‘There’s immense potential for real estate focused AIFs across India'

Integrow, the next-generation, tech-driven real estate investment platform, identifies Kolkata’s promising prospects; aims to share its vision of democratising real estate investments through alternatives among investors. It has announced its strategic focus on Kolkata, recognizing the immense potential for real estate focused alternative investment funds among investors there. It aims to educate investors on how to maximise overall investment returns through smart strategies: pursuing high returns, reducing expenditures, managing risk, and building the portfolio. It claims that the company's commitment to transparency, rigorous due diligence, and active asset management positions it as a trusted partner in the industry.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Ramashrya Yadav, CEO and Founder of Integrow, outlines how they plan to tap their target audience, grow it and also how they plan to make inroads into six new cities within next one year

What does Integrow do, actually? What is your objective?

The company aims to empower investors by providing access to alternatives backed by institutional grade residential and commercial real estate investments, revolutionizing the way individuals and institutions invest in the region. And mind you that the real estate market in India has experienced significant growth in recent years. With a booming economy, a favourable investment climate, and increasing urbanization, the Indian real estate market presents ample opportunities for superior returns for investors.

Does it hold true for Kolkata as well?

Kolkata, as the capital of West Bengal and one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the country, boasts of a robust infrastructure and a thriving business ecosystem, making it a lucrative market for investments. It is also one of the major financial hubs in India and hosts a number of financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, stock exchanges, and investment firms. The city has a vibrant investment market with various opportunities for investments in sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, information technology, retail, and more.

What about investment or funds mobilisation?

Yes, in terms of investment mobilization also, it (Kolkata) would be the fifth largest in the county after Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Pune. As of June 2023, the State has an investment allocation of over 2, 30,100 in AUM of which 36 per cent is in non-Equity. (Source: amfiindia.com).

So, what do you propose to do?

Integrow aims to reach out and share its vision of transforming real estate democratisation based on authenticity and transparency with the investors and investment advisor community of Kolkata. It aims to educate investors on how to maximise overall investment returns through smart strategies: pursuing high returns, reducing expenditures, managing risk, and building the portfolio.

How do you plan to do that?

With its investment products targeting institutional grade residential and commercial real estate assets, Integrow aims to disrupt the traditional norms of the industry that have made such opportunities opaque and inaccessible to individual and institutional investors. The company's offerings are designed to deliver sustainable alpha, ensuring value creation for all stakeholders by leveraging the 100 + years of combined investment experience of its partners.

There is still a large gap between the opportunities that you are mentioning and the number of investors who actually want to access that. Isn’t it? How do you bridge that gap?

Yes, you are right. The real estate market in India offers a wealth of opportunities for investors. And at Integrow, our mission is to bridge the gap between these opportunities and the investors seeking access to them. We are excited to turn our focus to Kolkata and empower investors in the region. By leveraging Integrow's expertise, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships, we are confident in our ability to serve investors and deliver sustainable alpha in Kolkata's real estate landscape.

So who all are and would be your target audiences?

Integrow's target audience comprises a diverse range of individuals and organizations seeking expert guidance, professional management, and wealth maximization in their real estate investment portfolios. This includes individual investors (high net worth individuals, ultra-high net worth individuals, single family offices, multi-family offices, and other individuals in need of specialized services), institutional investors, channel partners (private bankers, investment advisers, wealth managers, and similar professionals seeking expert advice and management solutions for their clients' wealth), commercial property owners and real estate developers.

What would be your approach to reach out to your target groups and thereby grow your business?

The company’s value proposition lies in its commitment to help investors by offering direct access to high-quality assets. Key highlights of their approach include a seasoned leadership and investment team, unparalleled access to its roster of partnerships, comprehensive evaluations, strategic reporting, active risk management and technology-led investing.

At present, what is your AUM (asset under management)?

Currently, Integrow's Asset Under Management from east of India, which primarily includes Kolkata and Ranchi, together accounts to over Rs 100 crore. The company has a Rs 1,000-crore AIF (alternative investment fund) focused on residential project funding, and so far, has AUA (Asset Under Administration) of over Rs, 500 crore.

What are your plans, going forward?

We plan to make inroads into six more cities in the country, including Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, this year. We have already established our operations in Mumbai and Pune. We are also in the process of rolling out a Rs 1500 crore real estate commercial fund and a Rs 500 crore co-living and student housing fund. By expanding our focus to Kolkata, Integrow aims to unlock the region's potential, facilitating real estate investment opportunities for a wider range of investors.

We are actually planning to buy commercial properties valued at Rs 4000 crore over the next two years. Currently the company has three funds - commercial, residential and portfolio on management scheme (PMS). The residential fund with an AUM of Rs 250 crore, which we had launched, has been fully invested. It has also got SEBI go-ahead for rolling out commercial fund and PMS. Under the commercial fund it plans to raise Rs 1500 crore, which would give the company a leverage of Rs 4000 crore.