Equiteq is Equiteq is pleased to announce that it acted as advisor to GCP on its investment in Strata FSC, a specialist financial services consulting firm focused on Blackrock Aladdin implementation and data transformation.
Growth Capital Partners (“GCP”) is delighted to announce a minority investment into Strata, a specialist financial services consultancy delivering implementation and transformation services for asset managers, asset owners and servicers undergoing complex system and data change programmes involving the Blackrock Aladdin and eFront platforms.
Strata, founded in 2019 by Joe Yallop, Rich Hall and Stuart McBane, with offices in London, Edinburgh, Singapore and New York, is one of small number of global BlackRock Aladdin partners. The business has experienced rapid growth since the arrival of James Howell (CEO) in 2023 and Strata is now positioned to scale globally with its clients as continued demand for BlackRock’s software accelerates globally.
The partnership with GCP will support Strata’s next phase of growth by continuing its excellent momentum both in the UK and expanding internationally, with further investment in Strata talent and partners.
As the UK’s leading investment partner in the Knowledge Economy, GCP’s investment aligns with its strategy of backing ambitious, specialist consulting firms that deliver critical value through deep expertise, data capability and proven track records of transformation.
James Howell, CEO, commented:
Strata is delighted to have GCP onboard for the next stage of our growth, as we continue with our strategy of being the global market leader in Blackrock Aladdin, eFront and surrounding platform expertise. GCPs reputation, cultural fit and work with other successful high growth technology services firms made them the natural choice. The support and expertise of the GCP team will benefit our own team members, clients and partners globally.
Jay Salter, Investment Director, GCP, commented:
“Strata has developed a genuinely distinctive position in the market. The combination of deep Aladdin expertise and a practitioner-led mindset gives clients confidence that they are working with people who truly understand the realities of investment operations. Joe, Rich, Stuart and James have built a firm trusted to deliver some of the most complex system and data change programmes in the industry. With Aladdin adoption increasing across the asset management ecosystem, Strata is exceptionally well placed to help clients maximise the value of the platform. We are excited to support the team as they continue expanding their capabilities, strengthening their leadership team and building the infrastructure needed for the next stage of growth.”
Regarding Equiteq’s role in the transaction, Jay Salter said:
“Equiteq provided well-informed and pragmatic advice throughout our investment in Strata. Their deep industry expertise and strong strategic-buyer relationships gave us invaluable insight into the company’s exit potential and valuation. Their understanding of Strata’s market and leadership team enabled us to move forward with conviction, and their hands-on support helped us navigate the process efficiently and confidently. Equiteq proved to be a trusted and highly capable partner at every stage of the transaction.”
Emmanuel Kostucki, Managing Director at Equiteq, added:
“We are delighted to have supported GCP on this landmark investment. Strata is a firm we have known well for some time, and with demand for Aladdin-enabled transformation continuing to accelerate globally, this partnership brings together a first-class investor and a uniquely capable team at exactly the right moment in the market. GCP’s track record with high-growth consulting and technology services firms makes them an ideal partner to propel Strata through its next phase of expansion.”