India’s aspirational middle class gives it a demographic edge, says Verlinvest CEO Roberto Italia (opens the source in a new tab)
- Verlinvest plans to invest €1 billion in India over the next five years, with opportunities in health, fitness and digital content.
- CEO Roberto Italia, 60, manages €2 billion for Belgian families who are long-standing AB InBev shareholders; their 31-year-old evergreen capital has backed Vita Coco, Oatly, Chewy, Epigamia, Juicy Chemistry and Wakefit.
- He says a large share of Indians are becoming, or aim to become, middle class and are willing to spend; even amid AI job fears, India’s young population stays a strategic asset. He likens Mumbai to 1990s New York.
- €1bn
- India, next 5 yrs
- €2bn
- assets managed
- 31 yrs
- evergreen capital
Why it matters Patient global capital is betting on India’s spending power, which feeds the brands, startups and jobs behind it.
Other side A ‘demographic edge’ is a compelling story, and investors pitch their own bets. Will jobs and incomes keep pace with the aspirations?