Latest news with #Patron
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why the next app for relationships won't look like a dating app, according to a VC
The era of dating apps as we know it could be squashed by artificial intelligence. Amber Atherton, a partner at VC firm Patron, thinks AI will transform relationship-building. She's on the hunt for what she thinks could be a multimillion-dollar business in consumer tech. The next generation of apps we use to find love may not look like the dating apps we're used to. Amber Atherton, a partner at consumer-focused venture capital firm Patron, thinks artificial intelligence will dramatically change how we meet people online. Instead of swiping through profiles or scrolling through a feed, platforms in the AI era will use what they know about you to find new connections. Startups are building what Atherton dubs "relationship OS" platforms. They're using agentic AI (such as autonomous assistants) to "make more relevant connections" and "mine your network," Atherton told Business Insider. "There's an agentic social network basically that I think is going to emerge that is not packaged as a dating app," Atherton said. "It's packaged more as this operating system for relationships." They're not just for love. "The idea being that it's always on, evergreen AI-assisted network that can surface connections that are relevant for friendship, romance, professional life," Atherton said. Two startups that Atherton mentioned as examples include: Boardy, which hails itself as an "AI super connector" for professionals. Gigi, which recently rebranded from an AI-powered dating app to an "AI social connector" for everything from friendship to partnership to projects, per its Apple App Store listing. (Patron is not an investor in either of these.) "I think we're going to see more of those emerge," Atherton said. "Maybe the wedge they start with is professional, but then they build your trust, and they start branching out more into friendship, hobbies, dating." Atherton said the space is "nascent." Still, Patron is actively investing in its relationship tech thesis, Atherton said. It's not alone in watching startups in this space. Other consumer-focused VCs have also expressed interest in backing startups that address loneliness, especially those that use AI to do so. While some VC firms have soured on consumer investments, Patron is hyper-focused on the space. In 2024, Patron closed a $100 million fund and is investing in seed-stage consumer startups with $2 million to $5 million checks. "We kind of look at this landscape of new consumer startups through the lens of gaming," Atherton said. Its cofounders, Brian Cho and Jason Yeh, were former executives at Riot Games, and Atherton worked at Discord after the company acquired her community software startup Zyper. "How do you build a consumer product that people want to spend hundreds of thousands of hours in?" Atherton said. "Your identity is tied to it, you have fun there, and it's a place to hang out." In May, Atherton published a blog post that detailed four categories (including her "relationship OS" thesis) where she sees "breakout consumer businesses being built" — and where she believes a multibillion-dollar company could surface. Here are three other themes she's eyeing in consumer relationship tech: Community platforms that drive in-real-life (IRL) connection. "Platforms that leverage AI or augment human hosts to facilitate real-world connections around shared interests, events, or communities can counteract dating fatigue," Atherton wrote in her blog. She told BI that 222, an app that coordinates IRL activities with strangers, falls into this category, as well as Real Roots, an IRL app for women looking to make friends in their city. Consumer products for maintaining relationships. And that includes our relationships with ourselves, Atherton said. "A new class of apps will emerge that map and enrich our close ties," she wrote in the blog post, such as tools that help couples journal or long-distance friends keep in touch. Atherton cited Autograph, an AI-powered oral history platform for families, as an example. Shared experiences in the form of virtual rituals. "The next breakout platforms will make shared experiences feel tangible again," Atherton wrote. Patron invested in Arya, an AI-powered intimacy coach for couples, which Atherton said falls into this bucket. She also told BI that apps like Moonlight, a Tarot card app, are creating ritual and connection. Read the original article on Business Insider
India Today
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Spirits: The Patrón saint of indulgence
