Hey there, welcome back to another episode of the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to chat with a true expert in the world of finance and capital markets. Joining us is Rana Yared, a General Partner at Balderton who brings a wealth of knowledge from her time as both a strategic investor and venture capitalist.
Rana, who joined Balderton in 2020, made the leap from across the Atlantic after a successful stint as a Partner at Goldman Sachs. There, she played key roles in both the Principal Strategic Investments Group and later GS Growth, where she navigated the exciting shift of bringing in external LP capital. In her Goldman days, she specialized in Financial and Enterprise Technology investments and was instrumental in commercializing Goldman’s tech assets, both in New York and in London. She also represented Goldman on notable boards like Tradeweb and SwapClear at LCH, and she continues to serve on Tradeweb’s board as an independent director.
If you’re interested in hearing more, you can catch this episode of Alt Goes Mainstream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Transistor by following the links provided.
In our discussion today, fresh from Balderton’s impressive $1.3 billion fundraise targeting both early and growth stage investments, Rana dives into the allure of Europe as a vibrant investment landscape. We cover a range of captivating topics, such as groundbreaking innovations in financial services and the potential of companies like iCapital, Tradeweb, and Revolut. We also explore how European environments like London are becoming hotbeds for fintech and financial service growth. Additionally, we unpack what LPs should note when eyeing the European market and the distinct characteristics of being a strategic or permanent capital investor versus an independent VC fund. And not to forget, the critical role of risk management in the world of venture capital.
Our conversation also explores whether the tech advancements in finance are truly revolutionary or just an evolution. Plus, we consider the question: Can European firms prosper on a global scale without having to set foot outside Europe? We pepper in exciting insights about the enduring nature of fintech founders and other compelling aspects of European venture.
This podcast episode is proudly sponsored by Ultimus Fund Solutions. As a pioneering full-service fund administrator, Ultimus offers extensive support across private and public markets. This support is crucial as private markets become more mainstream, creating an urgent need for infrastructure that keeps pace with this evolution. They assist asset managers with navigating diverse challenges including complex fund structures, compliance, and transparency demands, all serviced by their expert team.
Ultimus serves over 450 clients and 1,800 funds, managing assets totaling $500 billion. They provide operational prowess and fund governance to aid managers in launching retail alternative products — quite a feat! To learn more about Ultimus and explore their tech-enhanced services, visit their website or contact Gary Harris, Executive VP of Business Development, via email.
We extend our gratitude to Ultimus for supporting the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.
Would you like to delve deeper into Rana’s journey and insights? Tune in to touch on everything from her transition from Goldman Sachs to Balderton, and the potential for European companies, to the strategic differences between investment approaches and revolutionary trends in financial technology. From the importance of enduring product velocity to the role of mentoring, there’s something for every listener interested in the future of investment and fintech on a European scale. Join us for a fascinating journey through the evolving world of finance!
