Alexandus Venio II
Geometer Defensionis Alexandus Venio II O.V.V., O.M.L. | |
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 Venio II in 2020 | |
| Born | Alexandus Amatius Lurio Venio II 22 May 1959 (age 72) Sarton, Castra Osaniovo |
| Citizenship |  Caphiria |
| Education | Sântrode School of Fine Art |
| Alma mater | Fortuna Institute |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1968–present |
| Net worth | $75 billion |
| Title | Chief Executive of Quicksilver Industries |
| Board member of | |
| Spouse(s) | Kiana Arestani |
| Children | Alexandus Venio III |
Alexandus Venio II (born May 22, 1959) is a Caphirian politician, business magnate, investor and philanthropist. Alexandus II has been the Chief Executive of Quicksilver Industries, a global conglomerate focused in the military-defense industry since 1989. Alexandus II is a third-generation executive, inheriting the company from his grandfather Alexanpassio Venio, who founded it in the early 20th century. Born into one of the most influential families of modern Caphiria - the Venio Estate, Alexandus II has always had a shrewd business and political acumen: he graduated from Fortuna Institute's Montini School of Business, where he became close friends with billionaire hedge fund manager Sando Porza. Together, they control the Venio-Porza Sodesterium - one of the most powerful privately-held corporate entities in the world.
When he was 20, while visiting the Vallos subcontinent, Alexandus II and his girlfriend were kidnapped by marauders from Tākara - a small confederation within the Loa Republic notorious for piracy and ransom. Despite his captivity, Alexandus II managed to gain the trust of the group's leaders and successfully lobbied their freedom in exchange for his assistance in achieving their political goals. This event would go on to be known as the Tākaric Crisis, which ended in a peaceful resolution. Alexandus would spend several years in Vallos successfully resolving political conflicts and bringing stability to the region.
In 1989, Alexandus II returned to Venceia after a seven-year sojourn and assumed control of Quicksilver Industries where he quickly led an aggressive expansion of the business. His focus on strategic partnerships and investments led to profitable ventures that significantly increased the company's revenue and valuation. Moreover, his tactical use of political influence ensured QSI maintained a favorable position within the industry, warding off potential threats and competition. In 1997, Alexandus II took Quicksilver Industries public in the largest initial public offering in Caphirian history. He has been criticized for his business tactics, which have been considered anti-competitive; Alexandus II has also faced tax avoidance, antitrust, censorship, and corruption allegations. However, since he took over the company in the late 80s, QSI has only increased in revenue, valuation, influence, and scale.
Starting in 2010, Alexandus II played a pivotal role in negotiations of the Assumption Accords - a diplomatic agreement between the governments of Caphiria and Urcea. Alexandus II wanted to expand his business operations into the newly-formed free trade zones in Crona, having direct access in Crona for investment and development. He worked closely with the government of Caphiria to draft a separate agreement which allowed for Caphirian investment into Urcea's Cronan territories and protectorates, which was reached in early 2015 and coincided with the Deluge conflict occurring across Crona. A League of Nations Mandate was eventually established in order to deal with the increasing instability in the Venua'tino region and as a result, several International charter cities were created. In 2017, a charter agreement was signed and the City of Shenendehowa Bay became an international charter city under the jurisdiction of Quicksilver Industries through a joint venture between the Caphirian Ministry of Commerce. Shenendehowa Bay is one of the wealthiest and most-developed cities in the post-Deluge northern Cronan region.
Various publications have noted Alexandus II's philanthropy and love of the arts and declared him to be one of the most influential people in the world, while others have commented on his ruthlessness pragmatism and his questionable business ethics as cause to label him a warmonger and detriment to society. In his youth, Alexandus II shied away from the spotlight and was a reserved person, though now he has fully embraced it and has become a highly public individual known for hosting grand events and becoming a patron for the arts. He regularly contributes large amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through both his private and public foundations.
Since 1989, Alexandus II has been included in the list of Wealthiest People in the World, peaking at 3rd in 2011. Currently, he is listed as the xxth-richest person in the world with a net worth of about $xx
Life
Early Life
Alexandus Amatius Lurio Venio II was born in Castra Osaniovo on 22 May 1959. As a third-generation heir to the family business and one of the rising influential families, Alexandus II was the first person in the Venio Estate to be raised as a patrician. It is noted that his relationship with his father was strained, and there seems to have been a mutual resentment between the two, which boiled over during a heated argument when Alexandus turned 16. Consequently, Alexandus adopted the nickname 'Alexano', which is still used by close friends today.
Alexandus II attended the Sântrode School of Fine Arts for compulsory education, where he displayed an early aptitude for business strategy and a deep understanding of political systems, attributes that would later form the cornerstone of his successful career. However, it was during these formative years at Sântrode that he also discovered a profound love for the arts, most notably sculpture, and more specifically, marble sculpture. He was fascinated by the intricate details, the raw expression of emotion, and the sense of permanence that such works of art embodied. His love for sculpture grew stronger with time, often seen skipping traditional athletics and recreational activities favored by his peers to spend time in the sculpture studio. Alexandus began creating his own works, showcasing a keen eye for detail and an exceptional ability to imbue his sculptures with a level of emotion and sophistication that belied his young age.
