Richard Branson sees Venezuela as a major investment opportunity

Venezuela represents an extraordinary opportunity for foreign investment, said British entrepreneur and Virgin Group co-founder Richard Branson, according to the newspaper El Nacional.

Speaking at the Startup Venezuela Summit 2026, Branson said the entrepreneurial sector will be key to the country's economic recovery, though he warned that many investors will wait for elections to be held and the rule of law to be strengthened over the next eighteen months.

The Virgin founder proposed evaluating possible investments in the air transport and tourism sectors, including launching a route for Virgin Atlantic that would connect directly with La Guaira, as well as exploring cruise ship arrivals to the central coastline.

The entrepreneur also suggested adapting a British loan and mentorship program to boost local entrepreneurs, highlighting the quality and warmth of the business ecosystem he found in the country, according to Banca y Negocios.