New York, January 17, 2018 – Thalēs, a derivatives broker and placement firm servicing the alternative investment industry, today announced the official launch of Agora, an online portal targeting the institutional investor community that enhances and streamlines the traditional capital introduction model.
Agora provides institutional investors with analytical tools to discover, analyze, compare, monitor, and connect with hedge fund managers interactively. Hedge funds invited to join Agora can efficiently share information about their firms and strategies as well as market commentaries directly with institutional investors. Agora, which launched in private beta in late 2017, is by invitation-only to verified institutional investors and hedge funds who receive complimentary access to the platform.
Edouard Robbes, President of Thalēs Capital Partners said: “The traditional capital introduction model offered by prime brokers has barely evolved since hedge funds became mainstream even as digital interactions have revolutionized other mature industries”. He added: “With the launch of Agora, we are integrating the latest advancements from the fintech space with our deep expertise in capital raising to deliver an efficient online experience while maintaining our high-touch approach.”
Marc Cohen, CEO of Thalēs commented: “More than a database, Agora is a dynamic ecosystem which elevates the manager sourcing experience, increases visibility for managers, and vastly improves the outdated and time-consuming traditional capital introduction approach. By allowing investors to connect directly with managers, Agora also goes beyond traditional hedge fund databases which provide limited if any engagement.”
Agora is the result of a close collaboration with Edgefolio, a fintech company specialized in simplifying interactions within the hedge fund industry. “Since our inception, we have consistently invested in and developed technology solutions to create efficiencies for our clients”, said Edouard Robbes. “We are thrilled to have partnered with Edgefolio whose approach and product stand out in their market segment. Leo Gasteen, Founder of Edgefolio, commented: “The partners at Thalēs are among the most connected individuals in our industry. Their passion for technology and vision for the industry have been a positive force and a useful resource in refining our mission.”
About Thalēs
Thalēs is a technology-driven derivatives brokerage and capital raising firm servicing institutional market participants. Our team is comprised of experienced practitioners joining from senior roles in prime brokerage, investment management, capital raising, technology, and operations, who are committed to helping our clients succeed. We deploy innovative technologies which, combined with our service platform and expertise, help our clients enhance their trading infrastructures and grow their assets under management. We believe that priority service, access to expert advice, operational mentorship, and automated workflow solutions are critical to the success of our brokerage clients. We help hedge funds shape their stories, refine their strategic plans, and develop the processes required to efficiently raise capital. Founded in 2012, Thalēs is headquartered in New York and has offices in Chicago.
Thalēs Capital Partners LLC (“TCP”) and Thalēs Trading Solutions LLC (“TTS”) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Thalēs Associates LLC (“Thalēs”). TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). In addition, TCP and TTS are registered as Introducing Brokers with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and members of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).
About Edgefolio
Founded in 2014, Edgefolio is a fintech company that specializes in simplifying interactions between investors and hedge funds through an intuitive interface and powerful analytical tools. Since its market debut, our platform has grown to become an industry utility, expanding its offering from investors and fund managers to other stakeholders including fund of funds, prime brokers, fund platforms, and administrators. Our vision is to build the platform for every stakeholder in the hedge fund industry. Our team is comprised of industry experts and technologists. Edgefolio is headquartered in London, and has presence in Hong Kong, New York, and Geneva.
Source: Thalēs
Press Enquiries
Edouard Robbes | President
Thalēs Capital Partners LLC
+1 (646) 664-0651 | erobbes@thales.com
