Benedict Kwon
Partner / Co-leader, Investment Funds Practice
Introduction
My focus
I represent a broad range of alternative asset managers in the formation and ongoing operation of their private equity, venture capital, and other private investment funds. I also have significant experience in structuring the portfolio investments of private equity funds, venture capital funds, and real estate funds.
Private Equity Fund Formation and Structuring
I form an array of private investment funds, including private equity funds, venture capital funds, real estate funds, mezzanine debt funds, real estate investment trusts, and hedge funds.
I also advise private investment funds with respect to formation issues and efficient tax structuring and counsel clients on Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act compliance.
Representative experience
Benedict Kwon joined Nixon Peabody in August 2022. The representative work set forth below may reflect experience from prior firms.
Private Equity
- Represented Thurston Advisors, LLC, a leading investor in healthcare and business services companies, on the formation of its latest fund, Thurston Fund II, LP and Thurston Fund II (QP), LP, which raised aggregate commitments of $140 million. Building on the success of its earlier funds, the Funds will continue to make majority control growth-oriented investments in middle market companies in the healthcare services and business services sectors.
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a healthcare-focused private equity fund with $100 million of assets under management
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a private equity fund of funds with $200 million of assets under management
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a healthcare-focused incubator private equity fund targeting $1 billion of capital commitments
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of an entertainment-focused private equity fund with $200 million of assets under management
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a real estate company focused private equity fund with $50 million of assets under management
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a co-investment private equity fund
Debt Funds
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a debt fund focused on publicly traded debt securities with $400 million of assets under management
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a mortgage debt fund with $150 million of assets under management, using a subsidiary REIT structure
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a private credit fund of funds
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a mezzanine debt fund
Venture Capital Fund Formations
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a venture capital fund focused on the crypto space with $100 million of assets under management
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a venture capital fund focused on healthcare companies with $100 million of assets under management
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a venture capital fund focused on technology companies with $50 million of assets under management
Real Estate Fund Formations
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a real estate fund focused on multifamily properties with assets under management of $200 million
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a real estate debt fund with assets under management of $150 million
REITs
- Represented an investment manager in the formation of a REIT focused on the acquisition of commercial office buildings with $1 billion of assets under management
- Advised an investment manager in the formation of a REIT focused on the acquisition of multifamily properties
- Represented a property developer in the sale of $100 million of industrial real estate in an Umbrella Partnership REIT transaction
Investment Adviser Registration
- Represented investment managers in their registration as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission
- Advised investment managers in respect of examinations by the Securities and Exchange Commission
Looking ahead
Alternative investment funds have been gaining interest from investors due to the volatility in the public markets. We expect to see continuing robust formations of private investment funds utilizing investment strategies that address current market conditions.
In the news
- ABA VC Law Podcast
Part 2 of fund formation with Benedict Kwon
Sep 11, 2024Los Angeles Corporate partner Ben Kwon, co-leader of NP’s Investment Funds practice, joined this podcast to discuss the recent Fifth Circuit ruling on the SEC’s Private Fund Adviser rules, considerations when an offshore feeder may be set up, what happens when a fund needs to be liquidated, disclosure considerations for co-investments, and fees that may be collected by managers.
- Compliance Week
Court overturns SEC private fund adviser rule, calls out agency overreach
June 5, 2024This article covers the Fifth Circuit striking down the Securities and Exchange Commission’s private fund adviser rule. Los Angeles Corporate partner Ben Kwon, co-leader of NP’s Investment Funds practice, discusses how the court chose to respect the demarcation that Congress made between registered investment companies and private investment funds, and concluded that the SEC exceeded its authority in promulgating the new private fund rules.
- Journal of Federal Agency Action
Securities and Exchange Commission amends Form PF: What you need to know
Nov 1, 2023This article discusses recent SEC amendments to Form PF that require event reporting for large hedge fund and private equity fund advisers, and amend reporting requirements for large private equity fund advisers. The article was written by Corporate partners and Investment Funds practice co-leaders John Beals of Manchester and Benedict Kwon of Los Angeles, and Corporate associates Matt Bobrow of New York City and Marc Zhang of Chicago.
- Financial Advisor Magazine
Requirements and solutions for fund sponsors in 2023
Feb 15, 2023This article discussing requirements and solutions for fund sponsors in the new calendar year was contributed by Corporate partners and Investment Funds practice co-leaders John Beals of Manchester and Benedict Kwon of Los Angeles, and New York City Corporate associate Matt Bobrow of the Investment Funds practice.
Admitted to practice
California
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Education
Northwestern University School of Law, J.D.
University of Illinois, B.A.
Professional activities
- American Bar Association Subcommittee on Private Equity and Venture Capital Fund Formation, Co-chair
Pro bono services
- Served as counsel to adoptions of minors
- Women’s Equity Lab, legal counsel in forming an investment fund focused on promoting the businesses of women-led companies.
Insights And Happenings
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