Special Report: Capital growth

WhenWestern Australian companies want to raise large sums of capital, they usually have to jump on a plane so they can pitch to fund managers in cities such as Sydney, Toronto and London.

Investment bank Argonaut Group is planning to substantially expand its fund management activities by raising up to $125 million for two different funds.

Perth-based fund manager Oceanic Asset Management broke new ground when it established its first investment fund in 2005, and it plans to do the same when it launches Australia's first specialist uranium fund this year.

Former BankWest and Perpetual executive, Robert Marie, has teamed up with Sydney-based fund managers Brian Eley (formerly of Patersons Securities) and Ben Griffiths to carve an unusual niche in the financial services industry.

Entrust Funds Management and Growth Equities stand apart from their peers in Perth because they shy away from mining and resources stocks, preferring to focus on industrial companies.