Former ValueAct Partner Dylan Haggart Launches New Activist Firm
Haggart’s New Venture
A former partner at ValueAct Capital Management, known for its activist investments, is launching his own firm named Fivespan Partners. Dylan Haggart’s new venture is expected to focus on mid-sized companies with growth potential.
Fivespan’s Strategy
The firm, named after a bridge near Haggart’s hometown in Canada, aims to work closely with companies to enhance operations and boost their value. Fivespan plans to start making investments in 2024 and will be headquartered in San Francisco.
Industry Trends
Activist investors like Haggart are gaining traction as they collaborate with companies to drive performance. In 2023, the average activist investor saw a return of 18%, outperforming the broader market. Haggart’s approach mirrors ValueAct’s focus on positively engaging with management.
Key Team Members
Joining Haggart at Fivespan are former ValueAct employees Sarah Coyne, Margarita Krivitski, and Andrew Fraga, along with Chris Kelly from Voyager Global Management. Carly Pollock, an experienced hedge fund executive, will serve as the firm’s COO, CFO, and CCO.
Unique Launch
Haggart’s launch of Fivespan is notable in the activist investor space, reminiscent of other high-profile moves in recent years. The firm’s emphasis on collaboration and value creation sets it apart in a growing trend of activist investing.