BNP Paribas launches disruptive technology fund

twitter-iconfacebook-iconlinkedin-iconmail-iconprint-icon
Search supported by
BNP Paribas launches disruptive technology fund

BNP Paribas has launched the Parvest Disruptive Technology fund.

The aim of the mandate is to invest in companies expected to be the winners from technological change.

The fund will invest in 30 to 50 companies, all of which must have a minimum market capitalisation of $1bn (£740m).

The fund will be managed by Pam Hegarty, who is a portfolio manager and senior equity analyst at the company.

According to the fund house, the investment approach will combine top down and bottom up analysis.

Thematic and industry analysis will be used to identify companies that are enabling or benefiting from transformative technology themes combined with fundamental research to identify those companies with the highest growth potential and greatest competitive strengths.

The portfolio is then constructed in accordance with BNP Paribas's internal environmental, social and governance criteria, and is subject to ongoing risk management.

BNP Paribas's launch comes just weeks after Robeco launched a new fund investing only in listed Fintech companies.

The Robeco fund, which will be available to both wholesale and retail investors, will concentrate on three types of Fintech companies that the investment house describes as ‘today’s winners’ that already have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

When asked to comment on the BNP Paribas launch, Patrick Connolly, head of communications at Chase De Vere, said: “Technology innovations are changing some industries beyond all recognition and this is a trend which will continue.

"In many cases the winners of tomorrow are unlikely to be the market leaders of today.

"This can create opportunities for investors, although it brings big risks as it is difficult to identify tomorrow's winners and then even more difficult for those companies to sustain their market position in the face of further innovations and new competitors.

"This fund is therefore probably more suitable for long-term regular savings than significant lump sum investments.”

david.thorpe@ft.com