We find emergent value in businesses whose fundamental qualities persist across market transformations. By combining disciplined value investing with opportunistic execution, we target exceptional businesses where patient capital and operational expertise create asymmetric returns.
Value Foundation: Our 17% p.a. gross return track record demonstrates our ability to identify quality at reasonable prices. We seek businesses trading below intrinsic value with catalysts for realization.
Opportunistic Execution: We pursue private investments targeting 25%+ IRRs through hands-on value creation. Our team's expertise in financial restructuring, operational improvement, and cross-border scaling transforms potential into performance.
Systems Approach: We view businesses as complex adaptive systems. The most valuable opportunities arise where others see only parts—we see the whole and how it can evolve.
GP Alignment: Partners invest 5% of fund capital alongside our investors, ensuring complete alignment of interests.
Our hybrid approach captures value across market structures, combining the discipline of public markets with the control of private equity.
Public Markets (40-60% allocation): Concentrated portfolio of 15-25 high-conviction positions. Maximum position size of 20%. Focus on quality compounders trading at reasonable valuations. Active engagement with management teams.
Private Investments (40-60% allocation): Direct investments and co-investments in businesses requiring operational transformation. Target IRRs of 25%+ through active value creation. Typical hold period of 3-7 years.
Proprietary Framework: Our "Emergence Value Matrix" evaluates opportunities across seven dimensions: adaptive capacity, regenerative economics, network effects, management quality, competitive positioning, capital efficiency, and exit optionality.
Investment Committee: All investments require unanimous approval from our Investment Committee comprising both founders, our COO, and a non-executive member with 30+ years of institutional investing experience.
Our portfolio demonstrates consistent outperformance across market cycles:
Emergence Partners is structured to align our interests with long-term value creation while providing institutional-grade governance and operations.
Fee Structure: 1.5% management fee with 20% performance fee above 8% hurdle rate. High-water mark ensures we only earn performance fees on new profits.
Share Classes: Founder class (reduced fees for early investors) and Standard class available.
Investment Minimum: $1 million for qualified investors, $10 million for institutional allocations. We maintain a concentrated investor base of aligned partners.
Governance: Cayman Islands-regulated fund (CIMA #12345) with institutional-grade infrastructure.
We partner with leading global institutions to ensure the highest standards of governance, operations, and investor protection.
Regulatory Oversight: Registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA #12345).
Reporting & Transparency:
• Monthly performance estimates
• Quarterly audited statements
• Annual comprehensive report
• Full transparency on holdings and attribution
Investor Communications: Direct access to founding partners for all investors. Regular market commentary and investment insights shared through our secure investor portal.
Our multi-layered risk management approach is designed to preserve capital while capturing asymmetric upside opportunities.
Portfolio Construction:
• Maximum single position: 20%
• Sector concentration limits apply
• Geographic diversification requirements
• Minimum 30% liquid assets
Market Risk Management:
• Daily VaR monitoring
• Stress testing across scenarios
• Correlation analysis
• Drawdown controls
Operational Risk:
• Segregated accounts at Northern Trust
• Dual approval for all transactions
• Independent valuation by administrator
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
ESG Integration: ESG factors are systematically evaluated in every investment decision. We maintain a firm-wide exclusion policy for weapons, tobacco, and other harmful industries.
Our team combines 35 years of experience across private equity, distressed investing, and operational transformation.
Ian Higgins, Co-Founder & CIO
Former Head of Special Assets at Irish Banking Resolution Corporation. Managed €3 billion in distressed portfolios across multiple jurisdictions. Deep expertise in financial restructuring, operational turnarounds, and cross-border transactions. Trinity College Dublin (Economics), IMD Executive Education.
Paul Higgins, Co-Founder & CEO
Founder of INVRT strategic advisory. Former investment professional at Waterland Private Equity. Strategic advisor to multiple technology companies including Stripe Press. Deep expertise in systems thinking, M&A execution, and scaling operations. Trinity College Dublin (Business), INSEAD Executive Education.
[Name Withheld], Chief Operating Officer
15+ years in fund operations and compliance. Former COO of $2B+ alternative investment firm. Oversees all operational aspects including investor relations, compliance, and technology.
Investment Committee:
• Both Co-Founders
• Chief Operating Officer
• Independent Member (Veteran Value Fund Manager with 30+ years experience)
Advisory Board:
• Veteran Value Fund Manager (30+ years, managed $5B+ institutional capital)
• Veteran Family Office CIO (25+ years, advised multiple billion-dollar families)
Investment Team: 3.5 investment professionals with complementary expertise across public markets, private equity, and special situations.
Our investment philosophy extends beyond portfolio management. We regularly share insights on markets, systems thinking, and value creation through multiple channels.
Exclusive market commentary and portfolio insights delivered directly to investors. Analysis of market dynamics, portfolio positioning, and emerging opportunities from our Investment Committee.
Long-form research on value creation, systems thinking, and market dynamics. Recent publications include "The Maintenance Premium," "Systems Value in Complex Markets," and "Cross-Border Arbitrage in Rising Rate Environments."
Read on Substack →We regularly contribute to and recommend leading investment and systems thinking podcasts. Our partners appear on platforms including Invest Like the Best, The Acquirers Podcast, and Value Investing with Legends, discussing emergent value, complex systems, and long-term investing.
Explore podcast appearances →Environmental, Social, and Governance factors are integral to our investment process and risk management framework.
ESG Integration:
• Systematic ESG evaluation in all investment decisions
• Proprietary ESG scoring methodology
• Active engagement on ESG improvements post-investment
• Regular monitoring and reporting of ESG metrics
Exclusion Policy:
We maintain firm-wide exclusions for:
• Weapons and defense contractors
• Tobacco products
• Gambling operations
• Predatory lending
• Environmentally destructive practices
Positive Screening:
We actively seek investments that contribute to:
• Sustainable business models
• Positive social impact
• Strong governance practices
• Environmental innovation
• Stakeholder capitalism
Reporting: Annual ESG report provided to all investors detailing portfolio-level ESG metrics and improvement initiatives.