Singapore has emerged as a premier hub for private equity firms, with powerhouses like Temasek Holdings, GIC, and Vertex Holdings leading the global investment landscape. These firms leverage Singapore’s strategic location, robust regulatory environment, and deep financial expertise to drive transformative investments across diverse sectors. From technology to healthcare, these private equity giants are reshaping global markets. For professionals seeking to connect with like-minded leaders in this dynamic space, I invite you to explore our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Temasek Holdings
Investment Style: Temasek Holdings is a global investment company with a focus on long-term and sustainable value creation. Their investment approach is sector-agnostic, covering industries such as financial services, telecommunications, media and technology, transportation and industrials, consumer and real estate, life sciences and agribusiness, and more. Temasek is known for making strategic investments that promote sustainable growth and help address global challenges.
Portfolio Companies: Temasek’s portfolio includes companies such as DBS Group Holdings (banking), Singapore Airlines (aviation), and Singtel (telecommunications).
Founding Date: 1974
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 800 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $287 billion (SGD 382 billion)
Key Investment Professionals:
- Rohit Sipahimalani, Chief Investment Officer: Oversees global investment portfolio and manages strategic investment decisions.
- Lee Theng Kiat, Chairman: Provides strategic direction and leadership to the firm.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Sembcorp Marine shares as part of strategic divestment.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Impossible Foods to expand plant-based food technology and market reach.
- Participation in the Series A funding round for Dymon Asia Ventures to support Asian fintech solutions.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 60B Orchard Road, #06-18 Tower 2, The Atrium@Orchard, 238891 Singapore
- Additional Offices: New York, Beijing, San Francisco, London, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Shanghai
Website: www.temasek.com.sg
Quote: “Our investment strategy is guided by the four investment themes of Transforming Economies, Growing Middle-Income Populations, Deepening Comparative Advantages, and Emerging Champions. We strive to deliver sustainable returns over the long term while positively impacting the communities and environment around us.” – Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Executive Director and CEO
Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC)
Investment Style: GIC is a global long-term investor managing Singapore’s foreign reserves. They are a disciplined, value-oriented investor with a diversified portfolio that spans asset classes, including equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. GIC aims for sustainable returns over the long term to preserve and enhance the international purchasing power of the reserves under its management.
Portfolio Companies: GIC’s portfolio includes stakes in companies such as Blackstone (investment management), SoftBank Group Corp. (telecommunications and technology), and UBS AG (financial services).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 1,500 globally
Assets Under Management: Over $700 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Lim Chow Kiat, Chief Executive Officer: Guides the overall strategic direction and investment operations of GIC.
- Leong Sing Chiong, Deputy Managing Director: Focuses on investment strategies, emphasizing value creation and risk management.
Recent Exits:
- Partial sale of Alibaba Group shares to diversify investment portfolio.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Jio Platforms to expand digital services and telecommunications reach in India.
- Acquisition of a significant stake in Chinese logistics firm GLP to bolster sector presence.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 168 Robinson Road, #37-01 Capital Tower, 068912 Singapore
- Additional Offices: New York, San Francisco, London, Mumbai, Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul
Website: www.gic.com.sg
Quote: “As a long-term global investor, our focus is on investing in enduring value and managing risk to generate sustainable returns that benefit future generations.” – Lim Chow Kiat, Chief Executive Officer
Vertex Holdings
Investment Style: Vertex Holdings, a global venture capital network, focuses on early-stage investments in technology and healthcare companies. Their investment strategy revolves around identifying promising startups with disruptive potential and providing them with the resources, expertise, and networks needed to scale successfully.
Portfolio Companies: Vertex Holdings’ portfolio includes Grab (ride-hailing and food delivery), Patsnap (innovation intelligence platform), and Nium (global payments platform).
Founding Date: 1988
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50 across multiple regions
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Chua Kee Lock, CEO: Leads the global investment strategy and manages Vertex’s growing portfolio across technology and healthcare sectors.
