Wealth management data startup Addepar raises US$140m

[NEW YORK] Addepar, a Silicon Valley-based startup that helps wealth management firms get a more comprehensive view of their clients' assets, has raised US$140 million in a round led by Valor Equity Partners, 8VC and investment manager Harald McPike.

The company said on Thursday that it will use the funding on research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing its technology.

Addepar has developed software that helps wealth managers view information on their clients' assets that might be spread out across various accounts.

Ultra-wealthy clients typically hold their assets in family trusts, limited partnerships or in alternative and illiquid investments spread across several banks and accounts.

This means financial advisors will often gather and compile information into one spreadsheet through a protracted process rather than meeting with clients.

"Wealth managers, especially the ones serving larger and more complex clients, often times have challenges in giving each client an accurate view of everything they own," said Eric Poirier, chief executive of Addepar, in an interview.

The company's platform allows wealth management firms, with client's permission, to gather information from various accounts in one place, Mr Poirer said.

Addepar is among the growing group of young technology companies that are seeking to help established financial institutions improve their technology across a wide range of functions, including anti-money laundering checks to client-interface software.

While the firm has so far focused on wealth management firms, Mr Poirier said it had received inquiries from other buy-side companies such as pension funds.

Mr Poirier said the firm has been growing rapidly, with its clients managing more than US$650 billion through its platform, up from US$300 billion 18 months ago. In January Morgan Stanley said it was rolling out Addepar's platform to 20 of its top financial advisory teams.

Valor Equity Partners founder and managing partner Antonio Gracias, who sits on the Addepar's board of directors, is well known for being an investor and board member in several companies of Tesla Inc founder Elon Musk.

REUTERS