GROWTH ENGINE
Private Equity
In the [less than] quiet corridors of investment strategy, where spreadsheets meet vision, private equity (PE) stands as a bold bet on the future. Seen as the growth engine of the portfolio, the place where conviction meets complexity, and where relationships matter as much as returns.
PE plays a pivotal role in the investment strategy of an intergenerational institution, offering access to long-term value creation that public markets often can’t match. By investing in private companies via funds across different time periods — known as vintages — investors can smooth returns over time and mitigate market cycle risks. Each vintage represents a unique economic environment and opportunity set, contributing to a more resilient portfolio. Unlike liquid assets, PE requires patience; capital is typically committed for 8–12 years, allowing managers to drive operational improvements, strategic growth, and meaningful transformation. For investors like Quayside with its long-term time horizon, this aligns with a philosophy of backing people and businesses with enduring potential — not just chasing short-term gains.
Quayside’s PE portfolio continues to evolve. From beginning with a few New Zealand based managers it has grown into a deep and diversified network spanning Australasia and beyond. The strategy is deliberate: focus on the low to mid-market, where operational nous and entrepreneurial grit can unlock real value. Avoid the mega-cap glamour. Seek substance.
Behind the numbers lies a deeper story: one of relationships, patience, and purpose. Our portfolio’s long-term horizon means it can afford to be illiquid, backing strategies that take time to mature.
Quayside’s investment strategy is built on long-standing partnerships with experienced managers who not only bring deep sector knowledge but also invest alongside us — demonstrating alignment in both values and outcomes.
We back people as much as we back funds. That’s why we partner with firms like Oriens Capital, Pencarrow, Direct Capital, Mercury Capital, Waterman Capital, Pacific Equity Partners, and LGT Capital Partners. These managers have decades of experience, strong local and international networks, and a proven ability to grow businesses that matter to New Zealanders.
Together, they reflect Quayside’s commitment to values-aligned investing—where the integrity and intent of the people behind the capital are just as important as the capital itself.
Looking ahead, the team sees opportunity in sectors like AI, Healthcare, logistics and energy — areas ripe for disruption and efficiency. But the core principle remains unchanged: invest in people who grow earnings, not just valuations. It’s a strategy that requires trust, time, and tenacity.
PE at Quayside isn’t just about chasing returns. It’s about building something enduring. And in a world that often rewards the short-term, that’s a story worth telling.
