Aug 5, 2024

The Space-Inspired Connection Behind a 7-Figure Tech Investment and a Disruptive Design Collaboration

Brownmint client, ACE Alternatives Secures Major Investment from Kneip to Expand Tech

astronaut holding ace alternatives flag after funding round
astronaut holding ace alternatives flag after funding round

In a significant move to challenge the status quo of the alternative asset fund industry, ACE Alternatives has secured a seven-figure investment. As Europe’s fastest-growing service provider in this sector, ACE exemplifies innovation and growth.

Brownmint is thrilled to collaborate with such a forward-thinking client. Guided by CEO Matias Collan’s vision, ACE aims not only to digitize current fund administration, compliance, investor onboarding, tax, accounting, and ESG processes but also to introduce new procedures and automation to keep fund managers, investors, and portfolio companies ahead of the curve. 

Re-Imagining the Alternative Asset Sector through Design: Brownmint as the Strategic Design Partner for ACE Alternatives

One year ago, Brownmint and ACE Alternatives embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration. During our pitch, we bonded over our shared love for everything space-related and beyond. However, we recognized that the symbolism of space had become synonymous with the world of cryptocurrencies ("to the moon!"). So, we decided to retain the core feeling of space and Matias's passion for exploring the unknown and pushing boundaries into the brand language.

Background:

Alternative investment funds outsource their operational requirements to ACE Alternatives, allowing them to focus on their core competencies: fundraising and locating the next unicorn. However, the term "outsourcing" often carries a negative connotation, implying repetitive tasks and a general loss of quality. In contrast, ACE Alternatives is a team with decades of domain expertise, capable of not only operating funds but also providing strategic and best-practices consulting. Furthermore, they leverage technology to make the process seamless while connecting and creating a comprehensive ecosystem of stakeholders.

The Concept:

ACE 'Re-Imagine' envisions a future where alternative asset operations are not just outsourced but redefined.

Here's a deeper dive into our contributions: 

Logo Extension: Building upon ACE's pre-existing logo, we developed a cohesive visual identity across various platforms. This involved creating brand guidelines to ensure consistency in colors, typography, and imagery across all touchpoints. 

Website Design: Our team revamped ACE's website to reflect the new visual identity, focusing on user experience and accessibility. The updated site features intuitive navigation, engaging visuals, and clear calls-to-action, making it easier for visitors to find information and connect with ACE. 

Marketing Collateral: Brownmint designed a suite of marketing materials, including brochures, business cards, and presentation templates, to ensure a consistent and professional brand image. These assets are crucial for ACE's outreach and engagement with potential clients and partners.

Fundraising Deck: Brownmint designed a compelling fundraising deck that helped ACE secure significant investment from Bob Kneip. The deck combined persuasive visuals with clear, concise information, effectively communicating ACE's value proposition and growth potential. 

The Future of ACE Alternatives and Brownmint: UI/UX Enhancements for the Suite7 Platform

At Brownmint, we prioritize a user-centric approach in every project. For ACE Alternatives, our focus was on creating a design that meets the diverse needs of fund operators, fund managers, investors, and portfolio companies. Our approach involved extensive user research via Figma Prototypes to gather insights into their pain points and requirements. 

Streamlined Navigation and Interface: A key component of our UI/UX strategy was to design a streamlined navigation system that allows users to access information and tools with minimal effort. The interface is intuitive, with a clean layout and clear visual hierarchy, ensuring that users can quickly find what they need. We implemented responsive design principles to guarantee a seamless experience across all devices, from desktops and ipads to mobile phones.

Advanced Visualization Tools: To enhance data comprehension and decision-making, we integrated advanced visualization tools into the ACE Suite7 platform. Interactive charts, graphs, and dashboards provide users with real-time insights into fund performance, compliance status, and other critical metrics. These tools are designed to be both visually appealing and highly functional, allowing users to drill down into the data for deeper analysis. 

Personalized User Experience: Recognizing that different users have unique needs, we incorporated personalization features into the platform. Users can customize their dashboards, set preferences for data views, and receive tailored notifications. This personalized experience ensures that each user can optimize the platform to suit their specific workflow and requirements. 

Continuous Improvement and Feedback Loop: Our collaboration with ACE Alternatives is ongoing, with a commitment to continuous improvement. We established a feedback loop that allows users to share their experiences and suggest enhancements. This feedback is invaluable in refining the platform and ensuring it evolves to meet changing needs and technological advancements.

And Lastly… 

Brownmint's partnership with ACE Alternatives is a testament to the power of innovative UI/UX design in transforming the alternative asset fund industry. By focusing on user-centric design, advanced visualization, and personalization, we have helped ACE Alternatives create a platform that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of fund managers, investors, and portfolio companies. As we continue to collaborate, we are excited to drive further innovation and set new standards in the industry. 

About ACE Alternatives 

ACE Alternatives specializes in venture capital, private equity, fund of funds, private real estate, and more. They leverage tech-driven processes and extensive industry experience to offer tailored solutions for fund administration, compliance and regulatory, tax and accounting, investor onboarding, and ESG needs.

About Kneip

Kneip is a leader in fund data management and reporting solutions for the asset management industry. They empower clients to efficiently manage data and ensure compliance in a constantly evolving regulatory landscape. Since 2022, Kneip has been part of Clearstream and Deutsche Börse Group.