The landscape of infrastructure development in the United States has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. Once relegated to the shadows of neglect, this critical sector is experiencing an increased focus and priority, marked by a surge in innovative investments and groundbreaking projects that signal a brighter future for communities nationwide.

A few examples of this revitalization can be seen in New York’s Laguardia and JFK Airports’ redevelopment. These projects, once dreams clouded by bureaucratic hurdles and underfunding, now stand as a testament to the potential that lies within comprehensive infrastructure investments. Today, we speak with Riddhish Rege, committed to investing in American infrastructure and developing communities. 

N.Y. Weekly: Riddhish, thank you for joining us.

Riddhish Rege: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

N.Y. Weekly: Riddhish, your commitment to American infrastructure is truly inspiring. Could you share with our audience what inspired you to embark on this journey?

Riddhish Rege: Certainly. Growing up in Mumbai, India, I witnessed the transformative power of large-scale infrastructure projects firsthand. However, during a visit to New York, I truly understood how these developments could impact communities and neighborhoods. For example, the Battery Park development in lower Manhattan, which was developed in the later part of the last century, fully came to fruition in the early 2000s, and today, New Yorkers enjoy the lush commercial, business and residential communities that occupy there. Learning about such experiences left a lasting impression on me. I became deeply passionate about contributing to similar projects in the United States and helping develop the cities of tomorrow.

N.Y. Weekly: That’s a remarkable journey. Could you elaborate on your role in investing in infrastructure?

Riddhish Rege: Of course. I work at JLC Infrastructure, and my current role involves sourcing, evaluating, investing and asset-managing deep-value infrastructure opportunities. These can range from Energy related investments, such as owning a portfolio of renewable assets and telecommunication platforms and also large development projects, such as building or upgrading airports or other large public access buildings through Public-Private-Partnerships. The ultimate focus is to find projects that can make economic sense while bringing about a net positive impact on society and communities. It’s about combining financial acumen with a strong sense of responsibility toward societal well-being.

N.Y. Weekly: How did you initially venture into infrastructure investing?

Riddhish Rege: I initially started my journey auditing Infrastructure projects, mainly Highways and Tollways in India, when finally studying towards a Graduate degree in the United States. Ultimately these experiences helped me kick start a career as an Energy Infrastructure focused Investment Banker, helping gradually build knowledge and experience towards Infrastructure Investing. My experiences include executing M&A, Capital Markets, and Credit Underwriting transactions, all centered around U.S. Power, Energy, and Infrastructure. These equipped me with the skills and insights needed to make a meaningful contribution to this field.

N.Y. Weekly: It’s clear you’re making a significant impact. Speaking of impact, could you shed light on the changing landscape of American infrastructure?

Riddhish Rege: Certainly. Once a neglected area, infrastructure is experiencing a renaissance in new investments. Recent projects like the Laguardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment and JFK New Terminal One Airport renovations are evidence of this shift. With an increasing focus on modernization, sustainability, and resilience, the infrastructure landscape is undergoing transformative changes.

N.Y. Weekly: Where do you currently see opportunities in this evolving landscape?

Riddhish Rege: The United States is at a pivotal point. A majority of the existing infrastructure was built decades ago and is either in deteriorating condition or not sufficient to accommodate the population growth that has happened since. Mix this with the effects of Climate Change while balancing the need for Energy Security, an increase in social programs for rehabilitating disadvantaged populations, and the need for technology integration, and we can easily deduce that government investment is not single-handedly sufficient for the success of the country and private capital has a bigger role to play. Current opportunities are ripe in the Public-Private Partnerships and Energy Transition space, backed by some landmark Infrastructure legislations such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, that could help us as a nation compete with other countries for essential capital. 

N.Y. Weekly: That’s indeed a comprehensive outlook. And what direction do you believe American infrastructure is headed towards?

Riddhish Rege: I envision American infrastructure becoming more electrified, digitalized, and environmentally conscious. There will be a concerted effort to reduce carbon emissions while fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors. This direction aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and enhanced quality of life.

N.Y. Weekly: Thank you for sharing that vision. Before we conclude, could you tell us about your favorite book?

Riddhish Rege: Certainly. One of my favorite reads is “How the World Really Works” by Vaclav Smil. The book provides deep insights into the intricate mechanisms that drive our world, offering valuable perspectives for understanding complex systems.

N.Y. Weekly: Thank you, Riddhish, for this insightful conversation. Your dedication to infrastructure investing and community development is truly commendable.

Riddhish Rege: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these topics and share my journey.

If you’d like to learn more about Riddhish Rege and his endeavors, you can visit his LinkedIn profile at linkedin.com/in/riddhishrege.

Riddhish Rege’s Bio: 

Mr. Riddhish Rege is a Senior Associate at JLC Infrastructure and an integral member of the investment team at the New York office. With over seven years of experience spanning M&A, Capital Markets, Restructuring, and Credit Underwriting in the U.S. Power, Energy, and Infrastructure sectors, Mr. Rege brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Prior to joining JLC in 2023, he served as a Senior Associate on the Power & Utilities Investment Banking team at T.D. Securities. Earlier in his career, he contributed as an Analyst on the Power & Utilities Investment Banking team at Houlihan Lokey and initiated his career as an I.B. Credit Risk Analyst at J.P. Morgan. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance from Brandeis University and a Bachelor’s of Commerce in Accounting from Mumbai University, Mr. Rege is committed to fostering positive changes through his contributions to American infrastructure.