The number of new hedge fund launches increased for the fourth consecutive quarter in 1Q13, according to the latest HFR Market Microstructure Industry Report, released by Hedge Fund Research (HFR). Hedge fund launches in 1Q13 totalled 297 funds, the third highest quarterly launch total since the beginning of 2008, narrowly trailing only 1Q12 (304) and 1Q11 (298). Hedge fund liquidations declined to 196 in 1Q13 from 211 and 238 in each of the prior two quarters, respectively. Equity Hedge strategies led 1Q hedge fund launches with 132 new funds. Macro hedge fund launches totalled 93, while Relative Value Arbitrage RVA saw just 26 new funds.

Hedge fund launches in Europe exceeded those of the U.S. in 1Q13, with 180 new funds launched by European-located managers in 1Q versus nearly 100 by US-based firms.

Average management fees for funds launched in 1Q13 was 32 bps lower than those funds launched in 2012, while average incentive fees for 1Q13 launches were 17.43%, a decline of 31 bps from 2012 launches.

"The strong trend in new launches is consistent with the trends in rising investor risk tolerance and overall hedge fund industry capital reaching record levels," said Kenneth J. Heinz, President of HFR.

We recently heard of those ex-hedge funders striking out on their own:

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This article was published in Opalesque's New Managers a top-down monthly analysis, news and research publication on the global emerging manager space.