TLDR:
- Aviva Investors has added venture and strategic capital capability by creating a dedicated ‘VC and Strategic Capital’ investment desk.
- This new capability comes from the migration of the Aviva Ventures investment team to Aviva Investors’ Private Markets function.
Aviva Investors has bolstered its investment offerings by introducing a venture capital and strategic capital capability as part of the restructuring of its real assets arm. This move involves the establishment of a specialized ‘VC and Strategic Capital’ investment desk, which will be formed through the integration of the Aviva Ventures investment team into Aviva Investors’ Private Markets function. The Private Markets function already manages over £40bn in assets, spanning equity and debt strategies in real estate and infrastructure, private debt, and structured finance.
This strategic development aims to tap into the potential investment opportunities in Private Markets, particularly for UK DC pension funds. The supportive policy environment in the UK, exemplified by the Mansion House Compact, underscores the significant investment prospects in this sector. With the creation of this new capability, Aviva Investors seeks to bridge the gap and provide clients with access to a broader range of benefits offered by Private Markets, including unlisted equities.
Mark Versey, Chief Executive Officer at Aviva Investors, expressed enthusiasm about the firm’s growth trajectory and emphasized the importance of expanding Private Markets assets in client portfolios. Jill Barber, Chief Distribution Officer at Aviva Investors, highlighted the potential for attractive returns through the addition of a dedicated Venture Capital investment team, enabling clients to access dynamic growth areas in the economy.
This move demonstrates Aviva Investors’ commitment to innovation and growth, as it continues to evolve its investment capabilities to meet the changing demands of clients in the dynamic investment landscape. By enhancing its venture capital and strategic capital offerings, Aviva Investors aims to provide clients with access to a diverse range of investment opportunities in Private Markets, aligning with their goal of delivering value and meeting client expectations in the evolving financial ecosystem.
