Hamilton Lane Partners with Private Markets Software Provider Bison to Launch Analytics and Data Platform, Cobalt

BALA CYNWYD, Pa., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Lane, a leading private markets asset management firm, today announced an investment in and strategic partnership with Bison (Boston Illiquid Securities Offering Network, Inc.), a company focused on creating innovative analytical systems for the private markets industry. This investment represents a significant and continued commitment from Hamilton Lane to support breakthrough technologies, enhanced data transparency and more robust analytics for the private markets.

Hamilton Lane and Bison also announced the release of Cobalt, a cutting-edge analytics platform designed to meet the evolving needs of all private markets constituents – both limited partners and general partners. The Cobalt LP product, exclusively distributed by Hamilton Lane, offers enhanced portfolio analytics, fund due diligence, peer analysis and cash-flow forecasting. For general partners, Cobalt GP provides the tools and intelligence needed to assess and attract investors—including effective peer benchmarking, fundraising process management and track record analysis and presentation, among other features.

"Our investment in Bison and partnership on Cobalt is part of a continued effort to help address what we believe is a systemic underinvestment in data and infrastructure in this asset class," said Erik Hirsch, chief investment officer at Hamilton Lane. "We have long been proponents of greater transparency within the private markets, and take the view that data and technology can play a key role in propelling our industry forward."

"After five years of developing innovative software solutions for private markets, Bison is thrilled to partner with Hamilton Lane," said Rasmus Goksor, CEO of Bison. "Both firms share a vision for the future of private equity, and this strategic relationship brings us closer to that vision by marrying Bison's technical prowess with Hamilton Lane's deep industry expertise."

This is Hamilton Lane's fourth such investment in and strategic partnership with a technology company serving the private markets. Bison now joins iLevel/Ipreo, DealCloud and Black Mountain Systems as a key strategic partner within Hamilton Lane's growing technology portfolio. With this investment, Hamilton Lane becomes Bison's largest shareholder, and Erik Hirsch will join the Bison board of directors as the company's chairman.  

For more information on Cobalt, please visit www.cobaltLP.com and www.cobaltGP.com.

About Hamilton Lane
Hamilton Lane is an independent alternative investment management firm providing innovative private markets solutions to sophisticated investors around the world. Dedicated to private markets investing for 25 years, the firm currently employs more than 250 professionals operating in offices throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. With more than $315 billion in total assets under management and supervision¹, Hamilton Lane offers a full range of investment products and services that enable clients to participate in the private markets asset class on a global and customized basis.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hamiltonlane.com/.

¹ As of June 30, 2016

About Bison
Founded in 2011, Bison is a fast-growing startup company focused on developing innovative technology for private markets. With roots in solving complex challenges within private equity and venture capital, Bison's mission has been to use the power of nimble technology and transparent data to bring unmatched, creative software solutions to the market.  Headquartered in Boston, MA, Bison's products currently serve an impressive roster of some of the industry's leading private equity firms and investors, including large buyout and venture capital firms, leading endowments and foundations, as well as private and public pensions. www.bison.co.

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SOURCE Hamilton Lane