Energy
Energy poses particular conundrums for the sophisticated investor: it is an absolutely massive industry that is in dire need of reform, yet the opportunities for innovation are relatively restricted.
Click here for a presentation on Clean Energy.
Water
Unlike any other commodity, water has no substitute regardless of price. Huge efficiency gains in water distribution, treatment, use, and reuse must be made to address the growing imbalance between water supply and demand in both developed and developing economies.
Click here for a presentation on Water.
Case Studies : Investment Management
In January 2008, a US-based investment management firm with over $150B in assets under management hired Aquillian to assist in defining an investment strategy for a fund of funds in formation, and in sourcing and evaluating fund managers for the underlying portfolio.
| Structure: | Consulting Project |
| Function: | Investment Research |
| Geography: | North America, Europe |
| Target: | Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Venture Capital |
| Sectors: | Real Assets, Clean Technology, Commodities |
The client manages money for pension funds, large foundations, and other institutional clients. Recently, the client had received a mandate to create a $300M diversified Natural Resources fund of funds. The strategy involves diversification across:
- Real Assets (Timber, Ranchland, Vineyards, Farmland)
- Clean Technology (Water, Energy, Building, Waste, and Transportation)
- Commodities (Soft Commodities, Oil & Gas, Precious Metals and Minerals)
Aquillian’s assignment involves conducting specific industry research according to the client’s criteria, focusing on water and timber. Aquillian’s task is to complete due diligence on the fund candidates that are most relevant, and provide a business assessment that takes into account such factors as investment process, alpha source, and risks.
Aquillian presents an efficient way to gain the knowledge needed to create such a fund. With specific expertise in each of the fields under consideration by the client, Aquillian served as an informed and independent advisor, and as additional bench strength to round out the client’s internal team.