- James Tan, Managing Partner: Focuses on identifying early-stage investment opportunities and nurturing portfolio companies in Southeast Asia.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Razer following the company’s successful IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Sunday, a leading insurtech company aiming to redefine the insurance landscape in Asia.
- Funding in Biofourmis, a digital therapeutics company leveraging data analytics for healthcare solutions.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 250 North Bridge Road, #11-01 Raffles City Tower, 179101 Singapore
- Additional Offices: Silicon Valley, Beijing, Bangalore, Tel Aviv
Website: www.vertexholdings.com
Quote: “Our mission is to partner with bold entrepreneurs and help them navigate their journey towards building successful, transformative companies that can change the world.” – Chua Kee Lock, CEO
Pavilion Capital
Investment Style: Pavilion Capital specializes in private equity and venture capital investments within Asia, with a focus on fostering growth in early to mid-stage companies. They prefer investments in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and consumer services, leveraging their regional expertise and networks to support sustainable business growth.
Portfolio Companies: Pavilion Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Zilingo (fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform), Carousell (online marketplace), and HealthifyMe (digital health and wellness app).
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 30
Assets Under Management: Over $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Goh Yew Lin, Chairman: Leads the strategic direction and overall investment strategy of the firm.
- Vinod Nair, Managing Partner: Focuses on sourcing and managing investments in technology and consumer sectors across Asia.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Meituan Dianping after the company’s successful public listing in Hong Kong.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Ninja Van, a logistics startup specializing in last-mile delivery services across Southeast Asia.
- Funding in Huo Li Health Technology, a company creating innovative solutions for the healthcare sector.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 60 Anson Road, #12-02 Mapletree Anson, 079914 Singapore
Website: www.pavilioncapital.com.sg
Quote: “Our commitment is to partner with dynamic entrepreneurs and innovative companies, providing them with the capital and strategic support needed to achieve their growth ambitions and create lasting impact.” – Goh Yew Lin, Chairman
RRJ Capital
Investment Style: RRJ Capital is a private equity firm that specializes in growth capital and buyout investments, with a particular focus on sectors such as energy, healthcare, and consumer goods in Asia. They aim to create value by leveraging industry knowledge, operational expertise, and strategic partnerships to enhance the growth potential of their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: RRJ Capital’s portfolio includes companies like AirAsia (low-cost airline), China Shanshui Cement Group (cement manufacturing), and Cheniere Energy (liquefied natural gas export).
Founding Date: 2011
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $11 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Richard Ong, Founder and Chairman: Leads the firm’s strategic initiatives and is responsible for managing major investment decisions.
- Charles Ong, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director: Focuses on sourcing and overseeing key investment opportunities in Asia.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Blue Sky Power through a strategic sale to a major energy company.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in COFCO Meat, a leading pork producer and supplier in China, to support its growth and expansion.
- Acquisition of a stake in Sinochem International, enhancing its presence in the chemical sector.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 1, Level 18, 8 Marina Boulevard, 018981 Singapore
- Additional Offices: Hong Kong
Website: www.rrjcapital.com
Quote: “Our approach is to work closely with our portfolio companies, leveraging our extensive network and resources to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable growth.” – Richard Ong, Founder and Chairman
Everstone Capital
Investment Style: Everstone Capital focuses on private equity investments in Southeast Asia and India, emphasizing growth capital and buyouts. They target sectors such as consumer goods, healthcare, financial services, and real estate, providing operational support and strategic guidance to help portfolio companies achieve their growth objectives.
Portfolio Companies: Everstone Capital’s portfolio includes Sify Technologies (IT services), Burger King India (quick-service restaurant), and IndoSpace (industrial real estate development).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Over $6 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sameer Sain, Co-Founder and CEO: Drives the firm’s overall investment strategy and manages key partnerships and investor relations.
- Amit Shashikanth, Managing Partner: Focuses on sourcing and managing investments in the consumer and healthcare sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Rubicon Research through a strategic sale to a global pharmaceutical company.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Sahyadri Hospitals, one of the largest hospital chains in Maharashtra, India, to expand healthcare services.
