Fernando Aguirre

The leadership of DHS Ventures & Holdings announced today that it will acquire Chandler Enterprises from AXIS Capital, the merchant banking arm of Merrill Lynch. The financial value of the deal was not disclosed but an Economic Times report pegs it at $745 million. DHS Ventures & Holdings has bought all rights through its associates Bellinger & Sons, Thai Company Limited along with ISK Investment, a DHS Ventures group company. Chandler Enterprises, which the DHS Ventures & Holdings regards as a core business, is part of the defunct Chandler Pictures that went under in 1975. Chandler was an American independent motion picture production company that existed from 1976 to 1995, founded by Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna. Kassar and Vajna ran Chandler together until 1989. Chandler hit its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, with blockbuster successes including the first three films of the Rambo series, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Total Recall, Basic Instinct and Stargate. C...

  Philanthropy has always played a vital role in addressing society's most pressing challenges. From funding educational initiatives to tackling global health crises, philanthropic efforts have the power to transform lives and uplift communities. Today, as economic inequality, climate change, and social justice issues continue to dominate global conversations, the importance of giving back is more relevant than ever. In this article, we’ll explore how modern philanthropy is evolving and the ways it is reshaping the world for the better. 1. Philanthropy Beyond Charity: A Strategic Approach Philanthropy has come a long way from simply writing checks to charitable organizations. Today’s philanthropists are embracing a more strategic approach, seeking long-term, sustainable solutions to complex global issues. Strategic philanthropy focuses on: Impact Measurement : Philanthropists now prioritize data-driven decision-making to ensure that their contributions are maki...

 Philanthropy, often described as the "love of humanity," has evolved into a powerful force for social good. At its core, philanthropy is the practice of giving money, time, or resources to help others, with a focus on improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Whether through large-scale donations by wealthy individuals or grassroots efforts by local communities, the impact of philanthropy is far-reaching, transforming lives and shaping society in meaningful ways. A Historical Perspective Philanthropy has deep roots, dating back to ancient civilizations where the wealthy were expected to support public works and charitable causes. Over time, this practice has expanded to include more formalized institutions, such as charitable foundations, non-profit organizations, and social enterprises. Modern philanthropy, popularized by figures like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, emphasizes not only giving for immediate relief but also investing in long-term solut...

 Swarovski Foundation director Jakhya Rahman-Corey says a power imbalance remains rife between funders and grantees in philanthropy. ‘There is a power imbalance between funders and organisations on the ground and to recognise that goes back to the object of the grant-giving body – what is it trying to achieve?’ she told Civil Society. Raised in the UK, Rahman-Corey was inspired to ‘give back’ after witnessing ‘extreme poverty’ during a trip to Bangladesh.  After studying economics at university, she joined Austrian jewellery company Swarovski’s charitable trust as a programme officer. She became foundation director in 2018. Rahman-Corey says she has previously experienced a disconnect, citing her time as a programme officer for Cambodian HIV/Aids Education and Care (CHEC), an NGO in Asia. ‘I vowed that if I were ever in a position as a grant funder, I would never not listen to the voices of our charity partners,’ Rahman-Corey said.

 The African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) has launched a new funding programme to engage funders with ‘climate adaptation innovators’ in a bid to close the $100 billion shortfall in climate funding and enhance climate resilience.  In collaboration with The Lemelson Foundation, AVPA says its nine-month programme – called the African Climate Investing Forum – is comprised of a leadership programme spread over three months, and a sixmonth immersion programme aimed at broadening networks through meetups and peer-led sessions, tours and pitching opportunities.  Sought-after innovations include those tackling flooding, storms, pest infestations, the spread of zoonotic diseases, extreme heat, drought, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, wildfires, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. AVPA says developing countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia are more vulnerable to climate change and are also the most financially distressed and, therefore, cannot look towards ...

DHS Ventures, Vice Chairman, Fernando Aguirre Shares : Nigeria has unveiled an online giving platform that it hopes will bring in donors to support and invest in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy transitions and the startup sector. The ‘i philanthropy’ platform is part of a push by Nigerian president Bola Tinubu to attract expertise from the African diaspora in a bid to create one million jobs over the next four years.  Tinubu is also hoping to raise $200 million in startup capital for small businesses in the country. Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, chair of the Nigeria Philanthropy Office, said the i philanthropy platform is one solution that will ‘democratise ilanthropy giving by enabling individuals to become philanthropists’. ‘Donors can decide the sector or state in Nigeria they would like to support and track their giving periodically,’ she said. The i philanthropy project is funded by Wema Bank, a commercial Nigerian bank. Donors can provide a minimum of $2.  

Philanthropy is more than just donating money; it’s about creating meaningful impact and fostering long-term change in society. Fernando Aguirre, CEO of DHS Ventures & Holdings, embodies the spirit of philanthropy through his business ventures and personal initiatives. As a leader, Aguirre’s approach to giving is strategic, thoughtful, and aimed at driving systemic change. 1. Start with Passion The first step in becoming a philanthropist is identifying causes that resonate deeply with you. For Fernando Aguirre, this means focusing on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. These sectors not only align with his business goals but also have the potential to improve lives on a massive scale. 2. Use Your Influence Aguirre has leveraged his position as CEO of DHS Ventures & Holdings to make an impact. By building partnerships with non-profit organizations and aligning his company’s goals with social causes, he uses his influence to create ripple effects across industries. You d...