Singapore Based Licensed Investment Manager
Focused on Investing in the Defensive & Impactful K-12 Education Sector.

Academic Capital Partners combines institutional investment discipline with the operator DNA of its founder who built Global Schools, from two classrooms and 48 students in 2002 into one of the world’s largest Asia Pacific focused K-12 education operator with c.45,000 students across 64 plus campuses in 11 countries.

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Licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore
(CMS Licence No.CMS101847)

Academic Capital Partners Academic Capital Partners
Academic Capital Partners Academic Capital Partners
Academic Capital Partners Academic Capital Partners
Academic Capital Partners Academic Capital Partners
Academic Capital Partners Academic Capital Partners

Who We Are

Specialist K-12 Education Investment Manager

Exclusive focus on K-12 education assets across SE Asia, India and GCC with opportunistic deals in Japan and Korea, through largely proprietary deals, leveraging the strong existing networks of our partners.

Operational Alpha

Driven by the operator DNA of ACP’s founding partner, Atul Temurnikar, who built Global Schools into one of the world’s largest Asia Pacific focused K-12 education operator with c.45,000 students across 64 plus campuses in 11 countries. As part of this growth, Atul led c.9 acquisitions and led value creation to grow EBITDA of the acquired assets from USD25m to c.USD45m over 3 years. ACP will apply this playbook to create value in its investments.

Platform Alpha

Further value will be created by aggregating assets into a platform, which commands higher multiples and running a high-quality exit process, which will be supported by the c.30 years sell-side experience of Vishal Thapliyal (Deputy Managing Partner, ACP).

Institutional fund management standards backed by a majority independent board and a team who has previously managed funds at established institutional investors.

Our Strategy

Academic Capital Partners’ strategy focuses on investing in scalable,  K-12 education assets with strong fundamentals, regulatory standing and long-term demand visibility, and which are currently subscale.

Given the highly fragmented nature of the sector at the level of smaller scale assets, the dearth of institutional buyers for this scale, and the scope for optimization, we believe this offers us with an attractive entry point and the potential to generate alpha through operational value creation and achieving a unified platform premium through asset aggregation.

1. Acquisition

Focus on founder-led mid-market segment with limited institutional ownership, scope for operational value creation and attractive valuations.

2. Value Creation

Deploy operational value creation playbook proven at Global Schools by Mr. Atul Temurnikar (Managing Partner, ACP and Founder of Global Schools).

Focus on key levers that drive revenue growth, margin expansion and capacity increase including:

  • Enrollment growth through better CRM and digital marketing
  • Academic enhancement supporting pricing optimization
  • Academic cost optimization by increasing teaching time through initiatives to reduce the non-teaching burden of teachers via process automations etc.
  • Optimization of non-academic costs through process outsourcing etc.
  • Capacity expansion with minimal capex  through smarter building layouts etc.

3. Scale

Build a scaled platform by integrating assets into a unified corporate structure with minimal overhead while enhancing value through enhanced connectivity of students and teachers across the network, optimization of back-end processes (e.g. recruitment, payroll, procurement) and capital optimization.

Instill institutional governance standards to prepare the platform for exitBuild a scaled platform by integrating assets into a unified corporate structure with minimal overhead while enhancing value through enhanced connectivity of students and teachers across the network, optimization of back-end processes (e.g. recruitment, payroll, procurement) and capital optimization Instill institutional governance standards to prepare the platform for exit.

4. Exit

Capitalize on premium EBITDA multiple & buyer demand for established institutional platforms at exit.

Focus on founder-led mid-market segment with limited institutional ownership, scope for operational value creation and attractive valuations.

Deploy operational value creation playbook proven at Global Schools by Mr. Atul Temurnikar (Managing Partner, ACP and Founder of Global Schools).

