Abakkus Four2Eight
Abakkus PMS | Alternatives | | AIFIME's View on Abakkus Four2Eight
Strategy
Mid to Late Stage PE Cat 2 AIF Strategy
Investment Fund
Although this is the AMC's first private equity fund (focused on Pre-IPO, late-stage deals), it presents a compelling option for investors due to its well tested investment philosophy, the AMC's strong pedigree, and strong industry connections. Pre-IPO funds are a popular way of participating in the value-creation that takes place through the IPO process, though these funds are dependent on the strength of the IPO market at the time of exit.
Fund's Strategy View
The Abakkus Four2Eight Opportunities Fund is a closed-ended Category II AIF that invests in mid to late-stage & soon-to-be-listed companies (pre-IPO), secondaries (from promoters/PE/VC prior to IPO) and PIPE deals across sectors. Pre-IPO funds give investors an ability to enter companies prior to their listing, and take advantage of valuation re-rating that takes place for a company going from an unlisted, to IPO and listing stages (partly explained by illiquidity risk reducing). The most appealing IPO’s are often oversubscribed and investors fail to get adequate allotments - this leads to investors only being able to enter these companies post a sharp IPO pop on listing. Pre-IPO funds, give you an ability to enter companies one stage prior to their listing, and take part in the potential uptick in valuations as companies go through the listing process. However, it is important to recognise the 2 primary risks of a Pre-IPO fund - the need for a strong IPO market at the time of fund exits & the successful IPO of investee companies (if these do not happen, returns of the fund can be adversely impacted).
Fund Performance
We refrain from evaluating the fund since it is yet to mature (less than 5 years).
IME's View on Abakkus PMS
View on AMC
In a relatively short-time, Abakkus has scaled into one of the largest PMS-AIF firms in India on the back of the strong pedigree of its founder - Sunil Singhania - an industry veteran who was the former CIO of Nippon MF. The higher 5-star fund rating for a relatively newer fund, is driven by the very high pedigree of it's founder (Sunil Singhania), a strong investment team and a very clearly defined investment philosophy (driven by the MEETS framework) & research processes.
AMC's Pedigree
A combination of scale, a very pedigreed investment team, a very well defined investment philosophy and strong performance in its initial years, makes Abakkus a highly pedigreed AMC with strong long-term potential in the Indian Alternatives space.
AMC Team
Abakkus's core investment team, led by Sunil Singhania and Aman Chowhan of Reliance AMC, has over 5 decades of experience. The senior investments team, is well supported by a large research team comprising a mix of senior & junior research analysts.
Investment Philosophy
Abakkus follows a MEETS framework (Management, Earnings, Events, Timing, Structural) for investment evaluations, with quantified benchmarks for quality, growth, and valuations. This MEETS framework, is complemented by a 5D Investment Process (the defines the stock selection process starting from a larger universe to the coverage list & final portfolio companies), a 4C framework of what they avoid doing (chasing momentum, churn, copying & credit risks) and a strong risk-management framework. The investment philosophies & frameworks are amongst the most tightly defined in the industry.
Abakkus Four2Eight AIF - Investment Strategy
Abakkus Four2Eight Opportunities Fund is a Category II AIF that focuses on mid-to-late-stage companies, pre-IPO opportunities, and PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) deals. The fund aims to generate high risk-adjusted returns by investing in businesses that are on the cusp of major value creation, leveraging their growth potential before they become publicly traded.
Core Investment Approach
Targeting Late-Stage Companies for Optimal Risk-Adjusted Returns:
- Invests in mid-to-late-stage companies with proven business models, strong unit economics, and established governance structures.
- Focus on companies with high-growth potential, robust financials, and scalability.
Pre-IPO & Secondary Market Deals:
- Invests in companies 2-3 years before their IPO, capitalizing on pre-listing valuation growth.
- Participates in secondary deals, where early investors (PE/VCs) seek liquidity before IPO listing.
PIPE Investments in High-Growth Listed Companies:
- Selectively invests in public companies requiring growth capital or recapitalization.
- Targets firms expanding operations, entering new markets, or strengthening balance sheets.
Investment Process Aligned with MEETS Framework:
- Management: Strong leadership, ethical governance, and sound capital allocation.
- Earnings: Focus on businesses capable of doubling profits in four years.
- Events/Trends: Identifies sectoral shifts and disruptive themes.
- Timing: Ensures investments are made at attractive valuations.
- Structural Growth: Targets companies benefiting from macroeconomic tailwinds.
Trailing Performance
| 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | Since Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abakkus Four2Eight |
Performance as of: 30-Sep-25 | Inception Date: 01-Aug-24 | Performance are post-fees, pre-taxes. Global funds denominated in USD or fund currency.
Investment team
Sunil Singhania | 5-star rated FM
Founder | 31 yrs Experience | 8 yrs at current firm
Past Experience: CIO (Reliance Capital), Director - Research and Institutional Sales (Advani Share Brokers)
Sunil Singhania comes with ~3 decades of rich experience. He was a CIO at Reliance Capital for over 20 years before starting Abakkus. Prior to Abakkus, in his role as Global Head ‚ Equities at Reliance Capital Ltd., he oversaw equity assets and provided strategic inputs across Reliance Capital Group of companies including asset management, insurance, AIF, and offshore assets. And as CIO ‚ Equities, Singhania led Reliance Mutual Fund equity schemes.Furthermore, he led Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd.'s international efforts and was instrumental in launching India funds in Japan, South Korea, and the UK, besides managing mandates from institutional investors based in the US, Singapore, and other countries. He is a CA rank holder and a CFA charter holder and graduated in commerce from Mumbai University.
Aman Chowhan | 4-star rated FM
Fund Manager | 25 yrs Experience | 7 yrs at current firm
Past Experience: Portfolio Manager (Reliance Capital), Equity Analyst (Reliance MF, TAIB Securities, Tata TD Waterhouse Securities)
Aman Chowhan comes with 2 decades of experience in the equity markets. Prior to joining Abakkus, he was Portfolio Manager for all local and offshore schemes for the PMS division of Reliance Asset Management. Having worked at the Singapore office of Reliance, Aman brings along a regional and global perspective in investing and has a strong track record across ‚ benchmark, absolute long, and long-short strategies. Before joining Reliance in 2005 he was associated as a research analyst with TAIB securities, Tata TD Waterhouse, and other brokerage firms. Aman holds an MBA degree from Mumbai University.
