Hong Kong real estate giant Gaw Capital Partners launched its Gaw Tamkeen Nexus Fund with a $150 million first close, targeting at least $400 total from Gulf investors. The expansion coincides with new offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, following Andrei Rotaru's appointment as Middle East private equity head earlier this year.

Despite regional instability, Gaw sees opportunity as Gulf countries unite. Rotaru believes investors may redirect capital previously earmarked for Western markets back home, reinforcing regional stability. The firm approaches cautiously but remains confident in the Gulf's resilient capital markets and growth potential.

This marks Gaw's second growth equity fund, following their 2021 vintage that raised $430 million. The firm joins other private equity heavyweights like Quadria Capital and Brookfield strengthening Gulf ties. The fund leverages growing connections between Asia-Pacific and Middle East, with cross-regional capital deployment surging 253% to $9.9 billion between 2019-2023.