Two large equity funds launched this week. What gives?
This week, two large equity funds have launched, sparking curiosity and speculation within the investment community. The first fund, backed by Liquidity Group and MUFG, combines technology and lending to provide growth financing to late-stage tech companies. The second fund, led by Dawn Capital, aims to invest in early-stage B2B software companies. While this may seem counterintuitive given the current state of the startup market, industry insiders believe that late-stage capital is making a comeback as companies prepare for an IPO rebound in the coming year. Additionally, early-stage funds see an opportunity to secure better deals at a time when valuations are down and generative AI presents promising investment prospects. These developments shed light on the strategic thinking and resilience of investors amidst a seemingly challenging investment landscape.
Mars Growth Capital and Dragon Fund Launch Equity Funds
Mars Growth Capital and Dragon Fund have recently announced the launch of their non-dilutive equity funds, in collaboration with Liquidity and MUFG. These funds are specifically targeted at late and growth-stage companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Deal sizes for these funds will range from $20 million to $100 million, providing significant financial support for companies in need of capital. MUFG, a Japanese bank, has extended its capital commitments to Mars Growth Capital’s non-dilutive funds, further strengthening the funds’ financial backing.
This launch marks a significant milestone for Mars Growth Capital, as it is the first equity fund to be powered by the technology used by Liquidity. Liquidity, known for its growth-stage debt financing, has raised $40 million earlier this year and launched a $250 million debt fund for tech companies. The technology used by Liquidity enables faster decision-making in deploying debt facilities and other financial solutions, making it an attractive platform for companies seeking growth financing.
Dragon Fund I, one of the equity funds launched under Mars Growth Capital, will focus on growth equity investments in private, mid to late-stage tech and tech-enabled companies in the Asia-Pacific region. The fund plans to evaluate investment opportunities comprehensively and at a faster pace, thanks to the power of Liquidity Group’s ML platform. With deal sizes ranging from $20 million to $100 million, Dragon Fund I aims to provide substantial financial support to promising companies.
Furthermore, MUFG has increased its capital commitments to Mars Growth Capital’s non-dilutive funds from $750 million to $1 billion. This additional capital injection will strengthen the funds and enable them to support a greater number of companies in need of growth financing.
The launch of these equity funds signals a growing opportunity for investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Late and growth-stage companies can now access significant funding through these comprehensive non-dilutive funds. With deal sizes ranging from $20 million to $100 million, the funds aim to support companies in their growth trajectories.
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Dawn Capital Raises $700 Million for B2B Software Investments
Dawn Capital, one of Europe’s renowned specialist B2B software venture capital firms, has raised $700 million to invest in early and later-stage companies. This significant capital injection comprises the $620 million Dawn V fund, which focuses on Series A and B stages, and the $80 million Dawn Opportunities III fund, dedicated to later-stage investments at the Series C stage onwards.
The Dawn V fund aims to make initial investments ranging from $10 million to $40 million, providing substantial financial support to early-stage companies. This fund will also reserve enough capital for follow-on rounds, ensuring continuous funding as companies progress in their growth journey. Dawn Capital has a successful track record of investments in companies like Mimecast, iZettle, Tink, and LeanIX, all of which have achieved significant milestones in their respective industries.
Dawn Capital’s investment in these successful companies showcases their expertise in identifying and supporting promising B2B software companies. With the launch of Dawn V and Dawn Opportunities III, Dawn Capital aims to capitalize on the growing opportunity for investment in Europe. The firm believes that the European market offers immense potential for B2B software investments, and this capital raise will enable them to support a new wave of innovative companies.
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Late-Stage Capital Coming Back for Pro-IPO Companies
The arrival of two large equity funds indicates the return of late-stage capital for companies preparing for an IPO rebound. While the last quarter of this year is expected to be relatively flat in terms of IPO activity, it presents a crucial marketing period for late-stage and growth funds to invest in companies waiting for the markets to recover in Q1/Q2 of the next year.