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Spice issue dated June 2025)At the heart of the celebration were two icons—Patron and Karan Aujla—coming together to launch Patron El Alto, a super-premium tequila crafted in Hacienda Patron which is is located in the municipality of Atotonilco el Alto in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary cool came alive at Bastian on Top, the swanky roof-top lounge that hosted this magnificent dapper in black, brought his magnetism and electric energy to the stage. His performance was a spectacle—Wavy, On Top 2, and the mega-hit Tauba Tauba had the crowd dancing nonstop. Sleek bars lined with Patron Silver, Reposado, and Anejo—its classic variants—set the tone, while silver-accented agave leaf installations evoked the brand's Mexican torchlights, and glowing wristbands fired up Aujla's pan-Indian and global fanbase red hot. Just six months after his last sold-out concert in the city, the Punjabi music icon had returned with an even bigger bang. The Patron El Alto, poured in teal coloured flutes advertisementAt 28, Aujla has achieved what few have—his music is rooted in raw emotion, his global footprint has seen more than 48 crore views for his song Tauba Tauba, a collaboration with Vicky Kaushal which went viral last year. His roster of upcoming concerts across seven countries reflects just how widely his music resonates with younger audiences. In fact, in May this year, his laidback hit hip-hop number Courtside debuted on Billboard Canadian Hot has painstakingly set his own rules. The songwriter- singer's appeal extends far beyond India with global audiences drawn to his voice, his style and his soulful words. Described by Jassie Gill, in an earlier interview, as a 'prolific writer', Aujla's poetry probably comes from pain; he lost his parents when he was a young boy, and turned to songwriting, eventually breaking out with a hit Range in 2014 alongside Gill. Aujla effortlessly blends Punjabi music with hip-hop and rap beats, creating a sound that is unique and appealing, which has propelled him to global acclaim. His sold-out concerts have surpassed ticket sales of big international acts. Artists performing to the foot-tapping music played by the DJ Patron cocktails poured over artisanal branded ice cube It's no surprise that the Punjabi-Canadian singer-musician was handpicked by Patron as its global ambassador. 'At Patron, we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence—crafting tequila with an uncompromising commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. Karan Aujla's journey—from breaking barriers in the music industry to becoming a global icon—embodies the same ambition and pioneering spirit that defines Patron El Alto. This collaboration is a celebration of those who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and continuously strive for greater heights,' says Roberto Ramirez-Laverde, Global Senior Vice President, Patron has long collaborated with musicians and creators whose work is path-breaking and aspirational. In the past, the brand has partnered with Grammy Award-winner Michelle Zauner, artist Jessie Reyez and supported the More Than Tequila Music Series. Aujla is the new popular musical name that promises to take the brand to new big-market audiences in India and the Asian, Middle East and African latest launch, the El Alto is a super-premium tequila crafted in the Mexican highlands of Jalisco and is a meticulous blend of Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo tequilas. It is distilled from hand-harvested 100 per cent Weber Blue agave grown in Jalisco and handmade in small batches using only three ingredients—agave, water, and yeast. Rich, smooth, and luxurious, it symbolises the soul of modern tequila global partnership with Aujla is emblematic of Patron's ethos—rooted in heritage but global in reach and innovation. The partnership between the two creative brands is a powerful statement. Both embody bold ambition, artistic precision with a global appeal that eschews boundaries. El Alto, crafted in the Mexican highlands and celebrated across the globe, redefines luxury tequila. Aujla, with his fusion of Punjabi rhythm and global sound, has transformed music for an entire generation, and is one of the most influential voices in the industry today. Together, they represent a collusion of craftsmanship, creativity, and charisma. Karan Aujla steps into the world of handcrafted luxury tequila at the Patron hacienda in Mexico The Patron El Alto launch in Mumbai was sheer spectacle as the El Alto bottle was unveiled and Aujla's high-energy chartbusters kept the spirits high and the room grooving to the beats of Fireball, Ishq, Magic In The Air and other dance tracks spun by a young DJ, until Aujla took to the stage. Amid a rousing welcome, the rapper-singer belted out chartbusters such as Wavy, On Top 2, and Tauba Tauba and his magnetic stage presence simply raised the bar. Every detail about the evening spoke of tasteful extravagance. The venue shimmered in a luxe palette of teal and silver, a visual nod to the distinctive El Alto the crowning glory was reserved for the evening's finale: the Patron El Alto, poured into elegant teal-hued flutes added a melodic rhythm to Aujla's pulsating music. The singer, whose creative journey recently took him into the heart of Jalisco's agave fields as Patron's global partner, mirrored the brand's sentiment. 'Success isn't instant; it's built over years of dedication, perseverance, and passion. That's why Patron speaks to me. It's about staying true to your craft as you play by your own rules. I'm proud to collaborate with a brand that embodies this pursuit of excellence and is part of truly unforgettable moments.'Once a party-ender gulped down with salt and a wedge of lemon, tequila is now the soul of an evening, inspiring innovative cocktails or sipped neat on artisanal ice. The charm of Patron El Alto lies in its exclusivity. The hand-harvested agave is distilled in traditional processes and each bottle is inspected and individually labelled and Alto's India launch at duty free stores in Mumbai and Delhi comes during the peak travel months of international travel. As the music finally winds down, the spirited evening prepares for another tequila to India Today Magazine- Ends