- Funding in XpressBees, a logistics company, to support its growth in the e-commerce delivery segment.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 1 George Street, #10-01, 049145 Singapore
- Additional Offices: Mumbai, Delhi, New York, London
Website: www.everstonecapital.com
Quote: “Our focus is on building businesses of enduring value by combining our operational expertise with strategic capital to drive growth and success.” – Sameer Sain, Co-Founder and CEO
Heritas Capital
Investment Style: Heritas Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm that invests in growth sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. They emphasize supporting companies with transformative potential and scalable business models, providing them with the capital and strategic guidance necessary for sustainable expansion.
Portfolio Companies: Heritas Capital’s portfolio includes companies such as Holmusk (digital health analytics), Biofourmis (digital therapeutics), and Nalagenetics (genomics solutions).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Over $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Chik Wai Chiew, CEO and Executive Director: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and manages key portfolio relationships.
- Kelvin Lee, Managing Partner: Focuses on growth investments in the healthcare and technology sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Farrer Park Hospital through a strategic sale to a leading healthcare group.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in BitX (now Luno), a digital currency platform, to expand its reach in emerging markets.
- Funding in Qure.ai, a healthcare startup utilizing AI for medical imaging diagnostics.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 8 Cross Street, #22-00 PWC Building, 048424 Singapore
Website: www.heritascapital.com
Quote: “We aim to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and innovative companies in sectors that have the potential to make a positive impact on societies and economies.” – Chik Wai Chiew, CEO and Executive Director
Asia Partners
Investment Style: Asia Partners is a growth equity firm that invests in technology and technology-enabled companies in Southeast Asia. They focus on scaling businesses with proven models and strong management teams, aiming to generate long-term value through strategic capital and operational expertise.
Portfolio Companies: Asia Partners’ portfolio includes RedDoorz (budget hospitality), Carsome (automotive online marketplace), and Snapask (education technology).
Founding Date: 2019
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Over $400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Nick Nash, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Drives the firm’s investment strategy and oversees portfolio management.
- Oliver Rippel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Focuses on identifying and supporting high-growth investment opportunities in the region.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a minority stake in Gojek through a strategic sale to an industry partner.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a B2B e-commerce platform to enhance digital trade capabilities in Southeast Asia.
- Funding in a fintech startup to expand financial inclusion and digital banking services.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 6 Battery Road, #10-01, 049909 Singapore
Website: www.asiapartners.com
Quote: “We are committed to helping exceptional entrepreneurs build iconic companies that define the next generation of Southeast Asia’s digital economy.” – Nick Nash, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Northstar Group
Investment Style: Northstar Group is a private equity firm with a focus on growth capital and buyout investments in Southeast Asia. They invest in high-potential companies across various sectors, including financial services, consumer, and natural resources, with the aim of transforming these businesses into market leaders.
Portfolio Companies: Northstar Group’s portfolio includes Bank BTPN (banking), Indomaret (retail), and GoTo Group (e-commerce and technology).
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Over $2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Patrick Walujo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Leads the investment strategy and oversees key investments in Indonesia.
- Glenn Sugita, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Focuses on growth opportunities and strategic partnerships across the region.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Matahari Department Store through a public offering on the Indonesian Stock Exchange.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a digital payments company to enhance financial services in Southeast Asia.
- Funding in a logistics startup to expand supply chain solutions in emerging markets.
Office Locations:
- Singapore (Headquarters): 137 Telok Ayer Street, 06-01, 068602 Singapore
- Additional Offices: Jakarta
Website: www.nsgroup.com
Quote: “Our mission is to build strong, resilient businesses that can thrive in dynamic markets, creating value for our investors and positive impact for communities.” – Patrick Walujo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Conclusion
Singapore’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city-state’s robust financial ecosystem. As global capital flows increasingly recognize Singapore’s strategic position, private equity firms are playing a crucial role in shaping economic growth and international investment dynamics. The future looks promising, with opportunities for sophisticated investors and global enterprises seeking dynamic market entry.
Want weekly deep dives into exit strategies and business acquisitions? Subscribe to my YouTube channel @alexejpikovsky for insider insights that can transform your perspective on successful exits.