There’s something undeniably magical about China. It’s a country that exists in duality – where futuristic skylines rise above ancient temples, where history is revered yet innovation thrives. This past September, I had the privilege of travelling through China on a trip that was part business, part adventure, and entirely unforgettable. Together with Riscura INVEST, we explored the vibrancy of its cities, the sophistication of its luxury, and the undeniable opportunities driving its economy.
What began as an eye-opening tour of China’s venture capital (VC) market culminated in something far greater: the inspiration to create the Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund (AOOF). For the first time, South Africans would have access to China’s booming VC ecosystem—a market that has shaped global leaders and will continue to define the future.
The Journey Begins: Hong Kong
Our adventure started in Hong Kong, where the city’s energy hits you the moment you arrive. We stayed at the Conrad Hong Kong, perched above the city like a luxurious oasis. The views from my suite stretched over Victoria Harbour, where sleek ferries glided past, and the hum of finance echoed in the air.
Evenings were spent indulging in fine dining, like our welcome dinner at Jimmy’s Kitchen, where business met pleasure as we connected with fund managers and economists. There’s no place quite like Hong Kong – it’s where the East meets the West, and the possibilities feel endless.
Shenzhen: The Beating Heart of Innovation
From Hong Kong, we took a short trip to Shenzhen, a city transformed. Just forty years ago, Shenzhen was little more than a fishing village; today, it’s a futuristic hub of technology and ambition. As we met with the leaders of firms like Tencent and BYD Auto, the scale of what China is achieving became crystal clear.
BYD’s electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing transportation, while Tencent’s AI advancements are solving tomorrow’s challenges today. In every meeting, there was a palpable sense of forward momentum—an understanding that this is where the world’s future is being built.
The Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen perfectly embodied the city’s elegance. After a day immersed in cutting-edge innovation, returning to my spacious suite with its sleek interiors felt like stepping into calm sophistication. Whether it was sipping tea in the hotel’s serene lobby or unwinding in the spa, every moment reminded me that luxury and modernity coexist effortlessly in China.
Beijing: Where Past Meets Future
From the modernity of Shenzhen, we travelled to Beijing, China’s cultural and political heart. Staying at the Ritz-Carlton Beijing felt like being wrapped in quiet luxury. The hotel’s blend of classic Chinese design and contemporary comforts was as warm as the welcome we received.
Beijing offered a chance to slow down and reflect on China’s journey. Walking through the Forbidden City, I marvelled at its palatial splendour – a reminder of the rich history that shapes this extraordinary nation. And yet, just hours later, we were back in high-level meetings with firms like Future Capital and K2 VC, whose focus on AI, healthcare, and tech startups underscored China’s unstoppable drive to lead the world in innovation.
It’s in Beijing that we began to ask ourselves an important question: How could we connect South African investors to these transformative opportunities?
Shanghai: The Grand Finale
If Hong Kong dazzled and Beijing inspired, then Shanghai took my breath away. Arriving via China’s high-speed rail – an engineering marvel that left me in awe of the country’s infrastructure – we stepped into a city that felt like the future.
We stayed at the Shanghai EDITION, a masterpiece of contemporary elegance that felt perfectly in tune with the city itself. Its rooftop bar, overlooking the Bund, became my favourite place to pause and take it all in. As the skyline glittered around us, it was clear we were standing at the crossroads of ambition and luxury.
Our meetings in Shanghai, particularly with 5Y Capital and Lilly Asia Ventures, solidified everything we had seen and learned throughout the trip. The insights from fund managers confirmed our belief that China’s venture capital market is not just alive – it’s thriving. Sectors like renewable energy, biotech, and artificial intelligence are leading the way, supported by the government and driven by companies with global ambitions.
The Birth of AOOF: A Vision for South Africa
This trip wasn’t just about business. It was about seeing China through new eyes—understanding its ambition, innovation, and sheer scale. We realized that China’s growth story is one of the greatest opportunities of our time, yet most South Africans have never had the chance to participate.
That’s why we created the Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund (AOOF). Managed by RisCura Invest, a leading name in emerging markets, AOOF offers a fund-of-funds model that invests in China’s top venture capital opportunities. From the AI advancements we saw in Shenzhen to biotech breakthroughs driven by firms in Shanghai, AOOF is designed to deliver real value by targeting sectors that are shaping the future.
And here’s the exciting part: through instruments listed on the JSE, South African investors will finally have access to China’s VC market. This is a first-of-its-kind offering—an opportunity to share in the extraordinary potential we witnessed firsthand. With target returns exceeding **25% per annum** over the fund’s 8-12-year lifespan, AOOF prioritises tangible distributions as investments are exited.
Why Now?
Timing is everything, and China’s current market presents a rare entry point. Valuations have corrected, opportunities are abundant, and sectors like renewable energy and AI are receiving strong government support. Geopolitically, there are encouraging signs too, with improving ties between the U.S. and China helping to stabilise investor confidence.
We left China convinced that the time to invest is now. With AOOF, South Africans can finally participate in one of the world’s most dynamic and rewarding markets.
A Journey Worth Investing In
As I stood on the rooftop of the Shanghai EDITION on our final evening, I felt both inspired and humbled. China’s story is one of perseverance, transformation, and vision – a story we believe South Africans deserve to be a part of.
Through AOOF, we’re not just offering an investment opportunity. We’re building a bridge between two nations, two economies, and countless dreams of growth and prosperity.
So, to those who dream bigger, to those who see the future and want to be a part of it – this is your moment. Let’s invest in something extraordinary.
What is AOOF and why should you care?
The AOOF is an investment fund that will allow investors, particularly from South Africa, to invest their savings in the booming Chinese markets. The primary focus of the AOOF will be to find exciting start-up companies in China that have either developed pioneering technology, invented groundbreaking medicines, or some other innovative ideas.
AOOF will focus on 3 core sectors.
- Technology (AI, semiconductor chips, robotics etc.)
- Health Care (Vaccines, cancer treatments, and other new medicines)
- Renewable Energy (Electric vehicles and other technologies)
You can invest through EasyEquities or through an accredited JSE broker. Alternatively contact: [email protected] for help.
