If you're looking for inspiration for your next ASX share investment, it is often useful to see what the professionals are making money out of.
Australian fund Cyan C3G gained 1.8% in July and remains a firm believer in growth shares.
"Most recently the growth and tech sectors have received support on the back of the announcement that Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) will be acquired by Square Inc (NYSE: SQ) for $39 billion," portfolio manager Dean Fergie said in a memo to clients.
"This illustrates that fast-growing fintech businesses such as Square Inc are willing to buy aggressively to improve [their] strategic position as they continue to disrupt traditional industry incumbents."
Three particular ASX shares within the Cyan portfolio leapt ahead last month. Despite the ballooning valuations, Fergie's team will continue to keep the faith to call them "long-term holdings":
A true Delta lockdown winner
Fergie previously told The Motley Fool how fond he was of Maggie Beer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MBH), and his belief was rewarded handsomely.
The gourmet food ASX share returned 6% over July.
It was no coincidence that demand for its goods and services accelerated during the ongoing COVID-19 resurgence.
In great timing, Maggie Beer had just completed its acquisition of online business The Hamper Emporium.
"Particularly considering the extended periods of domestic lockdown, the online element of their hamper business is looking increasingly attractive," said Fergie.
"The market now appears to be realising the benefits, synergies and strengthened business model of the combined group."
Maggie Beer shares are arguably not super expensive though, with the price still more than 16% lower than when the year started.
Aussie studio about to release blockbusters
Fergie has also been on the record as a fan of Playside Studios Ltd (ASX: PLY).
And that loyalty brought his fund a stunning 40% during July.
"This Melbourne based game developer, which listed in December last year, delivered solid cashflow performance and proved that its business model, which combines work for hire and original IP games development, is performing outstandingly."
And what's better is that Fergie anticipates more positive news coming over the next year or so.
"The company has an exciting 12 months ahead with the upcoming release of several new games including titles based on blockbuster movies Legally Blonde and The Godfather which should contribute to a material uplift in revenues in FY22."
Similar to Maggie Beer, despite the sensational climb in July, Playside shares are still down more than 11% for the year.
Raiz the roof, says fund manager
The micro-investing app RAIZ Invest Ltd (ASX: RZI) had a sensational 28 July, when the share price rocketed 8%.
The boost was thanks to a record quarterly result.
"Raiz achieved record results for global active customers, funds under management (FUM) and revenue," reported The Motley Fool's Kerry Sun.
"Global active customers totalled 456,927 at quarter-end, an increase of 86.7% on the prior corresponding period."
All up Raiz shares stepped up 10% for the month of July.
"It is comfortably on track to exceed FUM of $1 billion by the close of 2021, representing a doubling in size over 12 months," said Fergie.
"It remains one of our most high-conviction positions as we find the company's consumer product offering very compelling."
The fintech had another upward spike in its stock price last week after it revealed positive July performance metrics.
Raiz shares are up a stunning 90% for the year.
