Colombia's wealthiest family, led by Jaime Gilinski and his son Gabriel, has invested $107 million in GeoPark Ltd., acquiring a 20% stake through Colden Investments SA. The move positions GeoPark as a potential gateway to Venezuela's oil sector, which the younger Gilinski believes could triple production. The investment makes Colden the largest shareholder, with an option to increase its stake to 32% within 12 months.

GeoPark, currently operating in Colombia and Argentina, would need a US Treasury license to enter Venezuela due to ongoing sanctions. The company's management team, led by CEO Felipe Bayón, brings valuable expertise from Bayón's previous role as head of Ecopetrol. This investment aligns with the Gilinskis' broader strategy of capitalizing on Venezuela's economic reopening, complementing their ownership of Grupo Nutresa, Latin America's largest packaged food producer.

GeoPark has been aggressively expanding its footprint, recently acquiring Frontera Energy's Colombian assets for up to $400 million, though it faces competition from Parex Resources' higher unsolicited bid. The company's shares jumped 6.5% following the announcement, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the Gilinskis' strategic backing and the potential Venezuela opportunity.