Abu Dhabi Global Market, the global financial centre in the UAE capital, will be home to a newly set up $1-billion fund - Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners - which will enjoy the backing of top Emirati group, Mubadala Investment Company.

 

The new enterprise will pursue opportunities that satisfy a mandate of establishing a hub for pioneering companies to locate at ADGM, to generate attractive returns while having a positive impact on the ADGM ecosystem.

 

The Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners seeks to realise commercial returns by partnering with top-tier and up-and -coming investment firms and industry-leading businesses and professionals who will benefit from building a meaningful and sustainable presence in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

 

Four key investment principles guide Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners: to positively impact the financial ecosystem; build on Abu Dhabi’s and ADGMs completive advantages; meet target returns; and create sustainable jobs in ADGM.

 

The fund will be backed by Mubadala Investment Company with the endeavor to leverageits networks locally and around the world to originate attractive investment opportunities in the region, said the statement. 

 

Where applicable, the firm will also work with Mubadala investment teams and portfolio companies to pursue ADGM-related opportunities.

 

Minister of State and Chairman of ADGM Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh said: "We congratulate Mubadala Investment Company on the launch of Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners and we welcome the establishment of their fund in ADGM."

 

"Today’s event embodies the vision and ambition of the leadership of Abu Dhabi in establishing ADGM to enable investments and capital flow through our Capital City. ADGM remains focused on its role and responsibility as a leading International Financial Centre with trusted regulatory, judicial, commercial and dispute resolution regimes and infrastructure supporting the economic development of Abu Dhabi," he noted.

 

Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO and CEO Alternative Investments & Infrastructure, said: "With a vision to become one of the world’s leading international financial centers, ADGM is rapidly building a reputation for ease of doing business while creating opportunities for pioneering firms to build and grow."

 

"This partnership will see a major new fund put its roots down in ADGM at an exciting time for the international financial center. With Mubadala’s scale and networks across key international capital markets, I’m confident we will generate attractive returns while having a positive impact on the ADGM ecosystem of investors, investees and service providers," he added.

 

Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners CEO Guy Hurley said: "It’s exciting to be partnering with one of the most influential global investment companies at one of the fastest-growing international financial centers anywhere in the world."

 

"There are tremendous opportunities for strong returns built around Abu Dhabi’s robust economy. As a gateway to the region and major financial markets the Emirate also offers unrivalled opportunities for companies looking to expand internationally. We have a brilliant team of local and global talent and are looking forward to pursuing our ambitious investment strategy," he added.

 

With an employee base of over ten experienced investment professionals, half of whom are Emiratis, the fund will explore opportunities locally and abroad. 

 

Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners will leverage Mubadala’s extensive networks across key capital markets.

 

The new fund will target opportunities across asset management, specialty finance and financial infrastructure, with investees expected to have a presence in ADGM, said the statement. 

 

Criteria will also include the investees’ impact on job creation and engagement with the wider ADGM-based service ecosystem, it added.-TradeArabia News Service