New head of capital raising for REALIS

Investec Bank plc (Investec), a leading international financial services provider, has appointed Joe Armstrong as Head of Capital Raising for its real estate equity platform REALIS, effective immediately, as it looks to scale the strategy in response to growing demand from private wealth investors for exposure to institutional-quality UK real estate opportunities.

Based in London and reporting into Head of Investec REALIS, Yon Papageorgiou, Joe will be responsible for expanding Investec’s capital partner network, connecting both the direct wealth segment of the market and third-party distribution partners with REALIS. Joe’s appointment reflects Investec’s commitment to scaling the platform and conviction in the opportunity presented by the rapid UK commercial real estate repricing.

Joe brings more than 15 years of fundraising, business development and investor relations experience across the UK private equity and fund management sectors. He previously held senior positions at GC, Averroes Capital and JK Investment Management.

REALIS was launched in 2024 with the aim to provide investors with deal-by-deal access to value-add and opportunistic transactions in institutional-quality UK commercial real estate. To date, it has completed seven deals focusing on developing urban logistics assets and capitalising on market dislocations by acquiring prime office properties, with a total gross development value exceeding £200 million.

The value-add strategy leverages Investec’s 30-year track record in real estate, £3 billion loan book and global network of more than 150 operating partners. The platform focuses on two main investment theses: development or repositioning in highly liquid markets, and distressed transactions where strong long-term fundamentals exist. Investec commits equity to every acquisition alongside investors, ensuring strong alignment.

Yon Papageorgiou, Head of Real Estate Equity Investments at Investec, said: “What differentiates REALIS is the combination of Investec’s through-the-cycle real estate track record, its data-led origination platform and its unparalleled partner network. Together, these enable us to source off-market assets at attractive pricing and deliver business plans that generate meaningful outperformance. With seven deals already completed, REALIS is building strong momentum and helping to establish itself as a leading platform in the market.”

Joe Armstrong, Head of Capital Raising for REALIS, added: “REALIS is a compelling proposition for global private wealth investors seeking diversified exposure to real assets. By combining Investec’s market insight, disciplined investment approach and established distribution network, we are well positioned to deliver meaningful solutions that create enduring value for our clients.”