Focus on key levers that drive revenue growth, margin expansion and capacity increase including:

  • Enrollment growth through better CRM and digital marketing
  • Academic enhancement supporting pricing optimization
  • Academic cost optimization by increasing teaching time through initiatives to reduce the non-teaching burden of teachers via process automations etc.
  • Optimization of non-academic costs through process outsourcing etc.
  • Capacity expansion with minimal capex  through smarter building layouts etc.
Build a scaled platform by integrating assets into a unified corporate structure with minimal overhead while enhancing value through enhanced connectivity of students and teachers across the network, optimization of back-end processes (e.g. recruitment, payroll, procurement) and capital optimization.
 
Instill institutional governance standards to prepare the platform for exit.

Capitalize on premium EBITDA multiple & buyer demand for established institutional platforms at exit.

Academic Capital Partners
Alpha Generation Framework

We create value through operational excellence and platform-scale advantages. By optimising performance, expanding capacity, and strengthening governance, we build premium educational institutions positioned for sustainable growth.

Operational Alpha

Revenue Optimisation

Tuition pricing & premium programme expansion

Capacity Expansion

Increase utilisation and student capacity

Operational Synergies

Shared services & technology integration

Platform Alpha

Scale Premium

Asset aggregation to build scaled platform

Institutional Governance

Premium for platform with institutional standards

Proven Operator Platform &
Value Creation Engine

Leverage the proven acquisition, value creation and platform scaling experience of Mr. Atul Temurnikar (Managing Partner, ACP) which he developed at Global Schools, one of Asia’s leading K-12 education platforms:

64

Campuses globally

11

Countries

12

School brands

7

Curricula

45,000+

Students

5,000+

Educators globally

20+

Years of operating experience

Our Team

ACP’s leadership team combines deep experience across private markets investing, corporate finance, education platforms and institutional capital formation.

Atul Temurnikar

Managing Partner
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Vishal Thapliyal

Deputy Managing Partner
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Sankar Sadhananthan

Executive Director, Head of Capital Raising & Fund Management
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Mahesh Rupawalla

Independent, Non-Executive Director
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Li-Ling Ch’ng

Independent, Non-Executive Director
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Yew Mun Ho

Independent, Non-Executive Director
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Atul Temurnikar

Managing Partner

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Vishal Thapliyal

Deputy Managing Partner

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Sankar Sadhananthan

Executive Director, Head of Capital Raising & Fund Management

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Mahesh Rupawalla

Independent, Non-Executive Director

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Li-Ling Ch’ng

Independent, Non-Executive Director

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Yew Mun Ho

Independent, Non-Executive Director

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Start a Conversation
with Us

Whether you are an investor, school owner, or education entrepreneur, we would be happy to explore potential opportunities.

    Atul Temurnikar

    Managing Partner

    Atul is Managing Partner at ACP and Co-Founder and Chairman of Global Schools, a leading K-12 education platform headquartered in Singapore. Under his leadership, Global Schools has grown from one campus in 2002 to 64 campuses across 11 countries serving more than 45,000 students. Over the last ten plus years, he has been instrumental in driving a 5X growth at Global Schools. Atul’s achievements have earned him international accolades such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award awarded in 2025 by the President of India and the Walter L. Hurd Executive Medal.

    Atul holds a Bachelors of Electronics and Power from the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of East London.

    Vishal Thapliyal

    Deputy Managing Partner

    Vishal is deputy Managing Partner of ACP and brings around 30 years of corporate finance and investment banking experience to ACP’s education-focused investment strategy. Prior to ACP, he spent c.25 years at PwC Singapore, where he was a Partner in the corporate finance practice and most recently led the Strategic Capital Solutions Group. Prior to joining PwC Singapore, he spent some time at Goldman Sach’s former India investment banking JV.

    He has been closely associated with the education sector since 2011, advising on M&A, capital optimisation and strategic expansion initiatives for various clients.

    He has closely supported the 5X growth of Global Schools over the last 10+ years, advising on M&A, greenfield expansion and fund raising. His transaction experience includes advising on cross-border acquisitions, institutional divestments and fundraising across multiple sources and uses of capital.

