3 6 Ke·2025-11-14 03:39Core Insights - Blue Pool Capital, supported by Alibaba's co-founder Joe Tsai, has launched its first external fundraising private equity fund with a target size of $750 million [1][2][5] Fundraising Details - The fund, named Riverside, aims to invest in mid-sized companies valued between $100 million and $1 billion, focusing on three main sectors: high-end retail and lifestyle brands, fintech and digital banking solutions, and technology fields such as AI and SaaS [2][3] - Target Limited Partners (LPs) for Riverside include family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds, with the first round of fundraising expected to be completed by early 2026 [3] Strategic Shift - This fundraising marks a significant strategic shift for Blue Pool, transitioning from managing internal capital to establishing an "external capital management platform" to seek new growth paths and larger transaction opportunities [5][10] - Blue Pool is also raising an additional $500 million for its Harborside fund, which focuses on hedge funds and private credit funds [5] Market Context - The fundraising occurs as global investors reassess their allocations to the Chinese market, with signs of capital inflow returning in the first half of 2025, exceeding $50 billion [5] - Notable figures, such as EQT's Asia Chairman, have expressed optimism about the Chinese market, indicating a trend towards diversification in investments, particularly benefiting regions like Hong Kong and mainland China [5] Company Background - Blue Pool was established in 2014 by Joe Tsai in Hong Kong, initially managing wealth from Alibaba's IPO [6] - The firm holds a Type 9 license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and has over $50 billion in assets under management as of 2022 [6] - Blue Pool has made significant investments in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and luxury real estate, and has recently increased its focus on the technology sector [6][8] Leadership and Expertise - The transition to external fundraising is led by CEO Oliver Weisberg, who has extensive experience in the capital markets and a strong network in both the U.S. and China [10][12] - Weisberg's background includes significant roles at Goldman Sachs and Citadel, enhancing Blue Pool's competitive edge in the investment landscape [10][12] Investment Focus - Blue Pool has diversified its investments, including luxury hotels, real estate, and blockchain technology, with notable investments in fintech and high-end fashion brands [8][9] - The firm has also made strategic investments in sports, including ownership stakes in the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, reflecting Tsai's passion for sports and its commercial potential [14][16]