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Avina Foundation
Avina Foundation was created in 1994 by Swiss industrialist Stephan Schmidheiny. The endowment supports work on climate, democracies, inclusive circular...
Avina Foundation
Avina Foundation was created in 1994 by Swiss industrialist Stephan Schmidheiny. The endowment supports work on climate, democracies, inclusive circular economy, and water issues. Viktoria Schmidheiny serves as current board chair while Valeria Scorza acts as CEO. The foundation pursues early-stage and growth opportunities in sustainable development. Asset classes include venture commitments, mezzanine financing, and direct program-related investments. Confirmed activity spans Latin America and extends to partnerships in North America and Europe. Related vehicles include Avina Americas and FUNDES. The organization lists 33 million dollars under management per internal estimates. It maintains headquarters in Panama City with additional holdings that include a French cheese farm in Brazil and the Daros Latinamerica Collection. Stephan Schmidheiny also founded the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Avina Foundation operates through the VIVA Trust structure, which separates philanthropic deployment from family wealth held in other vehicles. This architecture allows independent governance while retaining family oversight via board positions.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1994
Location
Region
North America
Country
Panama
City
Panama City
Corporate office
Panama City, Panama
Principals
Stephan Schmidheiny
Founder
Viktoria Schmidheiny
Chair of the board
Valeria Scorza
CEO
Thomas Schmidheiny
Family Member
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Avina Foundation?
Valeria Scorza serves as CEO and oversees day-to-day operations. Viktoria Schmidheiny chairs the board. Stephan Schmidheiny retains founder influence through the original endowment structure.
How does Avina Foundation source proprietary deal flow?
The foundation builds alliances between social and business leaders across Latin America. It participates in networks such as the Global Philanthropy Forum and WINGS to identify collaborative opportunities.
Is Avina Foundation structured as a single family office or does it operate more like a venture firm?
It functions as an endowment and foundation rather than a family office. Capital deploys through grants, program-related investments, and select venture commitments instead of traditional portfolio management.
Does Avina Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Activity includes both fund commitments and direct program investments. The foundation has backed early-stage and growth vehicles in climate and circular economy themes.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Stephan Schmidheiny, a Swiss billionaire and former industrialist, created the endowment. Family holdings include stakes in Holcim through brother Thomas Schmidheiny.
Does Avina Foundation maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
The foundation operates alongside Avina Americas and FUNDES. The VIVA Trust provides an additional layer that separates deployment from other family assets.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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