In a move to capitalise on the growing fintech space, Bailador Technology Investments (ASX: BTI) has invested $20 million in financial advice platform DASH Technology.  

This tech investment aligns with DASH’s mission to make financial advisory accessible to a larger Australian audience.  A cloud-based financial advice and investment management platform, DASH is growing amongst independent financial advisers (IFAs). The company is led by Andrew Whelan DASH’s CEO and Executive Director of Strategy, Darren Pettiona. 

DASH administers approximately $1 trillion on behalf of IFAs.

David Kirk, Bailador Co-Founder and Managing Partner said: “As Chair of Forsyth Barr, New Zealand’s largest financial advisory group, I’ve seen the many challenges advisors face in efficiently delivering financial advice to their clients.

“Bailador is excited to be partnering with Andrew, Darren, and the DASH team as they realise their vision of facilitating a different advice model that gives more Australians access to the financial advice they need to build wealth for a comfortable retirement.” he further added. 

Bailador, known for its expertise in the information technology sector, is taking a chance on the growth trajectory of DASH’s business and its product vision for the DASH platform. 

“Bailador seeks to make high conviction investments in premium technology businesses at the expansion stage and DASH is a high-quality business that possesses all the positive characteristics that Bailador looks for in a new investment.” said, James Johnstone, Bailador Partner.

Geoff Lloyd, Chairman of DASH, expressed a positive sentiment regarding this new tech venture with Bailador. The influx of $20 million in capital will serve as a catalyst for several initiatives, including the accelerated development of DASH’s software and platform technology, the expansion of the Company’s sales and marketing efforts, and a targeted 20% increase in its workforce. David Kirk and James Johnstone, representatives from Bailador, will also join the Board of Directors for DASH.

DASH’s CEO Andrew Whelan said, “It’s important to note that the DASH brand is only two years old. While we have achieved a lot in this short time, we have much more on our road map. This investment will allow us to fast-track our key developments, all of which are advice and client led.

“At DASH, we are facilitating different advice to give more Australians access to the advice they need to navigate the complex areas of financial planning and investment administration.” he added. 

Bailador remains committed to foster accessible technology solutions, in various sectors with this latest DASH investment following on from a $20 million investment they made in Updoc, two months earlier.

Both investments highlight Bailador’s strategy of identifying and investing in high-growth tech companies that address accessibility challenges in crucial sectors with Updoc being a digital health platform that improves telehealth capabilities. 

In their May 2024 shareholder update after the Updoc investment, Bailador reported a Net Tangible Assets snapshot of $1.76 per BTI share, with shares seemingly trading at an NTA discount around $1.18 after the DASH announcement.