KZen Equities launches country-wide operations

Mumbai, July 8 (UNI) Pune-based KZen Equities today launched its country-wide operations to provide Indian investment clientele with global investment opportunities here.

The Company plans to be a niche player and provide free advice and access for only High Net Individuals (HNI) and corporates to invest in emerging and developed markets around the world. With a minimum investment amount of Rs five lakh required from clients, the Company claims to have already received Rs 200 crore worth of investment orders and Rs 400 crore in commitments.

KZen will target small and mid-cap companies around the world, with USD five million to 200 million turnover ''at point of growth'' which require funding in tune of USD five million to 20 million.

''It is most important to identify an individual company, not linked to the economic background nor sector. We receive 20 to 30 investment invites a month and undertake a three-step screening process that includes independent research to verify our findings and direct access to senior management of the investee companies to our clients. Of them, on an average three to five pass the screenings,'' KZen Equities Chairman, Kiran V Patel said at the launch.

Sourcing of high growth investment opportunities would also enable the country's investors to diversify their portfolio, he said.

The Company will focus only on providing specialized investment advice, leaving the client to make the final investment decision.

The transaction of the funds will also be done through Escrow and documents directly sent by the investee company to the client with Kzen no longer in the picture. Disinvestment advisory functions would also be undertaken by the Company for its clients.

On the subject of a potential clash of interest as KZen will provide the advisory services to its clients for free, it will charge a fee from investee companies, Mr Patel said, ''Our services will be built on trust and transparency, while investment on equities are inherently risky, our screening process and independent research report should inspire confidence.'' He said since the Company was focussing on HNIs and corporates, a majority of their clientele would already be investment savvy and would see through such crude manoeuverings.

The Company will be headquartered in Mumbai with its registered office in New Delhi and additional offices being opened in Tier I and II cities by the year-end.

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