Toronto Hedge Fund Event Offers Investors a Unique Opportunity

Financial Post – October 22nd 2007

By Jonathan Ratner – Following up on the success of the inaugural Investors Meet Canadian Hedge Fund Managers Forum in April, Introduction Capital’s Karen Azlen has organized a second event set for this Thursday.

Sixteen managers will make presentations to a private audience of investors comprised of sophisticated and accredited high-net worth individuals, fund of funds, groups from the U.S., and perhaps even a couple from Europe. Ms. Azlen promises a day of no-fluff targeted information, without interference from service providers, on what managers do, as well as their firm’s strategy, focus and outlooks.

“It’s just so great to be to able to see that many managers and get the gist of what they do in one day,” she said. “It is very effective, especially for more institutional investors, fund of funds, or family offices, because they’re looking for managers and they have to go out and see them one at a time.”

The moderator this year is consultant Steve Kangas, while the event’s keynote speaker is Tom McCullough, one of the founders of multi-family office Northwood Stephens. The day will feature several early-stage managers like Max Reydman from Optimal Models. He has been in the business for a long time, but has now set up his own quantitative model and fund.

Other presentations of note include technology manager Avner Mandelman from Giraffe Capital, who will provide some sector-specific focus. Bigger groups like Hillsdale Investment Management will also be represented. It has been around since 1996 and has several hedge funds with different strategies, as well as more than $400-million in assets under management.

Making a return visit is Gary Ostoich, president of Salida Capital, which manages more than $1-billion. He will provide an overview of his firm’s offerings. Tom Anthony from Peregrine Investment Management is another repeat presenter. Allan Jacobs will make one of his first presentations since joining Sprott Asset Management. His fund was launched less than two months ago.

“They’re very excited about having him,” Ms. Azlen said. “He was one of the highest-performing small-cap managers in Canada and Sprott nabbed him.”

So if last year’s event is any indication, this intimate event will provide plenty of unique insight into the hedge fund industry and a great forum for managers and investors to meet.