While his talent was undeniable, his true passion lay in the appreciation of the works of the masters. Even from a young age, Alexandus began amassing an impressive personal collection of sculptures over the years, showcasing pieces from different periods and cultures. His favorites were often marble statues from the Third Imperium, which he considered the epitome of artistic achievement. He marveled at the ability of artists to extract delicate forms from solid stone, and saw a reflection of his own ambitions – to create something enduring and significant from the raw materials at his disposal. Following his schooling at Sântrode, he enrolled at Fortuna Institute's Montini School of Business, a decision that set him on a direct path to eventually helm the family business. Despite his burgeoning business career, Alexandus continued to harbor a deep affection for sculpture. He became an avid patron of the arts, supporting sculptors and institutions dedicated to sculpture, both within Caphiria and internationally.
Tākaric Crisis
Weeks before he was to begin college at age twenty, he instead decided liquidate his tuition funds and ran off with his girlfriend Nadiana to Vespera, an overseas province in the Capelranco region of the Vallos subcontinent. However, they were captured by marauders from the Tākara tribe within the Loa Republic, who were notorious for piracy and crime. Rather than succumbing to despair, Alexandus used his wit and negotiation skills to communicate with their captors. He discovered that they were not just mere criminals but were part of a faction called nondo mweusi (black moths) who were seeking independence for Tākara from the Loa Republic. Despite his captivity, Alexandus managed to gain the trust of the group's leaders through his negotiation skills, understanding of political systems, and clear commitment to their cause. The conflict that led to Tākara's independence was rooted in deep-seated socio-economic disparity and political discontent among the Tākaric population. The Loa Republic's rule was viewed as oppressive, with rampant exploitation of local resources, leaving the people in poverty and despair. These circumstances gave rise to groups like nondo mweusi, who found support among the disenchanted locals. Alexandus - realizing that the province of Vespera was only a few hundred miles away, understood that he was dealing with a powder keg of rebellion that could lead to a bloody and protracted conflict if not handled carefully. Similarly, he recognized that the Tākaric rebels lacked the organizational structure and strategic approach necessary to negotiate successfully with the Loa government; leveraging his understanding of both worlds, Alexandus saw an opportunity to mediate between the two. Recognizing an opportunity, Alexandus proposed a deal: their freedom in exchange for his assistance in achieving their political goals. The pirates, skeptical but intrigued by the audacious proposal, agreed.
His first step was to reorient and rebrand nondo mweusi. Despite being cut off from his father and his wealth, Alexandus managed to galvanize the disparate group of pirates and turn them into a legitimate political force - the Black Moth Company. He steered the group away from acts of piracy and violence, encouraging them instead to focus on political activism. Under his guidance, the Company transitioned from being a feared group of pirates to a recognized voice for Tākaric independence. Alexandus assisted the group in articulating their demands for independence in a way that appealed to both the Tākaric people and international observers, thereby gaining more legitimacy for their cause. In the early days, the Black Moth Company was primarily a group of pirates known for their ruthless operations across Capelranco; they were feared and despised in equal measure, especially by the affluent class of Caphiria from which Alexandus hailed. However, the Company was also representative of Tākara's discontent with Loa rule and the dire socio-economic conditions in the region.
Subsequently, Alexandus facilitated dialogue between the Black Moth Company and the Loa government. Alexandus used his own personal connections and influence within Caphirian political circles to open channels of communication that had previously been non-existent. His ability to articulate the Tākaric perspective, coupled with his skill in negotiation, led to a groundbreaking agreement: Tākara would be divided into two regions - East Tākara and West Tākara. East Tākara, which was more populated and had been the hotbed of the independence movement, was given autonomy, effectively gaining its independence. The region was primarily managed by leaders from the Black Moth Company, who were finally able to bring about the changes they had long sought. On the other hand, West Tākara remained under the Loa Republic. The agreement was celebrated as a triumph of negotiation and diplomacy over conflict and violence. Alexandus II was hailed as the architect of this peace deal, his reputation cemented as a strategic thinker and master negotiator. The experience marked a defining chapter in his life, shaping his approach to business and politics for years to come.
Return home
Upon returning to Caphiria after his seven-year sojourn, Alexandus found the landscape dramatically changed. His father had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and in his absence, had chosen another heir apparent to take over Quicksilver Industries. The family business, which he was once poised to inherit, was now on the brink of being passed to someone else. Undeterred, Alexandus II seized this as yet another challenge to overcome. He spent the last years of his father's life attempting to mend their estranged relationship. Through their reconciliation, he also demonstrated his dedication and resolve to uphold the family legacy. Seeing his son's newfound maturity and understanding of duty, his father relented and reinstated Alexandus as his heir, just days before he passed away.
On 17 March 1989, Alexandus II assumed control of Quicksilver Industries as Chief Executive, taking the helm of a company at a crucial juncture in its history. Drawing upon the lessons from his time in Tākara, he set about transforming the business. His leadership led to an aggressive expansion of Quicksilver Industries, with the company venturing into new markets and sectors. Under Alexandus II, Quicksilver Industries not only grew in scale but also in reputation. His focus on strategic partnerships and investments led to profitable ventures that significantly increased the company's revenue and valuation. Moreover, his tactical use of political influence ensured Quicksilver Industries maintained a favorable position within the industry, warding off potential threats and competition.
Later that year, in one of the most audacious moves of his career, Alexandus took Quicksilver Industries public. The initial public offering (IPO) was the largest in Caphirian history, raising an unprecedented amount of capital and skyrocketing the company's valuation. This move solidified Quicksilver Industries' standing as one of the world's leading corporations.
Since then, Alexandus II has continued to steer Quicksilver Industries to new heights, with the company quadrupling in value under his stewardship. Today, the company is a significant contributor to Caphiria's GDP and provides employment to over 3 million people.