Former placement agent sets up fund raising support service

A former placing agent has launched a new private equity fund raising service.

Sarah Clarke, previously with Helix Associates, has set up Foundation Fundraising Services (Ffs) to provide advice and preparation services to general partners who intend to fund raise without the assistance of placement agents.

“Ffs can provide full or partial marketing support including, for example, the production of the information memorandum or pitchbook to the standard expected of top placement agents,” said Clarke.

Services range from marketing or documentation preparation to advice on managing the process.

Clarke said: “Private equity practitioners acknowledge that fund raising is now process- rather than relationship-driven. In other words, the key to successful fund raising is no longer to get in front of the right person, but to have the right materials, speedy turnaround and a clear understanding of investors’ needs and expectations. The aim of Ffs is to equip its clients to present their stories compellingly, with the minimum GP effort. This has already proved a popular combination.”