Capital Today

Capital Today, founded by the highly respected Kathy Xu, stands as a preeminent independent private equity firm based in Shanghai, China. Renowned for its deep expertise in the consumer, retail, and internet sectors, the firm has carved out a formidable reputation by identifying and nurturing high-growth potential within small and medium-sized companies. Kathy Xu, often dubbed "China's Queen of Venture Capital," leads Capital Today with a distinctive long-term investment philosophy, focusing on entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong vision and execution capabilities in building enduring brands.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a patient, hands-on approach, often providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. Capital Today is celebrated for its exceptional track record, having made prescient early investments in some of China's most successful enterprises. A notable example is its early backing of JD.com, where it invested approximately $10 million in 2006, a stake that famously yielded substantial returns. Other significant successes include investments in e-commerce giant Meituan, NetEase, and Yonghui Superstores, underscoring their consistent ability to pick market leaders.

Capital Today typically engages with companies across various stages, from early-growth to more mature expansion rounds, always with a focus on consumer-facing businesses that exhibit strong brand potential and scalable business models. While the firm's capacity allows for substantial investments, its initial cheques for small and medium-sized companies generally range from a few million to tens of millions of US dollars. For instance, their third fund successfully raised $520 million in 2010, demonstrating their significant capital base to support these investments.

The firm's commitment to fostering long-term value creation and its strategic insights have made it a highly sought-after partner for Chinese entrepreneurs. Capital Today's disciplined approach and proven ability to transform promising SMEs into industry titans solidify its position as a pivotal force in China's private equity landscape, particularly for businesses aiming to dominate the vast domestic consumer market.