Building the Ultimate GP Checklist: From Fund Formation to Investor Onboarding
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Launching a private fund should be considered a marathon, not a sprint. But there are ways to make the process smoother.
For general partners (GPs), the journey from fund formation to investor onboarding is fraught with complexity, regulatory hurdles, and the pressure to deliver strong fund performance.
Private equity firms, in particular, must carefully navigate fund investments, structuring, and compliance to attract the right investors and scale effectively.
To give readers some invaluable insights, we are joined by two distinguished guests: Moritz Poewe, our Chief Operating Officer and a leading expert in the field, along with Tülin Tokatli, the CEO and founder of Pitch Me First, an advisory firm specializing in services for private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) funds.
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Before joining Vestlane as COO, Moritz, a former GP at SquareOne, built a long-standing career in venture capital and tech operations.
As the founder of Paua Ventures, he spent over a decade managing multiple fund generations, making critical investment decisions and overseeing fund operations.
Recognizing Vestlane’s potential to streamline fund onboarding and compliance for private equity firms and venture funds, he joined in 2024 to offer his expertise in fund management and scaling.
Reflecting on his early career experiences, Moritz quips: "We lived the pain. Vestlane isn't just software; it's the playbook we wish we'd had back then."
"I used to oversee all these onboarding processes, KYC stuff, for our venture firm. So I know all the pain points. Back in the day, there was no Vestlane.”
Indeed, structuring a fund properly and ensuring a headache-free investor onboarding process are among the most challenging aspects of being a GP.
Every step, from legal setup to ensuring investor compliance, can affect fund performance and long-term success.
Meanwhile, Tülin, a former investor at the European Investment Fund, now advises GPs. In other words, she transitioned from the buy side to the sell side after experiencing firsthand how ambitious visions can falter without anchor investors.
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In this blog, both experts share their insights on fund formation, onboarding, and fund investments, offering insights for both emerging and seasoned fund managers.
Get ready for your ultimate guide to setting up a fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is technology in managing private equity fund operations?
Technology plays a crucial role in modern fund operations, enabling automation of reporting, compliance, investor onboarding, and communication.
By adopting digital solutions like Vestlane, fund managers can streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance investor satisfaction, especially as the fund grows.
What types of investor profiles should fund managers target?
Fund managers typically target institutional investors (e.g., pension funds and endowments), high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate investors. Each investor type has distinct needs and expectations, ranging from stable long-term returns to bespoke investment strategies.
What are the essential steps involved in forming a private equity fund?
Fund formation requires establishing a clear investment thesis, choosing the right jurisdiction, structuring the fund appropriately, ensuring regulatory compliance, and assembling a competent team.
Additionally, defining the fund's size and focus, as well as putting in place operational systems, are crucial steps for successful fund creation.
How can fund managers streamline the investor onboarding process?
Fund managers can simplify the onboarding process by using digital platforms that automate document submission, e-signatures, and KYC/AML compliance checks.
This approach enhances efficiency, reduces manual errors, and ensures the fund remains compliant with relevant regulations.
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