    He is a CFA Charter holder, and holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the Govt. College of Engineering, Pune.

    Sankar Sadhananthan
    Sankar Sadhananthan

    Executive Director, Head of Capital Raising & Fund Management

    Sankar leads ACP’s capital raising, fund management platform build-out, and investor engagement across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Oversees fund structuring, governance, regulatory matters, and institutional partnerships.
    Sankar holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the Nanyang Technological University and a Master of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore.
    Mahesh Rupawalla
    Mahesh Rupawalla

    Independent, Non-Executive Director

    Brings over three decades of senior leadership experience across investment banking, corporate finance, and strategic advisory roles in Asia, with a strong track record in governance, M&A, capital markets and institutional decision-making.

    Mahesh has held CEO and senior executive positions at leading financial institutions, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Investment Bank Berhad and CEO of HwangDBS Investment Bank Berhad. Earlier in his career, he was Managing Director and Regional Head of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory at DBS Bank, where he led cross-border transactions and advised boards and shareholders on strategic outcomes. Prior to DBS Bank, Mahesh was the Assistant Director of the Securities Industry Department of the Monetary Authority of Singapore where his job scope included regulatory oversight and policies on takeovers and equity market listings.

    In addition to his executive roles, Mahesh has founded and led corporate finance advisory platforms and has advised business owners and boards on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic restructuring across Southeast Asia.

    At ACP, Mahesh provides independent oversight and strategic judgment across governance, risk management, and capital allocation, contributing deep capital markets expertise and board-level perspective to support disciplined, long-term value creation.

    Li-Ling Ch’ng
    Li-Ling Ch’ng

    Independent, Non-Executive Director

    Provides independent oversight across governance, regulatory, and risk matters, with deep expertise in capital markets, financial services regulation, and emerging technologies.

    A Singapore-qualified lawyer with over 25 years of experience, Li-Ling is a Partner at RHTLaw Asia LLP, where she heads the Financial Services (Regulatory & Technology) practice and co-leads the Sustainability practice. She previously served as Co-Head of the firm’s Capital Markets practice and has advised extensively on fund structures, licensing, corporate governance, and cross-border transactions.

    Li-Ling currently serves as an Independent Director on SGX-listed companies and MAS-regulated entities, and is a Senior Accredited Director with the Singapore Institute of Directors. She also contributes actively to education and thought leadership, including as co-author of Law and Practice of Corporate Finance in Singapore (LexisNexis, 2nd edition).

    Yew Mun Ho

    Independent, Non-Executive Director

    Yew Mun Ho is a experienced and strategic finance professional with a distinguished career in investment banking, equities investments, corporate governance and market regulation. With a proven track record in developing and executing key financial market strategies, he was instrumental in creation of exchange-traded funds market and cross-trading links.

    His career spans significant leadership roles and was Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets at DBS Bank and Senior Vice President at the Singapore Exchange (SGX). He has a deep understanding of capital markets and regulatory frameworks. He was also active in corporate governance and served as an independent director on the boards of a number of Companies listed on the Singapore Exchange mainboard.

    Mr. Ho is an accountant by training and a life member of the Singapore Institute of Directors. He holds a Master in Business Administration from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

    Disclaimer

    Academic Capital Partners Pte. Ltd. (“ACP”) (CMS No. 101847) is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) and holds a capital markets services license for fund management activities.

    This website and its contents are provided solely for general information purposes and are intended only for institutional investors, accredited investors and other relevant persons as defined in the Securities and Futures Act 2001 of Singapore. The contents of this website have not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by the MAS or any other regulatory authority.

    Nothing on this website constitutes investment advice or a recommendation, offer or solicitation to invest in any financial products. Any offer may be made only through relevant offering documents and in accordance with applicable laws.

    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this website, ACP makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy or completeness and accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on its contents.

    Unless otherwise expressly permitted, users of this website may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, or otherwise use any content from this website, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ACP.

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