Singapore fintech startup Helicap acquires local securities firm Arcor Capital

Helicap, a Singapore-based fintech platform specializing in alternative lending in Southeast Asia, has acquired local securities firm Arcor Capital for an undisclosed amount.

From left: Arcor director Simon Ong, Helicap CIO/CFO Quentin Vanoekel, Arcor managing partner Rahul Khemka, Helicap CEO David Wang, and Arcor managing partner Patrick Hong / Photo credit: Helicap

The newly acquired company joins sister company Helicap Investments under Helicap Group in sourcing investment opportunities for accredited investors from the US$500 billion Asia-Pacific alternative lending market, according to a statement.

Arcor Capital, which holds a capital markets services license for dealing in securities from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, focuses on private debt and growth capital for early-stage firms in Asia.

Helicap said Arcor and Helicap Investments, which recently obtained registered fund management company status, will work together to raise about US$181 million in capital from accredited investors.

Through the acquisition, 18-month-old Helicap said it will be able to “immediately ramp up our engagement with sophisticated investors via debt securities fundraising and credit fund management.”

As part of the deal, Arcor Capital co-founders and managing partners Patrick Hong and Rahul Khemka will join Helicap Group. Their new positions were not specified, but they will remain in senior management roles.

“Together with Helicap’s scale, resources, and reputation, this provides us with an ideal platform for expanding our private debt business,” said Hong.

In September 2018, Helicap raised US$5 million in pre-series A funding led by East Ventures and Soilbuild Group Holdings.