iCapital Network, a financial technology platform and solutions provider for broker-dealers, and private banks, has secured funding from BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), helping inject capital into its initiative to develop a digital alternative investments platform, per a company statement.
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As a key player in the asset and Risk Management space, BlackRock makes for a strategic choice to lead iCapital Network next Funding Round . In addition, Frank Porcelli, the acting Chairman of BlackRock’s US Wealth Advisory business, is slated to join iCapital’s Board of Directors – he will be working closely with the organization as a strategic advisor.
iCapital Network is aiming to develop a digital alternative investments platform, which will take advantage of a growing disparity in the financial services space. Presently, investors remain under-allocated to alternative investments as compared to institutional investors.
Growing Need
However, these individuals are also increasingly receptive to utilizing alternatives that can play an instrumental role in state-of-the-art portfolio construction. iCapital’s online platform was designed with this in mind, which will aim to foster private investment opportunities via an independent originat that prioritizes quality offerings from a wide range of top managers, whilst providing an end-to-end technology solution.
Frank Porcelli
According to Lawrence Calcano, CEO of iCapital Network, in a recent statement on the funding: “We are building the largest independent digital alternative investments platform in the industry. In BlackRock, we have an investor who understands the importance of technology’s role in the wealth management ecosystem. BlackRock’s decision to lead our next round of funding validates the steps we’ve taken thus far and gives us a springboard to scale the platform for future growth.”
“iCapital’s combination of due diligence capabilities, technology and relationships with alternative asset managers seamlessly facilitates investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, including BlackRock Alternative Investors,” explained Mr. Porcelli, in an accompanying statement.
