When Stu Wilson and Teall Edds, two of Asia's most experienced hedge fund managers and the principals of Stark Investments' business in Asia, decided to spin out and form Orchard Capital Partners in September 2009, many in the market predicted the transition to be very much one to watch. After all, the capital raising environment was tough and start-up costs were escalating.
However, six months after its inception, Orchard has not just established itself as a true Asia-focused, locally run multi-strategy investment shop, but also segmented its product line by asset class liquidity profiles, thereby matching investor requirements aptly. "Most importantly, it gives us the ability to focus purely on Asia and be perceived as an Asian manager, while offering investors products of various liquidity," says Wilson.
Teall Edds and Stu Wilson
The firm has also been able to bring over the infrastructure and entire Asian-based team from Stark, thus...