Established in 2020, Garden District Ventures is a consumer-focused investment firm discovering, investing in, and supporting exceptional entrepreneurs and high-growth potential companies in Emerging Asia and beyond.
The powerful convergence of consumer technology, rapid urbanization, and rising incomes is transforming a region of over 2.2 billion consumers. This evolution is creating compelling investment opportunities over the next 2- to 20+ years, opportunities we’re witnessing in real-time.
Fundamental shifts in global consumption patterns, values-driven purchasing behavior, supply chain realignments, the future of online learning and entertainment, and a renewed focus on personal care and well-being are key drivers of growth. These trends form the foundation of our high-conviction investment strategies.
Individuals Go Far, but Teams Go Farther
Emerging market startups are transforming the landscape of global commerce, challenging established players and reinventing industries. We are committed to supporting this transformation, bringing a hands-on, humble, and hard-working approach, informed by deep market knowledge and a belief in the power of community to empower the next generation of global leaders.
Trey is an attorney, investor, and consultant to multinational technology, aviation, and real estate companies with extensive expertise spanning company establishment, fundraising, corporate governance, and emerging markets.
As the Founder of GLO Airlines, a New Orleans-based regional airline launched in 2015, he navigated the numerous barriers to entry around aircraft leasing, federal regulatory requirements, hiring and training, route selection, and establishment of hubs across the Gulf South region. In 2017, Trey provided testimony before the United States Congress, offering expertise on the future landscape of regional air travel and its regulatory aspects.
His professional journey began at A.P. Møller–Maersk, where he contributed to a team managing vessel and cargo operations for African and South American services into all discharge ports in the U.S. In addition, he has also served as Managing Director of Cornerstone Gas Corporation and Founding Principal at Coliseum Property Group.
Trey earned a J.D. from Tulane University Law School, studied Shipping, Trade, and Finance at City University London, and received his B.A. in Political Science from Southern Methodist University.
An avid outdoorsman, Trey lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and young children.
Drawing inspiration from his experiences sailing with world-class teams around the globe, Muieen Cader applies invaluable lessons from the high seas to the dynamic world of startups and venture capital.
Muieen's journey in entrepreneurship began during his undergraduate years at The University of British Columbia, where he served as the go-to business expert for engineering students. Together, they collaborated on several innovative projects, laying the foundation for Muieen's experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Fast forward to today: Muieen is back in the classroom and lecturing part-time at Tulane University, teaching “Learning in Venture Capital,” a two-week intensive course to MD/ MBA students.
As a dedicated supporter of OpenVC, one of the largest open-source databases of venture firms globally, he actively contributes to the platform and helps demystify the venture capital landscape by sharing his insights at muieen.medium.com.
Muieen has also made significant contributions during his tenure as Program Director at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, where he supports early-stage life science startups and manages various initiatives and programming. As a Venture Partner at Garden District Ventures, Muieen plays a significant role in the firm's Southeast Asian deal sourcing, developing predictive strategies and risk profiles for startups, and making investment recommendations.
Born in Thailand and fluent in Thai and English, Richard is a true global citizen who has lived in Australia, the U.K., Malaysia, and New Zealand, where he has experienced first-hand the power of globalization, technology, and the vast potential of multicultural innovation.
As a “Gen Z” founder-turned-investor based in Bangkok, Richard is the Co-Founder of Oho!, a food-tech startup addressing the trillion-dollar food waste problem. He has backed over 70 companies from Pre-Seed to Series A across consumer-focused sectors, always seeking category-leading startups that can drive a transformative future. Through the strategic use of social media and a large follower base, Richard boosts the visibility and growth of his portfolio companies.
Richard is a Limited Partner at Garden District Ventures, a Venture Partner at TA Ventures, and shares expertise and mentorship to fuel aspiring founders around the globe.
We cannot drive people; we must direct their development. Teach and lead.
Discovering Opportunity Through Lived Experience
By living, working, and playing in Emerging Asia, we gain a unique, boots-on-the-ground perspective on the region’s challenges, opportunities, and future vision, enabling us to understand consumer behavior on a deeper level. Here are some key areas we’re currently exploring.
Innovate. Inspire. Ignite.
We seek out founders who demonstrate a clear vision, the capacity to forge strong, collaborative partnerships, and the commitment to deliver massive value to consumers and society. We are honored to partner with the innovators shaping and propelling the world’s fastest-growing markets.
To be equitable, economic growth has to be sustainable.
The Future of Consumer Spending Is in Emerging Asia
By 2030, a middle class of 3.4 billion people, with a median age of just 31 years old, will fuel a $ 10 trillion market for everyday essentials, goods & services, and luxury spending. This boom, driven by rising incomes, startup innovation, and supportive government policies, is projected to account for nearly half of all global consumer transactions.
