Boutique investment banks strike tech deal partnership
An Australian technology investor has entered a partnership with a UK-based investment banking and advisory shop, in a bid to match local tech companies with overseas sources of capital.
Australia and New Zealand-based investment bank North Ridge Partners will collaborate with GP Bullhound to support the UK group’s clients across the Asia-Pacific region. GP Bullhound aims to leverage the partnership to help North Ridge’s clients access money in Europe and North America.
Roger Sharp, co-founder of North Ridge Partners, has teed up a partnership agreement with UK-based investment advisory firm GP Bullhound to enable Australian tech shops access to more overseas investors and buyers. Fairfax
North Ridge co-founder and chairman Roger Sharp made his name identifying unloved tech stocks such as ASX-listed travel.com.au, which he helped turn around through a $55 million sale in 2002.
Together, Mr Sharp’s tech advisory shop and GP Bullhound have worked on more than 700 deals. They advise companies needing series B-type commitments from venture capitalists, and service them all the way through to a sale or initial public offering.
GP Bullhound co-founder Hugh Campbell said he hoped North Ridge’s relationships would aid its fundraising efforts. The UK firm is seeking up to €300 million ($503 million) for its sixth fund. So far, it has raised about €140 million, and believes Australia’s superannuation funds can help meet its fundraising goals.
Until now, North Ridge has taken clients who want to sell to potential buyers in the US and Europe offshore. It wants access to GP Bullhound’s team who can connect Australian and New Zealand clients with investors in the northern hemisphere.
“We kissed a lot of frogs trying to find a partner
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