Marou Chocolate wraps up investment from Mekong Enterprise Fund IV

Marou Chocolate is the first investee announced by Mekong Enterprise Fund IV

Among the first bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate makers in Asia, Marou Chocolate has long pleased the Vietnamese consumers’ tastebuds with its signature single-origin dark chocolate bars. Marou’s chocolate is distinctly Vietnamese, made from cacao beans coming from six provinces in southern Vietnam. The unique taste and beautiful packaging of its bars have caught the attention of the international press and the foodie community, evidenced by the multiple awards Marou has received.

Besides manufacturing and distributing chocolate, Marou also runs a chain of three café-patisserie-chocolate factory concepts called Maison Marou in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. In 2020, the company developed another concept offering on-the-go experience called Marou Station.

The investment from MEF IV will facilitate Marou to further scale up the Maison Marou and Marou Station concepts, develop new products, as well as build its team of exceptional leaders. Marou aims to widen the appeal of its chocolate to Vietnamese customers while maintaining a premium for cacao farmers.

Vincent Mourou, co-founder and CEO of Marou, said that, “Our choice for Mekong Capital started as a spirited conversation between founders, and effortlessly evolved into a partnership of synergy. Samuel and I recognised that Mekong Capital’s Vision-based approach resonated with the values-based company that we have been building since 2011. Their stellar reputation and proven ability to support and deliver the founder’s visions cemented our decision to further the conversation. We are thrilled to have them on-board as we take our adventures in chocolate to more chocolate lovers around the world.”

Meanwhile, Chad Ovel, partner of Mekong Capital, said that, “Since my first taste of Marou Chocolate nearly 10 years ago, I have been a loyal and devout fan. Thus, I was absolutely thrilled when the founders of Marou invited Mekong Capital to join them on the next stage of their adventure in chocolate: to bring their authentic product to wider audiences, both in Vietnam and abroad. Together, we are highly committed to achieving that bold vision.”