Innovation Meets Experience: Redefining Secondaries Investing

A Historic First Fund Close

Clipway, established merely three years ago by a team including Vincent Gombault, Ingmar Vallano, and Benoît Verbrugghe, initiated fundraising for its first vehicle, Clipway Secondary Fund I, in 2023 with an initial target of $4 billion. The fund ultimately exceeded its goal by 60%, securing capital from 186 limited partners across the globe, with Europe contributing 44%, North and Latin America 21%, the Middle East 18%, and Asia 17%.

Leveraging Technology for Competitive Advantage

In a market where capital typically gravitates towards established, larger firms, Clipway distinguishes itself through its proprietary AI-powered sourcing system, TESS. This advanced database covers over 38,500 private companies, meticulously screening and underwriting potential deals before human review. This technological edge allows Clipway to compete effectively with much larger rivals, offering a modern approach to traditional investment strategies.

The Strategic Importance of Partner Commitments

The success of Clipway's debut fund was bolstered by strategic partnerships with prominent investors such as Mubadala Investment Company, Carmignac, and General Atlantic. These commitments underscore the confidence in Clipway's innovative model and its potential to deliver significant returns in the secondaries market.

Founding Team's Proven Pedigree

Beyond its technological prowess, Clipway's appeal to investors is deeply rooted in the distinguished backgrounds of its founders. Vincent Gombault, a co-founder of Ardian, previously served as its global head of funds of funds and private debt. Ingmar Vallano was a senior managing director for fund-of-funds and co-investment at Ardian, while Benoît Verbrugghe led Ardian USA and sat on its executive committee. This rich experience provides a strong foundation of trust and expertise.

Market Context and Future Outlook

Clipway's record-setting close occurs at a time when secondaries fundraising success is increasingly concentrated among managers demonstrating scale, unique access, and strong relationships with limited partners. The firm's focus on diversified LP-led secondary transactions in North America and Western European buyout funds has already resulted in over $6 billion in transaction volume, spanning 1,403 companies across 177 funds, indicating a robust and active investment strategy for the future.