Posted on 16 February, 2021
Mukul Gulati, Managing Partner of Zephyr Peacock, speaks to YourStory on why the fund is focused on MSMEs, our focus areas, investments made over the last 10 years, and details out current portfolio companies.
Click here to read the full article on "YourStory"
Below is an excerpt from the post that first appeared on YourStory on 16 February 2021:
Founded by Thomas C Barry in 1994, Zephyr Management is a global
emerging markets investment manager that specialises in the creation and
management of highly focused private equity funds.
The founder staunchly believed that there was a huge, increasing
problem of disparity in income between developed and developing countries. “If
we, as a society, don’t figure out how to close that gap, there’s going to be a
real problem,” he said.
This is why Zephyr Peacock focuses on emerging markets, providing
equity capital for small and medium-sized enterprises in India operating in
three sectors: financial services, food and agriculture, and infrastructure
ancillaries.
Mukul Gulati, Managing Partner of Zephyr Peacock, is an alumnus of
Columbia Business School and has been with Zephyr for 15 years. He says less
than 10 funds in India are focusing on the small to mid-sized segment, which
needs significant management support.
Mukul has been deeply involved in the growth of Indian SMEs from 2005 to the post-pandemic era. He speaks to YourStory about the fund’s SME investments in India, why it will continue to focus on the sector, and how finding diamonds in the rough makes it all worthwhile.
Edited
excerpts from the interview:
YourStory
(YS): Tell us about the total investments in India over the last 10 years.
Mukul
Gulati (MG): Zephyr Peacock India has successfully deployed more than $120
million and has invested in over 20 small and mid-size companies across three
focus areas - food and agriculture, financial services, and infrastructure
ancillaries. Zephyr Management has sponsored or managed 26 investment funds
with approximately $1.2 billion in committed capital.
Zephyr Management is a global emerging markets investment manager, specializing in the creation and management of highly focused private equity funds
Since its inception in 1994, Zephyr has sponsored and/or managed 26 investment funds in both public and private securities markets representing approximately $1.2 billion in combined commitments and assets under management
Emerging Markets Focus
The firm has initiated several private equity funds investing in several African countries, South Korea, Mexico, India, and Sri Lanka since its founding. Zephyr's funds serve medium size enterprises that are often ignored by larger private equity players. Zephyr funds provide growth capital to established companies with proven business models and sustainable competitive advantages.
Investment activities are currently focused on India, Sri Lanka and Africa.
Zephyr Peacock India
Zephyr Peacock India provides equity financing for fast growing, small to medium sized companies led by strong entrepreneurs and management teams.
Read MoreEmerald Sri Lanka Fund
Emerald Fund provides equity financing for fast growing, small to medium sized (SME) Sri Lankan companies led by strong entrepreneurs & management teams.
Read MoreZephyr Acorn provides equity
Zephyr Acorn provides equity financing and business support to innovative early-stage companies in East Africa.
Read MoreActive Portfolio Support
The firm's special expertise lies in bringing global best practices to medium-sized growing companies by assisting them in conceptualizing sustainable business strategy, management development, compensation, ESG, expansion outside of their home country, capital structure and positioning for stock exchange listing or trade sale.