Web Release
13-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Patron Capital Secures Major Investment From Mitsubishi Estate to Accelerate European Growth and Expand Into New Subsectors
Patron Capital ('Patron'), the pan-European institutional investor focused on property-backed investments, has secured a major investment from Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. ('MEC'), through its Mitsubishi Estate Global Partners ('MEGP') investment management business. MEGP is purchasing a majority stake in Patron, as well as providing €600 million in the form of equity commitments to Patron's funds and financing for new subsector strategies including real estate credit. Approximately 11% of Patron's capital over the past 25 years has come from Middle Eastern investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory consents, is part of a long-term strategic growth plan for Patron, providing new institutional backing and positioning the business positively for sustainable growth well into the future. Keith Breslauer, Patron's founder and managing director, and the team of senior partners will continue to manage Patron's operations and lead the business for the long term, retaining a significant minority equity stake. As well as new capital for growth, MEC's investment will provide Patron with access to a broader pool of investors through MEGP and support the expansion of Patron's fund and product offerings while continuing to nurture its entrepreneurial culture. Patron is targeting strategic growth areas across private European real estate markets, including in the opportunistic investing space, where it has a 26-year track record, as well as across multiple new subsectors and asset classes where recent market adjustments and structural macroeconomic trends are presenting compelling new long-term risk-adjusted opportunities. Patron's experienced senior management team and operational expertise, combined with MEC's support, enable Patron to identify and deliver on these opportunities. For example, Patron recently announced the launch of its real estate credit business, as elevated interest rates and constrained traditional lenders have created a need for private lenders with real estate expertise to fill funding gaps facing borrowers. MEGP also sees attractive long-term investment opportunities across Europe's private real estate markets and has identified Patron as an ideal partner to offer investors access to these, recognising the longevity of Patron's senior team and its exceptional track record of consistently delivering top-quartile double-digit returns across its flagship Western European opportunistic strategy. Patron works with many of the world's leading pension funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. MEC is one of Japan's largest, listed real estate developers with a market capitalisation of $23.06 billion USD (€20.22 billion EUR) as of 06 June 2025. MEC is strategically growing its MEGP real estate investment management business globally, including through its subsidiary platforms in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia-Pacific. Both firms have an agile, entrepreneurial approach and aim to deliver social benefits alongside exceptional returns. Keith Breslauer, Managing Partner and Founder of Patron Capital, said: 'In the 25 years since Patron was founded, we have worked successfully through many cycles, building a high-calibre team across Europe and using our deep relationships and skillset to access opportunities and drive market-leading returns. This significant investment from MEC, particularly as a leading property investor and developer, is a strong endorsement of our success and is the next step in our predefined growth plan to take the business to the next level and position it for sustainable, long-term growth. 'MEC has an exceptional history spanning over 130 years as a real estate developer and investor with a long-term strategic vision, goals and objectives that are aligned with ours in every way. From a focus on social impact and serving communities, to supporting people to create an entrepreneurial culture, and responding quickly to changing investment contexts, these are two organisations with shared values and proven longevity that have been built on the same approach. We are excited to work with MEC following this investment that will accelerate our growth and deliver significant benefits to our staff and investors.' Patron's current and previous funds opportunistically target distressed and undervalued investments, directly or indirectly related to property, across Western Europe. In 2024, it closed its seventh flagship fund, Patron Capital, L.P. VII ('Fund VII'), raising in excess of €970 million during a period of declining real estate private equity fundraising, with a high proportion of capital coming in the form of re-ups from Patron's longstanding investors.
