Information is power in the world of alternative investments and capital raising. In a fragmented market like this one, a business-to-business marketplace and technology platform can provide a competitive advantage in the space.
That describes at least in part the rationale behind Hamilton Lane, a private markets investment firm with over $901 billion in assets, and its a strategic investment in CAIS, an alternative investment platform. The New York-based CAIS works as a B2B marketplace and learning platform that operates as a two-sided marketplace, connecting financial advisors with alternative asset managers.
“The new capital will further CAIS’s mission to modernize how financial advisors can access, and learn about alternative investments, while also connecting asset managers with the multi-trillion-dollar private wealth channel,” says Matt Brown, CAIS founder and CEO. “Specifically, CAIS will continue to develop its proprietary technology, expand its global team, enhance the advisor experience through new learning content, and further automate back-end processes for financial advisors and fund managers alike.”
The platform is free for financial advisors and end clients and works to create a more connected and centralized investing process. CAIS has shown its ability to stick with the investment community as the firm has shown organic, sustainable growth as HNWs and private wealth organizations begin to realize the benefits. Brown adds: “Every business day, CAIS sees more than two advisory firms transacting on the platform for the first time.”
Hamilton Lane, which boasts over $901 billion in assets, joins existing investors Apollo, Motive Partners, Franklin Templeton, Reverence Capital Partners, and Stone Point Ventures. The platform now stands with an enterprise valuation over $1 billion.
-Cole Lipsky
