Leading blended Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has announced today that due to the current global COVID-19 outbreak, this year’s Chivas Venture $1 million fund will be distributed evenly amongst the 26 global finalists, including Thailand’s Young Happy, with immediate effect.
Now in its sixth year, the Chivas Venture gives away $1m in no-strings funding to startups who blend profit with purpose to have a positive impact on the world. This year’s competition has seen 26 social enterprises selected from 26 countries, across five continents, with Young Happy winning the local final in Thailand. Gap - Thanakorn Phromyos – who was due to pitch for a share of the fund at a Global Final in June - will now receive 1.3M Baht ($40,000) in funding, which can be put towards creating positive change at a testing time for people across the globe.
Alexandre Ricard, Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO, said, “It is with great sadness that we have decided to cut short this year’s Chivas Venture competition due to the impact COVID-19 is having across the world. Now more than ever, our world needs the passion and dedication of those who want to bring about positive change. That’s why we have decided that each of our finalists should be provided with secure funding now, so they can continue their important work and continue to positively impact their communities in spite of these volatile conditions, which will be particularly challenging for fledgling businesses and the communities they serve.”
Now in its sixth year, the Chivas Venture gives away $1m in no-strings funding to startups who blend profit with purpose to have a positive impact on the world. This year’s competition has seen 26 social enterprises selected from 26 countries, across five continents, with Young Happy winning the local final in Thailand. Gap - Thanakorn Phromyos – who was due to pitch for a share of the fund at a Global Final in June - will now receive 1.3M Baht ($40,000) in funding, which can be put towards creating positive change at a testing time for people across the globe.
Alexandre Ricard, Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO, said, “It is with great sadness that we have decided to cut short this year’s Chivas Venture competition due to the impact COVID-19 is having across the world. Now more than ever, our world needs the passion and dedication of those who want to bring about positive change. That’s why we have decided that each of our finalists should be provided with secure funding now, so they can continue their important work and continue to positively impact their communities in spite of these volatile conditions, which will be particularly challenging for fledgling businesses and the communities they serve.”