VivoPower Executes $300 Million Definitive Joint Venture Agreement with South Korea-Based Lean Ventures to Acquire and Hold Ripple Labs Shares

Core Viewpoint - VivoPower has entered into a joint venture with Lean Ventures to establish a dedicated investment vehicle for acquiring Ripple Labs shares, targeting an initial investment of $300 million, which is expected to generate $75 million in management and performance fees over three years [1][4]. Group 1: Joint Venture Details - The joint venture agreement allows Lean Ventures to set up an investment vehicle to acquire Ripple Labs shares, with an initial target of $300 million [2]. - Vivo Federation, the digital asset unit of VivoPower, will procure Ripple Labs shares on behalf of the investment vehicle and has received approval from Ripple for an initial tranche of shares [3][4]. - The structure of the agreement enables VivoPower to gain economic exposure to the potential upside of Ripple Labs and XRP holdings without using its own capital [4]. Group 2: Market Context and Strategic Importance - South Korea is identified as a strategic market for Vivo Federation, being the largest holder of XRP tokens globally, which enhances the appeal of the investment vehicle to local institutional and retail investors [5]. - Lean Ventures has already gauged interest from qualified South Korean investors, including K-Weather, which is in discussions for VivoPower to acquire a 20% stake [2][5]. Group 3: Company Background - VivoPower, founded in 2014 and listed on Nasdaq since 2016, operates globally with a focus on sustainable energy solutions and has three business units, including Vivo Federation, which focuses on digital assets [6].