GCP announces 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. GCP’s 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.”

About Strata

Strata is a delivery-focused consultancy with an industry leading specialising in BlackRock’s Aladdin and eFront platforms. We are industry practitioners who bring end-to-end strategic advisory and hands-on delivery capabilities to our clients, spanning Wealth and Asset Managers, Asset Owners and Asset Servicers.Our team have been involved in the major Aladdin implementations globally for the last 15 years, bringing our clients hands on experience in how to implement and Integrate Aladdin and eFront into their wider data ecosystem. 

About GCP

Growth Capital Partners (GCP) was founded in 1999 and has a proven track record of successfully building genuine investment partnerships with founders in ambitious, highly specialist businesses that power the Knowledge Economy.  With deep expertise in the Technology and Specialist Services sectors, GCP is currently investing from GCP Fund VI, and bringing valuable strategic support, tools for scaling, and extensive experience in helping people-driven businesses to unlock innovation, drive long term sustainable growth, and build the businesses of the future.