How Liyann Seet invests in her passions to turnover significant profits—now that’s “girl math” for you

What does your hedge fund invest in? 

The future. At Sunova Capital, we are passionate about investing in start-ups, private equity deals, public listed companies, private credits and real estate investments. We excel in establishing family offices in Singapore, expertly managing investment portfolios, and serve as external asset management for Private Banks. Notably, Sunova Capital Management is a registered fund management company accredited by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. 

Our investment team is dedicated to discovering and investing in early-to-late stage and public companies across the globe that are leaders in their respective industries. We take pride in our ability to identify innovative and ground-breaking companies that have the potential to shape the future. 

Our investment portfolio includes companies such as World View Enterprises, E-Sports Technologies, Sygnum Bank, Impossible Kicks, Aupen, Beat Club, Job.com, Tribe Accelerator, Volcon Epowersports, Thriller App, Logiq, Dedoco, and Quantum Computing Inc.

What company did your investment firm invest that generated a positive financial return? 

One of my most exhilarating deals is World View Enterprises, a private American near-space exploration and technology company headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Their groundbreaking designs, manufacturing, and launch of advanced spacecraft are reshaping the space industry in ways that were once deemed impossible. 

Sunova Capital recognized the company’s potential to revolutionize space exploration and invested in its early stage, contributing to World View’s growth and expanded operations. In January 2023, World View made an announcement that it would go public through a $350 million SPAC deal. We are delighted to be a part of this incredible journey with them. 

Investing in companies, whether private or public, that have a positive impact on the world is not only a sound business strategy but also a moral imperative. Our fund is dedicated to making a meaningful difference, and we are constantly seeking new opportunities to invest in companies that align with our vision.

What is your investment philosophy and the driving force behind it? 

My investment philosophy isn't solely focused on profits; the focus is on investing in the right people and ideas to effect meaningful change and create a positive impact on the world.

In the early stages of my investment career, I was fixated on outperforming the markets and aggrandizing my investment portfolio. I would acquire equities, bonds, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, real estate, and art with strong fundamentals that were undervalued. Once these assets reached my target price, I would promptly sell them to realize a profit. However, all those profits failed to bring me any greater happiness. 

It isn’t talked about enough, but as money managers, we possess the power to effect positive change in the world beyond mere profit. Why should I focus solely on profiting trades from mispriced assets? We have a choice in what we support. We can be ethical about this process. My choice is to invest in visionary companies with a robust ESG (environmental, social, and governance) framework—companies that are shaping the future of our planet while also delivering exceptional returns to our investors.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the finance industry and how have you overcome them?

I do not fit the mould of traditional fund managers, who are predominantly male in their fifties. I had to fight through discrimination because of my gender and age. When I first started working, my baby face and gender worked against me. For a woman to be in a male-dominated finance industry, tough is what you eat for breakfast.

I strongly believe that discrimination should never be tolerated in any industry and I am committed to breaking down barriers for women and other underrepresented groups in finance.

What is a common misconception about you? 

I think the biggest misconception about me is that my father fully financed my finance career. When I began my investment banking internship, my school mates often asked if my dad helped me secure it. Similarly, when I joined the hedge fund sector, many questioned if it was a family-owned venture. Whilst I’m immensely grateful for the education my father has provided and a privileged background, Daddy’s money is not my thing; I’ve stopped accepting a single cent and help from my father when I turned 21.

I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be proud of my own achievements. I want to achieve success on my own terms, respect myself and build a life I am proud to live. None of the hedge funds I've worked in, past or present, are owned by my father. While he's offered help, I'll always decline; I have confidence in my skills and I will blaze my own trail.  

Are you still modelling now? 

I was signed to a modelling agency at 16 years old and landed my first job filming a television commercial for Taka Jewellery. This kickstarted my modelling career, and I have since modelled for brands such as Bentley, Shiseido, Clinique, Sony, Goldwell, Hilton Hotel, Grail Skin, etc. Presently, I am represented by Upfront Models Singapore.