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Patron Capital Secures Major Investment From Mitsubishi Estate to Accelerate European Growth and Expand Into New Subsectors
Patron Capital ('Patron'), the pan-European institutional investor focused on property-backed investments, has secured a major investment from Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. ('MEC'), through its Mitsubishi Estate Global Partners ('MEGP') investment management business. MEGP is purchasing a majority stake in Patron, as well as providing €600 million in the form of equity commitments to Patron's funds and financing for new subsector strategies including real estate credit. Approximately 11% of Patron's capital over the past 25 years has come from Middle Eastern investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory consents, is part of a long-term strategic growth plan for Patron, providing new institutional backing and positioning the business positively for sustainable growth well into the future. Keith Breslauer, Patron's founder and managing director, and the team of senior partners will continue to manage Patron's operations and lead the business for the long term, retaining a significant minority equity stake. As well as new capital for growth, MEC's investment will provide Patron with access to a broader pool of investors through MEGP and support the expansion of Patron's fund and product offerings while continuing to nurture its entrepreneurial culture. Patron is targeting strategic growth areas across private European real estate markets, including in the opportunistic investing space, where it has a 26-year track record, as well as across multiple new subsectors and asset classes where recent market adjustments and structural macroeconomic trends are presenting compelling new long-term risk-adjusted opportunities. Patron's experienced senior management team and operational expertise, combined with MEC's support, enable Patron to identify and deliver on these opportunities. For example, Patron recently announced the launch of its real estate credit business, as elevated interest rates and constrained traditional lenders have created a need for private lenders with real estate expertise to fill funding gaps facing borrowers. MEGP also sees attractive long-term investment opportunities across Europe's private real estate markets and has identified Patron as an ideal partner to offer investors access to these, recognising the longevity of Patron's senior team and its exceptional track record of consistently delivering top-quartile double-digit returns across its flagship Western European opportunistic strategy. Patron works with many of the world's leading pension funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. MEC is one of Japan's largest, listed real estate developers with a market capitalisation of $23.06 billion USD (€20.22 billion EUR) as of 06 June 2025. MEC is strategically growing its MEGP real estate investment management business globally, including through its subsidiary platforms in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia-Pacific. Both firms have an agile, entrepreneurial approach and aim to deliver social benefits alongside exceptional returns. Keith Breslauer, Managing Partner and Founder of Patron Capital, said: 'In the 25 years since Patron was founded, we have worked successfully through many cycles, building a high-calibre team across Europe and using our deep relationships and skillset to access opportunities and drive market-leading returns. This significant investment from MEC, particularly as a leading property investor and developer, is a strong endorsement of our success and is the next step in our predefined growth plan to take the business to the next level and position it for sustainable, long-term growth. 'MEC has an exceptional history spanning over 130 years as a real estate developer and investor with a long-term strategic vision, goals and objectives that are aligned with ours in every way. From a focus on social impact and serving communities, to supporting people to create an entrepreneurial culture, and responding quickly to changing investment contexts, these are two organisations with shared values and proven longevity that have been built on the same approach. We are excited to work with MEC following this investment that will accelerate our growth and deliver significant benefits to our staff and investors.' Patron's current and previous funds opportunistically target distressed and undervalued investments, directly or indirectly related to property, across Western Europe. In 2024, it closed its seventh flagship fund, Patron Capital, L.P. VII ('Fund VII'), raising in excess of €970 million during a period of declining real estate private equity fundraising, with a high proportion of capital coming in the form of re-ups from Patron's longstanding investors.
