Philippines-focused PE firm Navegar seeks $150m for new fund

Manila Bay, Manila, Philippines. Photo: Eugenio Pastoral/unsplash

By Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.

February 26, 2019

Philippines-focused private equity fund Navegar is seeking $150 million for a new fund that will invest in middle-market, growth-oriented companies in the country.

Navegar provides growth capital to established businesses with a target investment size of up to $18 million. It largely focuses on investments in healthcare, manufacturing and consumer services.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has proposed an equity investment of up to $20 million in Navegar’s latest private equity vehicle, Navegar II LP, according to a recent disclosure.

IFC said Navegar II LP is expected to help improve access to long-term risk capital for fund investees in the Philippines that should lead to accelerated investee growth. Additionally, increased PE investment levels are expected to improve market competitiveness by small and mid-cap firms supported by PE investors.

“Through this investment, IFC would support a fund manager in a country where PE capital is still very scarce,” the IFC disclosed.

IFC is also expected to play a significant role in the fund’s structuring and governance, both before the fund’s first closing as well as throughout the fund’s life.

Navegar II LP will be managed by Navegar GP Ltd, a partnership between local partners Honorio Poblador IV, Javier Infante, Rodel Manansala, Swedish national Patrik Brummer, and Norwegian national Anders Stendebakken.

Last year, Navegar exited its investment in the US- and Philippines-based outsourcing startup TaskUs, which was bought by Blackstone for a reported $250 million. The Philippine investor had invested $15 million in the startup in 2015.

Navegar’s current portfolio companies include The Bistro Group, a premium casual dining operator in the Philippines; Bo’s Coffee, a homegrown coffee chain; and Bistronomia, an F&B group that operates premium Spanish restaurants.

Also Read:

Blackstone buys stake in TaskUs said to be worth $250m, Philippine PE Navegar exits

Philippines: PE industry remained nascent in 2017 but sees growing number of investable firms

Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
APPLY NOW