Axa Investment Managers has launched a fund that invests in companies which play a part in the metaverse.
The Axa WF Metaverse fund is an actively managed, multi-cap equity fund investing across developed and emerging markets.
It will invest in 40-60 companies that pay a part in the convergence of the digital and physical world, and will be managed by Pauline Llandric, as well as co-managers Tom Riley and Jeremy Gleeson who run AXA IM’s robotech and digital economy strategies, respectively.
The metaverse is a digital environment that uses augmented and virtual reality to create 3D virtual worlds.
Llandric said the industry is at the early stages of a long-term trend which is growing rapidly.
“Revolutionary, cutting edge advances in technology have changed how we live, socialise, work and do business.
“The metaverse is the confluence of the virtual and physical worlds, where more technology is layered on to everyday life associated with the evolution of the internet connecting people, places and things.”
The strategy will invest across four themes:
- Gaming: said by Axa IM to be the first “building block” of the metaverse;
- Socialising: including platforms providing content creation, ongoing maintenance of liver experiences, user interface and social interactions;
- Enabling: Including semiconductors, technological infrastructure, cybersecurity and payment; and
- Working
Mark Hargraves, global head of Axa IM Equity, said the metaverse is an expanding and tangible investment opportunity, driven by real companies with the potential to deliver strong year-on-year growth over the next decade.
“With a global customer base, we expect to see an increasing number of companies emerging from new sectors – such as healthcare and financials – as capabilities increase to bolster the promising investment opportunities in this space. ”
sally.hickey@ft.com
