Nikko Asset Management and its US-based affiliate ARK Investment Management have launched a technology fund focused on disruption which they say will have investments similar to venture capital, but made though listed equities.
The Luxembourg-domiciled Nikko AM ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund – a Ucits-regulated product – invests in the global equities of companies involved in robotics, automation, energy storage, genomic sequencing and next-generation internet technologies.
ARK defines disruptive innovation as the introduction of a technologically enabled new product or service that permanently changes an industry landscape by creating simplicity and accessibility while driving down costs.
Catherine Wood, chief executive officer of ARK, said: “The fund enables investors to access early-stage and emerging companies through listed global equity markets. We believe this offers long-term growth without the high costs and illiquidity typically associated with similar investments accessed through venture capital funds.”
Nikko AM acquired a stake in ARK August 2017 to “enhance its disruptive innovation focused investment solutions”, according to Nikko AM’s Europe chief executive officer John Howland-Jackson.
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