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Patron Capital Secures Major Investment From Mitsubishi Estate to Accelerate European Growth and Expand Into New Subsectors
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Patron Capital ('Patron'), the pan-European institutional investor focused on property-backed investments, has secured a major investment from Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. ('MEC'), through its Mitsubishi Estate Global Partners ('MEGP') investment management business. MEGP is purchasing a majority stake in Patron, as well as providing €600 million in the form of equity commitments to Patron's funds and financing for new subsector strategies including real estate credit. Approximately 57% of Patron's capital over the past 25 years and 63% of capital raised for its most recent €964 million fund launched in 2024 has come from US investors, including pension funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory consents, is part of a long-term strategic growth plan for Patron, providing new institutional backing and positioning the business positively for sustainable growth well into the future. Keith Breslauer, Patron's founder and managing director, and the team of senior partners will continue to manage Patron's operations and lead the business for the long term, retaining a significant minority equity stake. As well as new capital for growth, MEC's investment will provide Patron with access to a broader pool of investors through MEGP and support the expansion of Patron's fund and product offerings while continuing to nurture its entrepreneurial culture. Patron is targeting strategic growth areas across private European real estate markets, including in the opportunistic investing space, where it has a 26-year track record, as well as across multiple new subsectors and asset classes where recent market adjustments and structural macroeconomic trends are presenting compelling new long-term risk-adjusted opportunities. Patron's experienced senior management team and operational expertise, combined with MEC's support, enable Patron to identify and deliver on these opportunities. For example, Patron recently announced the launch of its real estate credit business, as elevated interest rates and constrained traditional lenders have created a need for private lenders with real estate expertise to fill funding gaps facing borrowers. MEGP also sees attractive long-term investment opportunities across Europe's private real estate markets and has identified Patron as an ideal partner to offer investors access to these, recognising the longevity of Patron's senior team and its exceptional track record of consistently delivering top-quartile double-digit returns across its flagship Western European opportunistic strategy. Patron works with many of the world's leading pension funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. MEC is one of Japan's largest, listed real estate developers with a market capitalisation of $23.06 billion USD (€20.22 billion EUR) as of 06 June 2025. MEC is strategically growing its MEGP real estate investment management business globally, including through its subsidiary platforms in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia-Pacific. Both firms have an agile, entrepreneurial approach and aim to deliver social benefits alongside exceptional returns. Keith Breslauer, Managing Partner and Founder of Patron Capital, said: 'In the 25 years since Patron was founded, we have worked successfully through many cycles, building a high-calibre team across Europe and using our deep relationships and skillset to access opportunities and drive market-leading returns. This significant investment from MEC, particularly as a leading property investor and developer, is a strong endorsement of our success and is the next step in our predefined growth plan to take the business to the next level and position it for sustainable, long-term growth. 'MEC has an exceptional history spanning over 130 years as a real estate developer and investor with a long-term strategic vision, goals and objectives that are aligned with ours in every way. From a focus on social impact and serving communities, to supporting people to create an entrepreneurial culture, and responding quickly to changing investment contexts, these are two organisations with shared values and proven longevity that have been built on the same approach. We are excited to work with MEC following this investment that will accelerate our growth and deliver significant benefits to our staff and investors.' Patron's current and previous funds opportunistically target distressed and undervalued investments, directly or indirectly related to property, across Western Europe. In 2024, it closed its seventh flagship fund, Patron Capital, L.P. VII ('Fund VII'), raising in excess of €970 million during a period of declining real estate private equity fundraising, with a high proportion of capital coming in the form of re-ups from Patron's longstanding investors. Notes to Editors About Patron Capital Partners Patron represents approximately €5.3 billion of capital raised across several funds and related co-investments, investing in property, corporate operating entities whose value is primarily supported by property assets and distressed debt and credit related businesses. Since it was established in 1999, Patron has undertaken more than 200 transactions across 114 investments and programs involving over 9 million square metres in 17 countries, with many of these investments realised. Investors represent a variety of sovereign wealth funds, prominent universities, major institutions and private foundations located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The main investment adviser to the funds is Patron Capital Advisers LLP, which is based in London, and Patron has other offices across Europe including Barcelona and Luxembourg; the group is comprised of 63 people, including a 40-person investment team. Further information about Patron Capital is available at
