London-based Explorer Capital this month launched a dedicated Russian long/short equity fund. The Explorer Russia Fund is seeded by DB Advisors Capital Management, part of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division, who also were one of the initial investors in Explorers' first fund, the Explorer Emerging Europe Fund.

The fund will have a long bias and will seek out opportunities in the small and mid cap sector while maintaining a balance using large cap positions. Steffen Gruschka, the firm’s managing partner and chief investment officer, will manage the fund. “I have been managing Russia portfolios for nine years and whilst Russia has evolved dramatically the investment universe has also increased substantially,” said Gruschka. “The investment opportunities remain highly compelling, particularly in the industrial, infrastructure, financials and real estate sectors”

According to the firm, its Explorer Fund is up 33% net since inception in November 2006 with an annualized volatility of 5%.