Swift and thorough assessment
It started with a swift application on their website. A few weeks later here I was having my first call with Michael Ströck, Allocator One's founder and CEO. His approach to due diligence and commitment is refreshingly efficient. Within just 8 weeks of initial contact, A1 as we call it, completed their assessment, conducted thorough due diligence, and made a firm commitment. This rapid process allowed me to focus on building my fund with new LP’s rather than getting bogged down in a lengthy evaluation period, ghosted calls, and god knows how many emails sent without any reply. On that aspect Allocator One truly stands out, knowing they get hundreds of applications a month, in a tough macroeconomic context, they really pull the A-game on, matching the DNA of my fund Don’t Quit Ventures.
High-quality LP network and events
The LP base that Allocator One brings to the table is truly impressive. I've had the pleasure of attending a few networking events so far, and the quality of interactions has been exceptional. These gatherings not only provide valuable connections but also create an atmosphere of camaraderie among fellow GPs. The events are well-organised, fostering meaningful discussions, potential collaborations, and interesting panels.
Driving change in Venture Capital
Allocator One's mission goes beyond mere financial backing.They are committed to driving progress in the venture capital world by supporting outliers and original ideas. Their approach restores a sense of decency in fund interactions, emphasizing transparency and mutual respect. This commitment to positive change is evident in their selection of diverse GPs and unconventional fund strategies. As such they backed Pedja Predin, a proud Serbian, launching a Fifth Quarter fund in this challengingly promising area of the world or solo GP Sarah Drinkwater with Common Magic fund backing companies with community at their core in Europe.
Building essential infrastructure
One of the most exciting aspects of Allocator One's offering is their development of a fund administration platform for Europe. This service addresses a significant gap in the market, providing much-needed support for emerging fund managers. Once launched the platform will streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens, allowing GPs to focus more on value creation, rather than having to struggle with not-so-clear regulations, high legal fees, tax limbos, admin fees, and a hell of other hurdles.
A team that feels like family
The Allocator One team, led by Michael Ströck and Felix Staeritz, along with their Swiss Knife Heidi, feels more like a family than a typical investor group. Their genuine interest in our success, coupled with their expertise and supportive nature, creates a nurturing environment for first-time GPs. The team's approachability and willingness to share insights have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of fund management. As such they are more than available at any day of the week, GP’s have a dedicated Slack channel, Whatsapp Group, and much more.
In conclusion, my journey with Allocator One has been transformative. Their unique approach, combining swift decision-making, a strong LP network, a mission-driven focus, innovative infrastructure, and a supportive team, sets them apart in the venture capital ecosystem. For first-time GPs looking to make their mark, Allocator One offers not just financial backing, but a true partnership in building the future of venture capital.
Noa Khamallah is General Partner at Don't Quit Ventures.
