Yehuda Cohen
Co-founder and director
Banksia Capital
A LACK of equity capital options for Perth’s small-to-medium enterprises spurred the establishment of Banksia Capital by Yehuda Cohen and his business partner, Mark Dutton.
The equity capital firm was started in 2008, with challenges including getting an Australian Financial Services licence and obtaining multi-million dollar capital commitments from investors. Those challenges were overcome and Banksia Capital has since invested in four businesses in Western Australia — two of which have gone on to become the largest private operators in their markets nationally.
A second fund established by Banksia made its first investment last year, and there are plans to invest in at least four WA businesses over the next few years.
Mr Cohen has been involved in strategic development at philanthropic promotional organisation Giving West, and helped launch an annual luncheon of managing directors.
