Robustus Group

Robustus Group empowers innovative ventures with comprehensive financial services and sustainable strategies to help startups and individuals navigate funding challenges and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

The firm understands that securing funding for resourceful projects is challenging due to limited resources. Without funding, businesses can’t showcase their capabilities and attract clients and investors. The rise of skepticism around ‘greenwashing’ makes it even harder, as investors and consumers seek genuine environmental commitment in projects.

This is where Robusta’s all-encompassing services become a game changer. By leveraging its financial advising, asset management, trust management, and private equity funding, clients can overcome their financial roadblocks and take the next step in their growth journey.

The team boasts an exclusive blend of government and private sector expertise. The Singapore partner holds a government-sponsored scholarship, and the Korean partner is recognized for environmental contributions, while the Chinese partner serves as vice chair at a prominent bank. This diverse background offers clients a holistic perspective, aligning government policies with private sector opportunities for optimal project outcomes.

The firm’s extensive market analysis and presence extend to major financial centers worldwide, with strategically chosen offices in the top 50 cities globally, particularly focusing on the top 20 cities. This positioning allows it to cater to clients’ diverse needs, locally and globally, ensuring success in the dynamic market space.

Robustus goes beyond traditional consulting, offering solutions, training, and funding for promising projects. This end-to-end support distinguishes it from competitors who handle only specific aspects of the process.

Client engagement begins with interviews to understand objectives, products, and societal impact. It assesses unique selling points for the client and their products, akin to the KYC process in banking. Following the interview, a comprehensive proposal is prepared, acting as a SWOT analysis, emphasizing their strengths and addressing weaknesses.

After proposal acceptance, Robustus enters the implementation phase. It crafts investor-focused materials and tailored investment decks, engaging with potential investors to align interests and negotiate terms. This phase fosters continuous learning for the client and Robustus as they navigate project-specific challenges.

Upon investor interest, Robustus collaborates with them to structure the deal, decide on financing composition (equity, debt, or convertible debt), and draft essential legal agreements, specifying ownership, veto rights, and dilution conditions. Valuation assessments determine pre- and post-investment values, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties.

“Our distinct feature is our in-house investment funds, which sets us apart from traditional consulting firms. We invest in promising projects, typically ranging from five to ten million US dollars, providing clients with financial support along with valuable advice,” says Dr. Kenneth Cheung, executive partner, Robustus Group.

The firm excels in tackling complex regulatory challenges clients encounter when structuring their ventures. From foreign ownership restrictions in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and China to stringent money laundering regulations in India, its expertise shines in every aspect of funding. It recommends pre-approved structures recognized by entities like the Reserve Bank of India, Singapore, or the UK, facilitating smooth fund movement. It also provides guidance on corporate restructuring to align with client goals and avoid unexpected issues such as tax liabilities. With a focus on optimization and long-term success, it empowers clients to scale their enterprises and confidently pursue IPOs.

Robustus fosters client confidence through strategic partnerships with reputable institutions. Collaborating with banks like China Construction Bank, JP Morgan, and Citibank as transaction or escrow agents, its legal affairs are managed by esteemed law firms such as Allen & Overy, Deacons, and Baker McKenzie. For accounting, it engages with respected firms like Grant Thornton, KPMG, CBIZ Inc., and Baker Tilly, meeting stringent know-your-customer (KYC) requirements upheld by these institutions.

Committed to the UN’s sustainable development goals, it actively acquires intellectual property (IP) assets and is on track to establish a Robustus IP bank in Cayman. Its comprehensive and innovative approach empowers projects to overcome funding challenges, emerging as thriving ventures dedicated to innovation and sustainability.

Robustus Group has an ESG company named Ecomatrix ESG Consulting Limited, which is in Hong Kong. Both Robustus and Ecomatrix have been inducted into the Catalyst 2030 Network, with Dr. Cheung being personally recognized as an individual member.

Catalyst 2030, launched at the 2020 World Economic Forum, is a global movement comprising individuals and organizations dedicated to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It’s driven by social entrepreneurs and innovators, co-founded in 2019 by leaders from organizations such as Ashoka, Echoing Green, the Schwab Foundation, and the Skoll Foundation. The One Family Foundation initially incubated it, and Panorama Global served as its fiscal sponsor from 2021 to 2023. This dynamic movement collaborates with communities, governments, businesses, and funders to implement innovative and sustainable solutions, transcending cultural barriers for a more equitable future.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Robustus Group operates across seven countries, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, London, and New York, with expansion plans in Seoul. Its diverse portfolio includes companies specializing in financial and environmental consulting, asset management, and private equity. It has achieved full membership status with SECA, the Swiss Private Equity and Corporate Finance Association, demonstrating its commitment to industry excellence. It actively seeks affiliations with United Nations-associated organizations to align with global sustainability initiatives.

Robustus Group stands as a dynamic and comprehensive force in the world of financial services, offering clients a unique blend of expertise spanning financial advising, asset management, trust management, and private equity funding. As the business world evolves in the wake of new trends, Robustus Group continues to make its mark in the industry, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for clients worldwide.