Fisker to Work with Rivus and Cox Automotive in the UK

A New Canaan businessman and resident, Kevin Graetz has more than 15 years of experience in venture capital and private equity. Kevin Graetz has worked with leading companies such as Fisker Automotive.

The Fisker brand strives to keep things simple, and in this simplicity, they have established an automotive venture that focuses on manufacturing sustainable vehicles. In December 2020, Fisker Automotive announced a partnership with Rivus Fleet Solutions and Cox Automotive to further the company’s asset-light, digital forward vision.

The collaboration will result in Fisker offering after-sales services to its customers across the United Kingdom. Cox Automotive and Rivus’s contribution involves outsourced solutions related to providing services such as vehicle delivery, valuation, trade-in, refurbishment and remarketing, fleet management, and mobile fleet servicing.

While the company is recognized for its own innovation in car manufacturing, it also recognizes the need for establishing partnerships with leading companies from around the world to walk out of the company's vision. Moreover, the United Kingdom government’s recent stance on electric vehicles makes this an opportune time to take advantage of these types of partnerships.

Applications of Amyris' Engineered Yeast Process

Throughout his career in venture capital investing, Kevin Graetz has prioritized funding products and technologies that contribute to a cleaner world. As a consultant, Kevin Graetz has secured billions in dollars in capital for groundbreaking companies such as the sugar alternative producer, Amyris.

Based in California, Amyris produces sweeteners using engineered yeast and sustainably-harvested Brazillian sugarcane. The resulting product, Reb M, and yeast-engineering processes can be used in several applications:

1. Food products: Amyris’ sugar syrup contains no calories and serves as a healthier alternative to traditional sugars. The sweetener is also more flavorful, thereby food producers can use smaller amounts in their recipes.

2. Beauty products: Sugarcane is also a source of squalane, a fatty molecule often used in moisturizing creams. Amyris’ squalane is ethically and sustainably sourced and recognized by the certification body, EcoCert.

3. Medicine: The company collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an engineered yeast capable of producing artemisinin, a vital ingredient for malaria treatments. Amyris also applies its expertise and process to produce nutraceutical supplements.

 

Fishing Experiences in Anguilla

Outside of his professional endeavors as a private equity consultant, Kevin Graetz is involved with the St. Aloysius Church and several nonprofit organizations. Kevin Graetz also enjoys boating and fishing activities, especially larger species such as tuna, sailfish, and marlin. He has traveled across the Caribbean in search of big game fish, such as the island of Anguilla.

Anguilla offers diverse opportunities for fishing experiences. The British territory is surrounded by warm Caribbean waters which are home to popular species such as tuna, marlin, mackerel, and mahi-mahi. Visitors can coordinate an excursion with a chartered fishing company, which will secure all the necessary fishing permits.

Tour guides can help anglers determine the best fishing spots for their desired variety. For example, those in search of marlin or sailfish must travel further out than fishing enthusiasts looking for barracudas or red snappers. Fishing along the shoreline is more suitable for catching bonefish or soap fish. While fishing is possible all-year-round, it is not recommended to travel during the hurricane season from June to November. 

Some Boating Safety Tips

Technology investor Kevin Graetz earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics management from Ohio Wesleyan University. Over the course of his career, he has supported early- and late-stage disruptive companies. Kevin Graetz relaxes by engaging in deep-sea fishing, golf, and boating.

Though a fun outdoor activity, boating is not without its hazards. It's essential to observe some precautions to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety.

A boat safety kit is necessary to have on board. The kit should include a flashlight with additional batteries to illuminate the boat or any area when it's gloomy, or in a case where the ship becomes immobile. Carry a well-equipped first aid kit for medical crises. A waterproof whistle is also necessary to raise an alarm. Other items to include are a mirror, to signal for help, and fire extinguisher.

Life jackets are required by law and are essential to keep wearers afloat. Moreover, many life jackets can deter hypothermia and rotate unconscious boaters face up.

Be sure to check the weather before making a trip. Winds and chaotic waters indicate a looming storm, while warm, cloudless days are more suitable for boating.

Also, adhere to the boat's capacity restrictions. Don’t carry extra people or equipment.

Furthermore, take note of all the areas gases and fumes can build up. If the boat smells of fumes after refueling, don't turn on the engine.

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Top Three Marlin Fishing Destinations

When he's not negotiating high stakes private equity funding for technology-focused startups, Kevin Graetz is an active big-game angler. Kevin Graetz has traveled across the Caribbean in search of the best off-shore fishing sites for large species such as tuna and marlin.

Marlins, also known as billfish, can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds and are a desirable prize amongst serious fishermen. These migratory fish tend to congregate in the warmer regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The following countries offer some of the best marlin fishing experiences:

1. Costa Rica - Several marlin species travel to Costa Rican waters during the winter. While the marlin there tends to be smaller, the diversity of fish species makes it an attractive destination.

2. Australia - The Australian northern coast is renowned for its black marlin population. The port town of Cairns hosts numerous fishing charter companies dedicated to marlin fishing.

3. The Canary Islands - These Spanish Islands are closer to Africa than the mainland and are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Six of the largest marlins ever captured in the Atlantic were caught near the Canary Islands.

 

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Fisker Automotive Introduces Its First Electric Vehicle

A senior executive with 15 years of experience in venture capital and private equity, Kevin Graetz is a technology investor and consultant. Kevin Graetz has raised over $1 billion in funds to invest in technology companies, one of which is Fisker Automotive.

Earlier this year, automobile producer Fisker Automotive introduced its first mass-market electric vehicle, called Fisker Ocean. According to Fisker, the Ocean will be the “world’s most sustainable vehicle.” The company’s teaser said the Ocean can cover from 250 to 300 miles per charge. It also said that a performance version of the Ocean is capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. Its base version will be powered by an 80 kWh battery pack.

The Ocean will feature a solar roof, a key feature that will break SUV conventions. Its profile will be similar to the Volvo XC40, and its nose will resemble that of a Land Rover. Its interiors will use “100 percent polycarbonate polyurethane surfaces and 100 percent reinforced rayon backing.” Some interior parts will utilize recycled plastic bottles, repurposed rubber waste, and polyester fiber. Its carpet will be made from “abandoned fishing nets.”

Fisker also added that the Ocean will feature a “karaoke mode,” which will roll out software such as Netflix, Spotify and Youtube, and the “California mode,” where the windows will roll down with one touch of a button.

Ocean’s price will start at $37,500, and will be available by late 2021 or early 2022.

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A Look at Venture Capital Statistics in 2019

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in economics management from Ohio Wesleyan University, Kevin Graetz is an experienced venture capital professional who has raised more than $1 billion for various companies. Kevin Graetz has facilitated high-profile deals with Fisker Automotive, Motricity, and Bloom Energy, among other companies.

The venture capital industry exceeded $130 billion in investments in US-based companies for the second consecutive year in 2019. The industry deployed $136.5 billion and achieved a record $256.4 billion exit value through more than 880 liquidity events, according to a report compiled by the National Venture Capital Association and PitchBook. The report also highlighted a shift in the industry, with 85 percent of deals in excess of $100 million involving nontraditional investors like family offices or sovereign wealth funds. Moreover, companies founded by women experienced all-time annual records in transaction volume and capital raised.

Like most other industries, venture capital is expected to be negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19. The Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, for instance, announced a 7.5 percent decline in investment in the Canadian market for Q1 2020. While many experts are concerned, early signs indicate tech investment in Silicon Valley companies has been impacted minimally through the spring, with a modest decline in up-rounds and an increase in deals from March to April.