Nepal's leading private equity and venture capital firm, Team Ventures, has made its first investment in the hospitality sector. The company has acquired a 27 percent equity stake in Soaltee West End Itahari, operated by Hotel Garima Limited, along with its subsidiaries.

Located in Itahari, an emerging commercial and transit hub in eastern Nepal, Soaltee Westend Itahari is a five-star hotel. The hotel operates under the Soaltee Hotels and Resorts brand, known as Nepal's first international hotel chain.

According to Keshang Sherpa, Chairman of Team Ventures, this investment will support the hotel's next phase of development. 'Through this investment, we aim to advance expansion plans, strengthen corporate governance and improve institutional capacity,' he said. According to him, the board and leadership of Team Ventures include people with experience in operating international hotel chains and boards at the Nepali and regional levels, which will further strengthen this partnership.

Dorje Gyaltsen Lama, Director of Team Ventures, said that considering the economic importance of the tourism sector, opportunities have been sought in the hospitality sector. 'Soaltee West End Itahari has a strong brand, experienced operator and clear growth potential,' he said, 'We are excited to support the company as a long-term partner as it embarks on a journey of expansion and institutional strengthening.'

Similarly, Bijay Bahadur Shrestha, Director of Team Ventures, clarified that the role of an equity partner will not be limited to providing capital. 'Our focus will be on strengthening good governance, developing organizational capacity and working closely with management to ensure long-term and commercial growth,' he said.