About this series
Welcome to Part II of our Bridging the Gap series, where we explore Fundpath’s founding story and its innovative approach to solving the #1 problem in fund distribution: the Information Disconnect, which we explored in Part I.
Fundpath was established to bridge the gap between fund buyers and sellers. As a comprehensive platform that leverages proprietary data and technology, Fundpath enables meaningful and productive interactions between asset managers and wealth managers resulting in smarter connectivity.
Fundpath’s Founding Epiphany
Fundpath was founded in 2021 by Jamie Hinchliffe, Tom Porter, Allan Goodridge, and Rod Boulogne who collectively combine decades of experience in the B2B financial industry. They had previously founded and successfully exited Last Word Media, a market-leading global financial media company, setting the stage for their next venture.
The catalyst for Fundpath emerged from conversations between the founding team and their wealth managers. The wealth managers told them about the overwhelming volume of unsolicited, misplaced, and irrelevant calls and emails they received daily from the asset management industry.
Further research showed that this was a widespread problem across the industry.
Our CEO, Jamie, recalls this as a pivotal moment that sparked the idea for Fundpath. That conversation got him and the co-founders thinking:
Why does this problem exist? And could we deliver a solution to transform and support the investment distribution ecosystem?”
Fundpath’s founders approached the asset management industry, who were just as keen to understand this problem and find a solution to it. They made four key observations while trying to understand this problem:
1. Inaccurate and Fragmented Data: Asset management CRMs are riddled with outdated and inconsistent datasets.
2. Inability To Perpetually Update Data: CRM data becomes obsolete without continuous, systematic updates.
3. Absence of Proprietary Data: Crucial, forward-looking and real-time insights, buying preferences, and fund selection parameters are missing due to the scarcity of exclusive data.
4. Ineffective Technology: Legacy systems make it difficult to analyse, interrogate, and utilise available data effectively.
These issues created what the founders termed the ‘Information Disconnect’, which prevents meaningful engagement between fund buyers and sellers. Wealth managers receive a deluge of irrelevant communication, while asset managers lack visibility into the real needs of their clients and prospects.
Addressing the Information Disconnect
Recognising the opportunity to improve these interactions, Fundpath approached the wealth management industry for their support. They too, wanted to find a solution to this problem and were keen to engage. Fundpath then:
1. Built the Most Accurate Dataset in the Industry: By harmonising and standardising wealth management data, Fundpath ensures reliable, up-to-date insights.
2. Established Perpetual Data Update Systems: Proprietary processes ensure continuous data refreshment, maintaining the relevance of the information.
3. Collected Proprietary Data from Hundreds of Wealth Management Firms: This data provides unparalleled insights into fund selection processes, mandates, and future asset allocation intentions.
4. Developed Innovative Technology for Data Analysis: Fundpath’s intelligent software allows asset managers to create dynamic, customised audiences and uncover trends that were previously unknown.
Fundpath’s Journey So Far
Initial funding from the founders’ own networks enabled Fundpath to launch and validate its proof of concept. Early success attracted additional investment. Fuel Ventures, our venture capital partner has invested £6 million in Fundpath to date. Since its inception, Fundpath has expanded rapidly, now serving well over a 100 asset management clients, from Tier-1 firms such as Morgan Stanley, PIMCO, and Schroders through to mid-sized firms and boutiques. For some of our more recent milestones, see our 2024 Year-in-Review.
Fundpath’s Vision and Purpose
Fundpath’s vision is to become the single source of truth for the investment distribution ecosystem. Our purpose is to support the buyers and sellers of funds to achieve better outcomes through the sharing of information and smarter connectivity.
What’s In It For You?
Fundpath is more than just a platform. We are a strategic partner transforming how the wealth and asset management industry connects, communicates, and collaborates.
For asset managers aiming to optimise their engagement strategies and for wealth managers looking for more relevant communication, Fundpath serves as the nexus.
We are bridging the Information Disconnect.
In our next article, we will dive deeper into Fundpath’s core offerings: our features, benefits, and dive deeper into how Fundpath’s unique proposition addresses the Information Disconnect.
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