In this new feature from our Investors in People series, we sat down with Veronica Caravia, who heads up our business development activities in Latin America. Veronica talks us through how her journey with our group began and what she enjoys most about working in the M&A space.
How did your journey with the group begin?
My career has always revolved around business development, spanning both public and private sectors. Throughout, I’ve gained experience in consultative sales across a variety of industries. In 2022, I joined Vesta’s M&A LATAM team as a Business Development Executive – a role I found both challenging and rewarding, especially as the division was experiencing a period of rapid expansion. A year later, I moved into my current position as M&A Regional Manager for Latin America, a role I’ve embraced with great commitment. Leading a regional team focused on Vesta LATAM’s growth continues to be a significant and fulfilling challenge.
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
As the M&A Regional Manager for Latin America, I lead our Business Development team across Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, with support from a Research Analyst in Uruguay who helps identify target acquisitions. Together, our team evaluates the best acquisition targets in the region, and my role specifically involves supporting colleagues to help them achieve optimal results.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day is often dedicated to tracking our team’s objectives, assessing each Business Developer’s goals, and following up on advanced M&A opportunities. I also manage my own set of targets, maintaining relationships with potential acquisitions, reviewing financials, and strategising next steps. Additionally, I plan in-person meetings or attend events to connect with new vendors, brokers, and other key contacts, building relationships that could lead to future opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
One of the things I enjoy most about working in the M&A field is meeting CEOs and company leaders and hearing their stories. Throughout my career, I’ve always sought roles that allow me to connect with people, learn from them, and offer solutions that align with their needs. M&A can be complex, with high-stakes decisions, so I truly enjoy being there to support and guide them through the process.
Is there anything about your role you find challenging?
Acquiring companies is challenging in itself. Earning vendors’ trust and demonstrating the value Vesta brings to support their growth is a responsibility I take seriously. Given the fast growth of Vesta LATAM and strong market competition, it’s a constant learning process to keep improving.
Can you tell us about the learning and development opportunities the group offers?
Learning here is continuous. We have regular interactions with leaders like Richard Clancy, our Group CEO – a rarity in global companies – along with Ken Barragan, Head of M&A, and our Group Leaders, Jerónimo Álvarez and Carolina Gutierrez. Their M&A expertise and industry knowledge are invaluable, especially as Vesta LATAM grows rapidly. For those interested in this field, the growth here opens up great opportunities.
What would you say to a business owner who is thinking of selling?
The companies in our group all share core values: commitment to their employees, strong client relationships, and a dedication to delivering quality technology. Vesta is an ideal partner because of our buy-and-hold approach; we never sell the companies we acquire – they remain part of the Vesta family forever. We operate with a decentralised, autonomous model, allowing vendors to chart their future. With insights from over 1,300 vertical software companies, we understand how to support them in growth and improving results.
