Hong Kong-based Private Equity Firm Successfully Concludes Seventh Asia Pacific Real Estate Fund Amid Evolving Market Conditions
In a strategic move echoing resilience amidst global economic shifts, Gaw Capital Partners, a prominent real estate private equity firm, announced the final close of its Gateway Real Estate Fund VII mid-way this year. The fund, totalling a substantial US$3 billion, underscores Gaw Capital’s commitment to navigating the intricate dynamics of the Asia Pacific real estate landscape.
Gateway Real Estate Fund VII follows an opportunistic investment strategy akin to its predecessors, encompassing diverse real estate segments. These include office spaces, retail outlets, hospitality ventures, industrial facilities, information and data centres (IDC), life science properties, private credit and thematic platforms across the Asia Pacific region. This expansive scope spans Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and India.
Christina Gaw, Managing Principal, Global Head of Capital Markets, and Co-chair of Alternative Investments at Gaw Capital Partners, expressed satisfaction at the successful closure despite challenges posed by the pandemic and post-pandemic economic dynamics. She highlighted the achievement as a testament to Gaw Capital’s adaptive team and the unwavering support of investors.
In the face of ongoing market uncertainties, Christina Gaw remains optimistic about the post-pandemic real estate market. Gaw Capital is strategically positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities, having accumulated substantial dry powder. Thematic-driven investments in sectors like life science platforms, data centres, and logistics warehouses have garnered positive responses from investors. Additionally, private credit deals, actively pursued in Asia over the last 24 months, present attractive opportunities despite prevailing inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and potential recession risks.
The fund’s successful closure, attracting a diverse investor base, speaks to Gaw Capital’s ability to navigate market complexities and instil confidence in sovereign wealth funds, endowments, pension funds, and other institutional investors.
Gateway Real Estate Fund VII has already deployed funds from its earlier closings into several strategic investments. Gaw Capital’s persistent focus on thematic platform plays is evident in its expanded presence in the Japanese market. Notable acquisitions include a logistics portfolio across the Greater Tokyo area and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tokyo.
The fund’s diversified portfolio extends to data centres, logistics warehouses, an outlet mall in Guangzhou, and a life science park in Shanghai. Real estate-backed private credit investments in Hong Kong and Mainland China further underscore Gaw Capital’s multifaceted approach to value creation.
Beyond its seven commingled funds in the Gateway Fund series targeting the Asia Pacific, Gaw Capital Partners boasts a comprehensive portfolio. This includes value-added/opportunistic funds in the U.S., a Pan-Asia Hospitality Fund, a European Hospitality Fund, and a Growth Equity Fund. Additionally, Gaw Capital provides services for credit investments and manages separate account direct investments globally.
As of Q1 2023, Gaw Capital has raised equity exceeding $23 billion since 2005, commanding assets totalling $36 billion under management. This substantial footprint reflects the firm’s prowess in navigating global real estate markets and delivering sustainable value.
At the forefront of Gaw Capital’s strategic triumphs stands Christina Gaw, a seasoned executive with a distinguished background in finance and transformative ventures. Joining the firm in 2008, Christina assumed the role of Managing Principal, Head of Capital Markets, and Co-chair of Alternative Investments. Her dynamic leadership extends to overseeing capital raising, investor relations, and new product developments.
Christina’s illustrious career spans over 15 years in investment banking, with notable roles as Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and UBS. Her deep experience includes heading Asia Regional Sales and leading the APAC Capital Introduction team within Prime Brokerage. Her extensive knowledge and connections have proven invaluable in fostering relationships with some of the world’s largest institutional investors.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Christina Gaw is actively engaged in community and educational initiatives. Her roles include serving as an honorary advisor of the Hong Kong PropTech Association and an InspiringHK Sports Foundation board member. She contributes to educational institutions such as Hong Kong International School and Lingnan University, emphasizing her commitment to community development and education.
Christina’s recognition as Global PERE’s Rainmaker 30 and one of the Top 10 PERE’s Women of Influence in 2021 attests to her trailblazing contributions to the real estate and finance sectors. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco.
As Gaw Capital Partners celebrates the successful closure of Gateway Real Estate Fund VII, it stands as a testament to the firm’s resilience and strategic vision. Christina Gaw’s leadership exemplifies a dynamic approach to global capital markets, steering Gaw Capital towards new heights in the ever-evolving real estate landscape. The fund’s diversified investments and Christina’s commitment to community development position Gaw Capital Partners as a key player shaping the future of real estate investment globally.
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