Agenda
Registration
Opening remarks
Navigating private markets in 2022 and beyond
After a record year of investments, expectations are sky-high for private markets. While the volatile macroeconomic environment has somewhat changed the landscape, deals are still being done albeit with different valuations than before. Investors are being more cautious and focusing on sectors they believe have the defensive characteristics and growth potential to thrive in uncertainty. Our opening panel will examine this year’s key investment themes in a rapidly changing landscape and share insights into their strategies.
- Will investment in alternative asset classes continue to rise?
- How are external risks affecting investor sentiment?
- Which sectors and geographies present the most attractive opportunities?
- How have fund managers adapted their investment and portfolio management strategies this year?
Networking break
The road ahead for private equity in South Korea
In line with the rest of the world, South Korea enjoyed record levels of deal activity and private equity investments in 2021. Deal flow has sustained its momentum into 2022, with technology and manufacturing sectors leading the way. Now that new regulations are in place to promote responsible investing, ESG-related companies should also attract plenty of interest. Our panel of experienced investors weigh in on the outlook for South Korea’s deal market.
- How has the deal market developed in 2022? Are we going to see more secondaries and how they can be used as an exit route?
- How are private equity funds supporting chaebol restructuring and how have the dynamics changed over the years?
- What types of opportunities are available in the middle market?
- To what extent have the new ESG policies influenced investment philosophies?
Technology and innovation in South Korea: Taking centre stage
The South Korean technology scene has captured the attention of its global peers. The country ranked fifth in the latest Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, thanks to its strength in research and development and value added in manufacturing. At the same time, from an investment perspective, there has been an influx of traditional investors, namely corporates and financial institutions, looking to participate in technology deals and increase market share in the digital space. This panel will take a deep dive into South Korea’s technology sector and its role on the global stage.
- How is the technology landscape evolving and which sub-sectors will see the most growth in the coming years?
- How are investors helping portfolio companies to overcome challenges and sustain growth?
- How will Web3 technology influence businesses?
- How does South Korea fit into the global technology picture?
Networking lunch
Venture capital: Riding the wave
2021 proved to be a significant year for venture capital, with USD671 billion invested across approximately 39,000 deals, marking a 93% year-on-year growth in terms of value. The industry also experienced historic numbers regarding exits, headlined by the surge of mega-IPOs and direct listings. Activity is expected to remain vibrant in 2022, but as valuations continue to soar, how will venture capitalists balance risks and returns? Our panel of venture capitalists assess what lies ahead for the industry.
- What are the key investment themes over the next 12 months?
- Given the influx of hedge funds and strategic investors, how has the venture capital landscape changed?
- How is the new macro landscape affecting investments and exits?
- What is the market sentiment around new technologies such as blockchain and decentralisation? How are venture capital investors approaching crypto?
Networking break
Seizing the potential of private credit
Going into 2022, given the threat of inflation and expected interest rate hikes, global private credit markets could see a shift in dynamics following a year of robust deal flow and activity. That said, the heavy volume of private equity fundraising is expected to continue, which should provide lenders with a steady stream of leveraged buyout financing opportunities. In this session, our experts will examine the state of the private credit market.
- What are the key macroeconomic factors affecting the outlook for private credit?
- How does the Asian market compare with the US and Europe?
- What can South Korean managers offer in the direct lending space?
- What are the challenges ahead for private credit investors?
LP spotlight: Commitment to alternatives
Alternative asset classes have seen increased South Korean LP participation in recent years, as institutional investors seek better returns through private markets. With increasingly more strategies available in the market, it is important for investors to identify suitable managers to partner with. Our panel of LPs discuss their investment process and outlook for alternatives, as well as their growing emphasis on ESG.
- What are the key investment considerations for institutional investors in 2022 and beyond?
- Which geographies, strategies, and asset classes interest LPs the most?
- How do domestic and global opportunities compare?
- To what extent is there a greater focus on ESG factors when evaluating investments?
Networking cocktail reception
M&A Technology Partner
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