Fund to be managed by the team that raised close to USD 1 billion in assets in 15 months

Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies, the alternate asset management arm of Avendus Capital, which has successfully pioneered and introduced differentiated products and strategies for its investors, announces the plan to launch India’s first ESG (environment, social and governance) based fund. ESG investing is a type of sustainable investing, which is an umbrella term for investments that while seeking positive returns, also consider and evaluate the long-term impact that business practices have on society, the environment and the performance of the business itself.

To spearhead this initiative, Avendus has exclusively tied up with Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS), a SEBI registered research firm, who will put in place a robust ranking framework covering ESG principles. Avendus is also delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Rakesh Mohan (ex-RBI deputy governor) and Amit Tandon, Co-founder and MD of IiAS, on the fund’s advisory board.

Abhay Laijawala has recently joined Avendus from Deutsche Securities and will be the lead fund manager.

Alok Vajpeyi, Chairman, Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies says: “We have put together a world class team which will enable us to expand our suite of differentiated products and help in our quest to manage the next billion-dollar worth of assets, while promoting the cause of sustainable growth.”

Amit Tandon, Co-founder and MD, IiAS says: “Over the past couple of years, Indian corporates have increased focus on governance practices. As governance levels continue to improve, several Indian companies are starting to take a more holistic approach and are focusing on becoming responsible corporate citizens. As a result, we expect ESG to becomes a much bigger focus of Corporate India in the next 18-24 months.”

Abhay Laijawala, MD and Fund Manager, Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies commented: “Globally, 26% of total assets are today managed under socially responsible investment – USD 22.9 trillion versus USD 13.6 trillion in 2012. With US-based institutional investors increasingly incorporating ESG considerations in investment decisions, Foundations and Endowments are integrating ESG strategies at a rapid pace as seen from the fact that 43% evaluated ESG factors in investments in 2018 versus 22% in 2013.”

Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies launched the Avendus Absolute Return Fund in March 2017 and followed it with the Avendus Enhanced Return Fund in December 2017. Between the two funds, AUM has risen to almost USD 1 billion within 15 months of launch.

About Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies

Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies is part of the Avendus Group, which is a leading provider of financial services with an emphasis on customized solutions in the areas of Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Structured Credit Solutions and Alternative Assets Management. Avendus relies on its extensive experience, in-depth domain understanding and knowledge of the regulatory environment, to offer customized solutions that enable clients to meet their strategic aspirations. Avendus Capital has consistently been ranked among leading financial advisors by the number of deals. It has a strong track record of cross-border transactions and has helped multiple clients benefit from opportunities across geographies. Avendus’s wide range of clients is testimony to its ability to serve its corporate clients throughout their life cycle – from growth stage funding to complex, large sized transactions later in the cycle.

Avendus Capital Inc. and Avendus Capital (UK) Pvt. Ltd. located in New York and London respectively are wholly owned subsidiaries offering M&A and Private Equity syndication services to clients in the respective regions.

For more information, please visit www.avendus.com