You are also the founder and CEO of Yacht Luxe. Why did you start Yacht Luxe?

Yacht Luxe was birthed out of my passion for the nautical world. I founded Yacht Luxe for lovers of the oceans, wanderlust yacht adventurers, and dreamers of the shore.

The best adventures of my life were sailing across the oceans and exploring the beautiful coastlines and loveliest islands with my sisters, family, and friends. As an avid adventurer, my treasured memories are jet ski racing along the amazing coastline of Santa Monica and Malibu, snorkelling among the fishes at the white sand beaches of Boracay, as well as island hopping and stargazing on a yacht with my family. 

Inspired by these adventures, I envisioned offering similar exceptional nautical experiences and exquisite yachts for our clients to revel in. Recognising a gap in the market—specifically, the lack of an easy way to book yachts with transparent pricing—I set out to create the 'uber of yachts'. Through Yacht Luxe, clients can effortlessly book once-in-a-lifetime adventures with just a click.

Initially, our focus lies in establishing the 'uber of yachts' in thriving yachting cultures such as Miami, Monaco, Phuket, and Los Angeles, with the ultimate goal of expanding globally. Our vision is to become the epitome of luxury, providing unmatched experiences to clients worldwide.

Tell us more about Yacht Luxe. 

Yacht Luxe was established from a deep passion for the ocean, yachts, and a commitment to fulfilling the global marine industry's needs. We take immense pride in boasting one of Singapore's largest fleets of yachts available for charter. Furthermore, our team has meticulously curated a selection of luxury wanderluxe experiences for our clients to enjoy, extending beyond the yachting lifestyle. 

At Yacht Luxe, we offer comprehensive yachting services, encompassing yacht sales, chartering, and management. Our sales team has thoughtfully curated an exquisite range of yachts available for purchase, catering to aspiring yacht owners. Our selection includes water yacht villas, luxury catamarans, mega yachts, super yachts, houseboats, and even solar-powered yachts from various parts of the world.

How do you excel in the competitive and high-stress worlds of hedge funds, modelling, and yachting, and what keeps you motivated to overcome challenges in these industries?

While my industries can be competitive and stressful, I thrive in demanding environments. Managing large sums of money entails the potential for significant financial gains or losses and therefore constant pressure from investors.

But I work well under pressure. I remember when I was thirteen I used to play Contact Rugby. I fractured my right leg, left arm, and little finger. Each time I found myself in the hospital, in pain, and contemplating if I should quit playing such a brutal sport. Fortunately, my father played a crucial role in shaping my mindset, raising me to be mentally strong and resilient.

My dad instilled in me the belief that to become the best in my field, I mustn't give up every time it becomes painful. I need to power through. He consistently emphasised that in life, opting for the easy path may be comfortable, but true greatness doesn't emerge from comfort zones. 

Adversity is what cultivates toughness—and toughness leads to success. His teachings have guided me to developed a remarkable tolerance for stress, trained my mind to be strong, and maintained an unwavering focus on my ultimate goal, persisting until I attain it.

What is your definition of success and do you consider yourself successful? 

Success is not only about the material things in life. For me, success is about having meaningful relationships, unforgettable experiences, and building a life that I am proud to live.

When I was younger, I was obsessed with outperforming the markets and aggrandising my investment portfolio. As I worked hard, I only had time for very few friends. It was a lonely journey. One day, I woke up to the realisation that you can have all the money in the world and all the things that you want to achieve in your businesses but you have no one to share with. 

I’ve realised the importance of having incredible friends, extraordinary adventures, and being surrounded by loved ones who motivate, inspire and make me happy. On good days, we are sailing in the ocean and sunbathing under the blue sky on a yacht.  And that’s great. But what’s even more important are those not so good days. In my toughest times, my family and close friends have always been there to fight my battles with me. A good and successful life is a collection of happy memories with the ones that you love.