Money Managers Seeking Millions for Tech Hedge Fund

Christie Street Capital is seeking several hundred million dollars or more, unnamed sources told Reuters. Christie Street was founded by Greg Geiling, former top-ranked Institutional Investor telecoms equipment analyst at JPMorgan who was promoted to chief tech strategist in 2001, and Andrew Berliner, a former managing director at hedge funds Ark Asset Management and NorthStar Capital Funds, Reuters said.

The firm, which currently has less than $50 million, has generated returns of nearly 21% since its August 2006 inception, according to an investor note obtained by Reuters.

One analyst said the firm could attract investor interest for fund of funds and others looking to allocate capital to the technology sector.

According to marketing materials, the firm plans to generate net returns of 12% to 15% per year through a portfolio of 40 to 60 long and short positions in the technology sector. It said it is particularly focused on “disruptive” technologies that could cause significant market shifts prior to investment by retail investors.

Some technology sectors include digital advertising, wireless applications, Internet video, broadband and others, the fund’s marketing materials said, according to Reuters.