisis Management: Key Lessons from the Pandemic and Volatility 00:29:40 – Franchise Model: Operational Resilience During Closures 00:31:36 – Acquisition Criteria: What a Fund Looks for in a Target Company 00:33:47 – Opportunity Cost: Missed Investments and Companies 00:49:38 – Investment In Real Assets: Advantages of the real economy over the liquid one 00:55:39 – Networking and Mentors: The importance of the circle of trust in business 01:03:51 – Success Mindset: The moment of personal and professional fulfillment