Vietnam-based private equity firm Mekong Capital has appointed its fifth partner, Max F. Scheichenost, who oversees the firm’s digital, technology and growth operations.
This added to Mekong Capital’s current four partners, including its founder Chris Freund, Chad Ovel, Truong Dieu Le (in charge of overall operations) and Nguyen Thi Minh Giang (in charge of talent and corporate culture).
Scheichenost joined Mekong Capital in 2020 as director of digital transformation. In his capacity, he has built a team of five experts in the areas of digital transformation, digital workplace, customer experience, and business intelligence, Mekong Capital said in a statement.
“Max and his team had a significant impact on the rollout of digital transformation, agile, business intelligence, and customer-driven mindset across our portfolio companies,” said Freund.
“My personal highlights include observing the personal transformation of some leadership team members that achieved results that they previously thought were impossible to achieve. Now as a partner of Mekong Capital, I clearly see the interdependence of operating at such a high level of performance,” shared Scheichenost.
Mekong Capital claimed it would not invest in technology, given its expertise in brick-and-mortar assets such as retail, distribution, pharmaceuticals, education and logistics.
However, the firm does not opt out tech-enabled businesses with an omnichannel retailing model. It has also been emphasising on digital transformation as one of the important elements to help its portfolio companies grow.
Mekong Capital has advised five funds, two of which are currently active. Its latest investment vehicle, the $246 million Mekong Enterprise Fund IV, has to date announced seven investments, including Marou, Mutosi, HSV Group, LiveSpo Global, Rever, Gene Solutions, and Entobel. The latter four have a strong tech component in the business.
In a recent interview with DealStreetAsia, Freund said the company’s investment decisions were driven by the quality of the founders, who had a proven business model, and built a strong management team.