After eight years, Macro Polo has ceased operations as the Paulson Institute will focus its independent research on supporting its programs as it continues to diversify its scope.
We appreciate the community that has grown around Macro Polo and the fruitful engagement we’ve had with our legion of smart and sharp audience. You’ve pushed us to deliver even more original work and innovative products. Our body of work speaks for itself, and we hope it will have a long shelf life – that was the intent from MP’s inception.
MP’s website is now archived and no new work will be published henceforth on this site. Please visit www.paulsoninstitute.org for future research and policy work on a range of global issues.
Thank you all for the support over the years, it has been a privilege to have had a home at the Paulson Institute and to have built it the way we did.
- Team Macro Polo
Leveraged buyouts, growth capital, angel investments, and seed funding—these private transactions take place, largely out of the public’s eye, not only in Connecticut or Silicon Valley, but also in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
In 2016, China’s private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms raised over $70 billion, more than 20% of total such funding globally. At the same time, these firms also deployed capital to the tune of $223 billion, accounting for more than 70% of global PE/VC investments.
As late comers, these Chinese firms have rapidly grown into formidable financiers. Most Chinese PE firms are particularly interested in products and services that can be commercialized and scaled up quickly in China. They tend to invest in areas that align with China’s shift to a more consumer-driven economy. Meanwhile, Chinese VCs have been active players globally, particularly in Silicon Valley. They have focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and electric vehicles.
CDH Investments
Company Overview
CDH Investments is an alternative investment fund with $17 billion assets under management, 61% of which is dedicated to private equity. The firm has invested in over 180 companies ranging from industrial manufacturing, consumer products, and medical and financial services. It also supports domestic Chinese companies with their international investments and expansion.
Global Presence
CDH Investments held 34% stake in Shuanghui International and financed its $4.7 billion acquisition of Virginia-based pork processor Smithfield Foods in 2013. CDH has sold nearly all of its stake in Shuanghui as of today.