Former Bridgewater Associates Singapore head Margaret Wang has taken on a new role as a managing partner at Recharge Capital, a firm that specializes in investing in themes such as synthetic biology, semiconductors, digital assets, and fintech infrastructure. Wang will lead Recharge’s women’s health investments and oversee the company’s broader operations in the Asia Pacific region.
Recharge recently received an initial $200 million commitment for women’s healthcare investments, with participation from investors including Peter Thiel’s firm and Shamrock Holdings Inc., the investment vehicle for the family of Roy E Disney. The focus of Recharge’s investment in this area will initially be on in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
The decision to invest in women’s healthcare is personal for Wang, whose parents are both doctors. While they had hoped she would follow in their footsteps, she chose to study economics instead. Wang spent nearly six years at Bridgewater, playing a key role in the hedge fund firm’s China expansion and leading its Singapore office.
Speaking about her new role, Wang emphasized the meaningfulness of being able to invest and build in the women’s healthcare space. She cited the growth prospects of the Asia-Pacific IVF market, which is projected to expand at a rate of around 17% annually, reaching $46 billion by 2031. China’s rapidly aging population is a major driver of this growth.
Recharge Capital already has investments in companies such as Fertilidad Integral in Mexico and Generation Prime, a platform that connects clinics in Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. Wang highlighted the digitization and streamlining of IVF services as a significant opportunity, particularly in addressing the restrictions and limitations that exist in some markets like Singapore.
In addition to IVF, Recharge is exploring investments in related industries such as providers of diagnostic tools for screening diseases and those focused on maternal wellness. Wang noted that one of the challenges for technology assets in this space is gaining access to clinics for procurement purposes.
Medical tourism is another area of interest for Recharge Capital. The cost of IVF treatment in countries like Thailand is significantly lower than in North America, making it an attractive option for many couples seeking fertility treatments.
Margaret Wang’s experience and expertise make her a valuable addition to Recharge Capital as it expands its investments in women’s healthcare. The company’s focus on IVF and related industries, along with its commitment from prominent investors, positions Recharge to capitalize on the growing demand for women’s healthcare services in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Sources:
– Allied Market Research report in November
– Bloomberg article
