Kenes Rakishev, star investor, international entrepreneur, philanthropist and former special envoy of the Kazakhstan government, meets star chef, Gordon Ramsay and star manufacturer, Borealis Foods to change the international food market.
When Kenes Rakishev embarked on the establishment of Oxus SPAC, a specialized entity aimed at acquiring and subsequently taking companies public on the American stock market, experts were filled with anticipation and conjecture regarding his targeted investments. Renowned for his diverse interests spanning robotics, battery technologies, communications, and groundbreaking concepts, Kenes Rakishev’s decision left everyone startled, as he delved into an exceedingly unforeseen realm: the food sector.
Kenes Rakishev, star investor, international entrepreneur, philanthropist and former special envoy of the Kazakhstan government, meets star chef, Gordon Ramsay and star manufacturer, Borealis Foods to change the international food market.
Kenes Rakishev executed a remarkable manoeuvrer by orchestrating the public offering of Borealis Foods. This particular enterprise had earned acclaim for its unwavering dedication to crafting ecologically responsible and pioneering merchandise. However, Rakishev’s aspirational strategies for continued expansion did not conclude there. To propel Borealis Foods towards uncharted pinnacles, he actively pursued an alliance with none other than the globally esteemed culinary virtuoso, Gordon Ramsay.
This unforeseen partnership serves as a testament to Kenes Rakishev’s strategic foresight and his readiness to navigate unexplored domains. The integration of Gordon Ramsay’s culinary mastery into the realm of Borealis Foods holds the potential to fuse innovation, sustainability, and epicurean brilliance in manners that could potentially redefine the landscape of the food industry.
Borealis Foods, a pioneering force in food technology innovations and the creative force behind beloved brands such as Chef Woo and Ramen Express, has made waves with its latest announcement: the enlistment of Gordon Ramsay, a world-renowned Michelin-starred chef and global business titan, as a consultant and esteemed brand ambassador.
The resonance of this partnership reverberates through the industry, as Reza Soltandez, the visionary founder and CEO of Borealis, expressed his excitement, stating: “With open arms, we welcome Gordon Ramsay as a strategic collaborator and advisor, infusing his culinary mastery, strategic acumen, and worldwide renown to propel us toward our ambitions.”
Soltandez underlines how Ramsay’s involvement is set to fortify their mission of tackling the intricate challenge of ensuring accessible, wholesome, protein-enriched meals for the many individuals navigating this issue in the United States and beyond.
Amidst this culinary excitement, Kenes Rakishev, a distinguished Kazakhstani entrepreneur with a remarkable track record of investing in high-tech startups, emerges as a pivotal figure. His establishment of Oxus Acquisition Corp. marks a new epoch for Borealis Foods. By the culmination of February, the strides made by Oxus Acquisition Corp. culminated in a transformative business consolidation accord. The aftermath of this deal will see the combined entity retaining the revered title of Borealis Foods Inc. Leading the company post-transaction, a dynamic duo will emerge—Reza Soltandez, the CEO and co-founder of Borealis, along with the astute Barthélémy Helg, Chairman and co-founder.
The strategic significance of this agreement, valued at an impressive $150 million, was endorsed by both the governing bodies of Borealis and Oxus. As this conglomerate embarks on a new trajectory, the industry waits in anticipation to witness the confluence of culinary innovation, cutting-edge technology, and astute business acumen that this union is poised to deliver.
Gordon Ramsay shared his thoughts on the collaboration, remarking, “Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by escalating living costs and the global surge in food prices, the matter of food security takes on greater urgency. My conversations with Reza illuminated our shared perspective on the significance of furnishing accessible, nourishing, and delectable offerings. With a tapestry of exciting concepts already brewing, I’m eagerly anticipating the collaboration with Borealis Foods’ team, especially in enhancing their Chef Woo range in the forthcoming months.”
Chef Woo Ramen: A Journey of Nutritional Accessibility
Chef Woo Ramen, a brainchild of Borealis Foods’ subsidiary Palmetto Gourmet Foods, was conceived with the noble mission of rendering wholesome, budget-friendly, and convenient meals to those who grapple with limited nutritional access. Boasting the distinction of being the world’s inaugural plant-based ramen noodles, Chef Woo Ramen delivers a substantial 20 grams of complete protein per portion.
Borealis Foods Inc. remains steadfastly devoted to the development of exceptionally nutritious and pragmatic culinary innovations that are economically viable and ecologically responsible. This steadfast commitment resonates harmoniously with Borealis Foods’ overarching objectives, which are poised to leave a positive imprint on both human lives and the ecosystem.
This strategic alliance with Gordon Ramsay is set to empower Borealis Foods Inc. to scale unparalleled heights and amplify its production capacities, all the while retaining its position as a trailblazing purveyor of premium-grade food products.
Borealis Foods and the trailblazing Oxus Acquisition Corp. are charting their course towards becoming publicly-listed entities on Nasdaq, a milestone they anticipate achieving by the close of 2023.
Kenes Rakishev’s Involvement in Social Initiatives and Philanthropy
During the World Rapid Chess Championship in Astana back in 2012, Kenes Rakishev assumed a leadership role, and SAT & Company, under his guidance, took on the significant mantle of being the primary sponsor of the event. This endeavour marked a key moment in his commitment to community involvement.
In December 2014, he extended his influence by becoming the head of the development council for youth entrepreneurship at the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. This strategic position allowed him to contribute to fostering the growth of young entrepreneurs in the country.
Beyond his business endeavours, Kenes Rakishev is a fervent advocate of the philanthropic foundation “Saby.” Co-founded by his spouse, Aselle Tasmagambetova, the foundation has undertaken a multifaceted approach to social betterment. Among its achievements are the provision of scholarships to gifted students within Kazakhstan, aiding over 300,000 individuals in accessing medical treatments, facilitating specially-equipped taxis for those with disabilities, and financing the construction of sports facilities, playgrounds, and gymnasiums.
Starting in 2013, the “Saby” foundation, with support from Kenes Rakishev and Vyacheslav Kim, has annually organized the “Build Your Business” competition for aspiring young entrepreneurs. The competition has proved transformative, granting financial assistance in the form of business development grants to winners. Over the initial five-year period, a total of 41 projects were awarded grants amounting to more than $1 million.
In 2017, the foundation achieved another milestone by financing the establishment of a private school named after Chokan Valikhanov in Almaty. This endeavour attracted investments surpassing 6 billion tenge, highlighting the substantial impact of Rakishev’s philanthropic vision.
In December 2018, Kenes Rakishev took on a pivotal role by assuming the position of Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation, overseeing international relations. Since 2019, he has held the position of President within the federation. In a remarkable achievement in 2021, the Kazakhstan women’s boxing team secured an impressive 8 out of 10 gold medals at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship. In recognition of this triumph, Kenes Rakishev established an additional prize fund equivalent to the awards offered by AIBA, further enhancing the recognition and rewards for the champions and top performers of the championship. This move exemplified his commitment to uplifting sports and recognizing outstanding accomplishments within his country.
