Successfully launching a new fund is a complex and involved business, requiring advice that looks beyond the first investment. Our team has been helping managers to successfully structure, launch and manage funds for years and our experience covers the vast range of fund structures and strategies. That experience enables us to take managers through the life of an investment fund, from the structuring and establishment of management businesses, to developing effective structures for fund vehicles, while finding the best fit with underlying investment and trading strategies.

Our diverse range of services range from developing optimal structures for management, trading and fund vehicles, and structuring options around carried-interest, co-investment and other participation's, right through to peerless tax planning and structuring, service-provider relationship negotiation and providing regulatory advice around management, capital-raising, trading and distribution. Naturally we deal also with a wide range of funds, including Private Equity, Real Estate, Venture Capital, Hedge, Retail, Infrastructure and Natural Resources. Above all, our funds team is ranked among the best and knows what it takes to support your business through the fundraising phase and beyond.

Experience

Bridges Fund Management Limited

We advised Bridges Fund Management, the market leading specialist sustainable and impact investor, on the launch of Bridges Property Alternatives Fund V at £350 million. 

We provide funds, tax and regulatory advice to Bridges Fund Management and advised on the marketing of Fund V in a range of different jurisdictions. 

Newcore Capital

We advised Newcore Capital on the launch of its fifth Newcore Strategic Situations Fund which invests in UK real estate assets linked to social infrastructure. The Fund is a closed-ended fund with a five year life and with a target 13%-15% p.a. net levered IRR after fees. The Fund focuses on repurposing assets into education, healthcare, waste management, life sciences and roadside uses, where there is long-term structural demand.

Various investors in the DTZi CoLiving Fund

We acted for a number of investors in the DTZi CoLiving Fund, advising one investor on its investment in the Fund and advising all investors on the updates to the structure and terms of the Fund at c.£650 million. The Fund invests in co-living assets in Greater London with a key focus on social impact.

Kester Capital LLP

We advised Kester Capital LLP, a private equity firm and recent client of the Investment Funds team, on its third fund focusing on lower middle market buyout investments in Western Europe. Fund III has exceeded its target of £150 million in commitments and has secured investment from several institutional investors based in the United States, the UK, Spain and other jurisdictions.

Illuminate Financial Management

We have advised Illuminate Financial Management, a venture capital firm and long-standing client of the firm since the launch of its first fund in 2015, on its third fund focusing on early stage investments in capital markets fintech. 

Fund III held its final close in May 2023 and secured USD $235 million in commitments, and has secured investment from several strategic and well-respected institutions, including JPMorgan, Barclays, S&P Global, Deutsche Börse Group, Jefferies, SGX and Citibank.

Giant Ventures Seed II LP

We advised on the launch of Giant Ventures Seed II LP, Giant's second seed-stage fund, which has a focus on early stage tech start-ups, in particular climate tech businesses, and Giant Ventures II Early Growth LP which provides growth capital to similar businesses. 

The idea of tokenised investments was part of the discussion around the fund structure, and the potential implications of "staking" tokens on the tax structure. LPA amendments were also required to ensure the manager was not prohibited from making substantial investments in tokens.

Insights