Hamilton Lane Seeks to Open Private Markets to Main Street Investors

What's Happening:

Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ: HLNE), one of the largest private markets investment firms globally, announced today it's partnering with fintech platform Republic to give everyday retail investors access to private market investments through blockchain-based solutions, according to a company press release.

The Key Moves:

• Hamilton Lane will create investment products with lower minimums than traditional private market funds

• The partnership will use blockchain technology to increase liquidity for investors

• First retail products expected to launch in first half of 2025

Key Players:

• Victor Jung - Head of Digital Assets, Hamilton Lane

• Kendrick Nguyen - CEO and Co-founder, Republic

By The Numbers:

• $13 trillion: Size of global private markets sector the partnership aims to unlock

• $947 billion: Hamilton Lane's total assets under management and supervision

• 140,000: Number of private companies globally with revenues over $100 million, compared to 19,000 public companies

Key Quotes:

• "Investors shouldn't be required to have a high income or millions in net worth to access these assets" - Victor Jung

• "The historic performance and diversification benefits of the private markets are real" - Victor Jung

• "Working with an industry leader like Hamilton Lane makes direct access to institutional quality private markets funds across a variety of industries possible" - Kendrick Nguyen

The Wrap:

This move signals a major shift in private market investing, traditionally reserved for institutional and wealthy investors. Using blockchain technology to increase accessibility and liquidity could fundamentally change how everyday investors access alternative investments, potentially democratizing a previously exclusive market sector.

Full Release