OUR BUSINESS
Liquid Markets
Crossing Planes invests in both traditional and emerging markets across a curated spectrum that includes bonds, stocks, derivatives, and cryptocurrencies.
advisory
Our advisory practice leverages deep industry knowledge, trusted relationships, and professional experience to fulfil client priorities of remaining functional, competitive, and relevant. Our strategies include brand development, market analysis, and geographic expansion into new markets.
VENTURE
A core component of Crossing Planes is our ventures division, which serves as both a grassroots venture builder as well as a venture capital investor. We seek to identify and invest in exciting ideas, people, and companies to help them achieve funding goals, reach scale, and navigate multi-stage growth.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Bettle
Bettle is a social and gaming platform changing the arena in which fantasy sports enthusiasts compete, connect, and conquer competitors.
QPAX Global Solutions
QPAX strives to make communities safer and more livable, one road at a time.
Artemis Communications
Artemis is an established boutique communications and publishing agency based in Hong Kong that is dedicated to creative storytelling and content development.
THE TEAM
Joshua Smith
Founding Partner
Fascinated by the countless possibilities and interconnectivity between emerging industries and emerging technologies, Joshua founded Crossing Planes as the cornerstone from which to converge his diverse ideas to redefine the future of finance, technology, and media. Joshua is backed by over a decade’s experience in institutional investing, having held senior regional management roles in Fidelity Worldwide Investment and Allianz Global Investors which took him all across Asia.
Ari Lee
Managing Partner
Ari is now following his passion for turning ideas into reality by exploring new markets and identifying early-stage ventures to invest in and build from the ground up. Having successfully led and transformed large-scale businesses in Asia, Ari’s years of experience include strategic leadership, disruptive revenue and business models, and crisis management.
In his spare time he enjoys time with family, fine food and wine, going to the gym and learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He holds dual B.S. and B.A. from Boston College University, and an Executive MBA from Columbia Business School.
Nick Walton
Director of Communications
Based in Hong Kong and Indonesia, Nick is the founder of Artemis Communications and a seasoned journalist, content strategist, and photographer. Nick’s roots began as a former travel writer at major publications, including the South China Morning Post, and his works have been featured in over 60 magazines all over the world. His main drive in life is globetrotting; when not off on his own adventures discovering lesser-trekked parts of the world, he uses his 18 years of industry experience to serve as media trainer and give clients the tools to tell their own tales.
Hui Gao
Executive Director
Hui oversees Crossing Planes’ overall liquid investment strategies while ensuring the firm achieves its financial and regulatory objectives. She has vast experience in the domestic and international markets developing and executing strategic initiatives across Asia Pacific. Her many years of experience include serving as Chief-of-Staff at Foxconn and as co-head of the Nokia business unit where she helped move the mobile phone business from Windows to Android. She has also held leadership positions at Fidelity Worldwide Investment and Deutsche Bank.
