DARUMA CAPITAL ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SINGAPORE IPO TO FUEL EXPANSION OF CHIZU CAFE AND YAKI SOUL BRANDS

Daruma Capital Sdn Bhd, parent company of Chizu Cafe,
Chizu Central Kitchen and Yaki Soul

Daruma Capital Sdn Bhd, the parent company of Malaysia’s beloved Chizu Café, Yaki Soul, and Chizu Central Kitchen, has unveiled its strategic plan to list on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The move aims to attract international investors and accelerate the company’s growth across Southeast Asia’s booming F&B sector.

A STRATEGIC MOVE FOR REGIONAL GROWTH

Daruma Capital’s IPO in Singapore marks a pivotal step in its mission to become a leading food and beverage ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Managing Director Ong Leong Fuei emphasized that the listing will provide access to deep liquidity and a diverse investor base, enabling the company to scale its operations and strengthen its brand presence.

Daruma Capital, Managing Director, Mr Ong Leong Fuei

“This IPO is more than just a listing—it’s a gateway to regional expansion,” said Ong. “With Singapore’s robust capital markets and investor confidence in high-growth F&B brands, we are well-positioned to bring our Japanese-inspired café culture and dining experiences to a wider audience.”

WHY INVESTORS SHOULD TAKE NOTICE

Daruma Capital’s business model combines scalability, operational efficiency, and a strong brand portfolio, making it an attractive opportunity for institutional and retail investors. Key highlights include:

• Proven Track Record: Consistent growth in Malaysia’s competitive F&B market.
• Scalable Central Kitchen: Chizu Central Kitchen supports expansion while ensuring quality control.
• Diversified Brands: Chizu Café (café lifestyle) and Yaki Soul (social dining) cater to different consumer segments.
• Regional Expansion Plans: Targeting new markets in Southeast Asia, where consumer spending is rising.

Seated (L-R): Mr. Andy Chi, Partner, Evolve Capital Pte Ltd, Yang Berbahagia Dato' Cannis Chan, Chairman of MCI Capital Sdn Bhd, Mr Ong Leong Fuei, Managing Director, Daruma Capital.
Standing witness (L-R): Yang Mulia Dato' Paduka Seri Dr. Hasnizal Hassan, Yang Berbahagia Dato' Dr. Denming Ho

PARTNERSHIP WITH MCI CAPITAL FOR IPO SUCCESS

Daruma Capital has appointed MCI Capital Sdn Bhd, a leading corporate finance advisory firm, to guide its SGX listing strategy. MCI’s Chairperson, Dato’ Cannis Chan, highlighted Daruma’s appeal to investors:

Mr. Andy Chi, Evolve Capital Pte Ltd

“Daruma Capital exemplifies the kind of high-growth, scalable F&B business that international investors seek. Their strong financials, innovative concepts, and central kitchen infrastructure set them apart in Southeast Asia’s thriving food sector.”

WHY SINGAPORE EXCHANGE? 

• The SGX listing provides Daruma Capital with:
• Access to global institutional investors.
• Enhanced brand visibility in Southeast Asia.
• Opportunities to leverage Singapore’s stable financial ecosystem for further acquisitions and partnerships.

LOOKING AHEAD

With seven outlets in Malaysia’s Klang Valley and ambitious expansion plans, Daruma Capital is poised to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s growing café and dining trends. The IPO will serve as a springboard for new store openings, menu innovations, and strategic partnerships.

For investors eyeing high-potential F&B stocks, Daruma Capital’s upcoming Singapore IPO presents a compelling opportunity to be part of a scalable, regionally expanding business.

VIP ATTENDEES AND KEY SUPPORTERS

The upcoming Singapore IPO of Daruma Capital Sdn Bhd, parent company of Chizu Café and Yaki Soul, has garnered strong support from distinguished leaders and industry experts. Among the esteemed guests and advisors are:

• Yang Mulia Dato' Paduka Seri Dr. Hasnizal Hassan, whose leadership and insights continue to shape Malaysia’s business landscape.
• Yang Berbahagia Dato' Cannis Chan, Chairman of MCI Capital Sdn Bhd, the financial advisor spearheading Daruma Capital’s SGX listing strategy.
• Yang Berbahagia Dato' Damon Chan, Senior Advisor at MCI Capital Sdn Bhd, bringing decades of expertise in corporate finance and cross-border transactions.
• Yang Berbahagia Dato' Dr. Denming Ho, a respected figure in investment and economic development.
• Mr. Andy Chi, Partner at Evolve Capital Pte Ltd, a key player in capital markets and investment strategy.
• Mr. Paul J. Kuo, Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Evolve Capital Pte Ltd, whose expertise will be instrumental in the IPO’s success.
• Yang Berbahagia Dato' Tony Ong, Executive Director of Daruma Capital Sdn Bhd, driving the company’s expansion and operational excellence.
• Mr. Mike Bay, Executive Director of Daruma Capital Sdn Bhd, overseeing brand growth and strategic initiatives.
• Mr. Ong Leong Fuei, Managing Director of Daruma Capital Sdn Bhd, the visionary leader driving the company’s expansion and IPO ambitions

This prestigious gathering underscores the confidence in Daruma Capital’s vision and its potential to become a leading F&B investment opportunity in Southeast Asia. Their collective expertise will be pivotal as the company prepares for its SGX listing, attracting global investors and strengthening its regional footprint.

ABOUT DARUMA CAPITAL SDN BHD

Daruma Capital is a Malaysia-based food and beverage company operating a diversified portfolio of culinary brands, including Chizu Cafe chain, Yaki Soul, and Chizu Central Kitchen. The company has established itself as a strong contender in Malaysia's competitive F&B sector and café lifestyle through operational excellence, innovative menu development, and scalable business operations. It currently has seven outlets in the Klang Valley and is poised to expand its outlets, serving more customers with a good ambience and delicious pastries and drinks under the “Meet Me at Chizu” concept.

ABOUT MCI CAPITAL SDN BHD

MCI Capital Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian-based private equity and corporate finance advisory firm specialising in IPO and pre-IPO advisory services. The firm has extensive experience in cross-border transactions and capital markets advisory, with particular expertise in Southeast Asian markets. For more information, visit www.mcicapitalpe.com.