The partnership between Liquidity and MUFG to launch non-dilutive equity funds under Mars Growth Capital is a testament to the renewed interest in pro-IPO companies. These funds provide a lifeline for companies seeking capital before going public, ensuring their financial stability and growth potential.
This resurgence of late-stage capital is also reflected in discussions among venture capitalists in London. Private dinners and events have sparked conversations about the return of late-stage capital and the eagerness of investors to participate in deals during the marketing period in the coming year. It is clear that there is an appetite for supporting companies on the brink of going public, and these equity funds are just the beginning.
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Early-Stage VCs Benefit from Deep Tech Investments
While late-stage capital focuses on companies nearing their IPOs, early-stage venture capital firms like Dawn Capital are capitalizing on the opportunities presented by deep tech investments. Dawn Capital’s successful raise of $700 million for B2B software investments reflects their confidence in deploying funds at the early stage. With lower valuations and the booming field of artificial intelligence (AI), early-stage VCs are securing better deals and positioning themselves for future growth.
Investors and partners at events in London have shared positive sentiments about early-stage investing, particularly in the field of AI. Despite the anticipated slowdown in IPO activity for the rest of the year, early-stage investments remain a favorable option. The market recovery expected in Q1/Q2 of the next year further fuels this optimism, as early-stage VCs see the opportunity to nurture and support promising companies in their growth trajectory.
The convergence of lower valuations and the AI boom creates a favorable landscape for early-stage VCs. By seizing the opportunity to invest in deep tech companies, they align themselves with the future of innovation and set the stage for long-term returns.
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Market Outlook for IPOs and M&A
The current outlook for IPO activity suggests a relatively slow period for the rest of the year. While this may present challenges for companies seeking to go public, there is optimism about market recovery in the first and second quarters of the next year. This optimism is driven by the discussions among late-stage VC firms, who are preparing their portfolios for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and future IPOs.
Late-stage VCs are actively strategizing and deploying capital to help their portfolio companies navigate the M&A landscape. The return of late and growth-stage capital indicates a renewed focus on supporting companies in their pre-IPO stages. By assisting with M&A activities, these funds aim to position their portfolio companies for a successful future.
While the immediate market conditions may pose challenges for IPOs, the overarching sentiment about market recovery serves as a driving force for investment strategies. Late and growth-stage capital is being strategically deployed to help companies unlock their full potential through M&A deals and future IPOs.
Explaining the Emergence of Larger Funds
The emergence of larger funds in what may seem like a down or flat market for startups is driven by several factors. Firstly, the return of late-stage capital indicates the confidence of investors in companies planning for an IPO rebound. Late-stage capital aims to bolster pro-IPO companies and invest in their growth potential, positioning them for success in the post-IPO landscape.
Secondly, early-stage venture capital firms like Dawn Capital are benefiting from the availability of better deals and the abundance of AI investment opportunities. The convergence of lower valuations and the AI boom presents a favorable environment for early-stage investing. These firms are seizing the opportunity to invest confidently and nurture promising companies for future growth.
Lastly, the optimism about market recovery in the next year serves as a driving force for investment strategies. Investors and venture capitalists are positioning themselves strategically, recognizing the potential for growth and success once the market rebounds. This foresight and confidence in the market’s recovery contribute to the emergence of larger funds in seemingly unfavorable market conditions.
In conclusion, the launch of equity funds by Mars Growth Capital and Dragon Fund, as well as Dawn Capital’s significant capital raise, demonstrate the growing opportunities for investment in the tech sector. Late-stage capital is making a comeback to support pro-IPO companies, while early-stage VCs are benefiting from favorable market conditions for deep tech investments. The outlook for IPOs and M&A indicates a slow period for the rest of the year but holds optimism for market recovery in the first and second quarters of the next year. The emergence of larger funds can be attributed to the strategic positioning of investors and VCs, driven by confidence in the market’s future potential.
