ACE Alternatives

Legacy accounting systems weren’t built for the speed, the scale, or the complexity of today’s private markets. Outdated tools lead to: - Delayed reporting - Limited visibility across entities - Errors that shake LP confidence Fund managers deserve better. Modern infrastructure is more than a back-office upgrade—it’s a competitive edge. In the latest EUVC piece, ACE Alternatives CEO Matias Collan 🚀 explores how GPs can build a scalable, future-proof foundation for fund operations. #FundManagement #PrivateMarkets #Accounting #Infrastructure #AlternativeAssets

Not all patterns are predictive. Some are just noise. And mistaking one for the other is how smart investors lose money. This is The Clustering Illusion—when we see momentum where there’s only randomness. We chase streaks. We overcommit on noise. We build narratives from outliers. Don’t let randomness fool you. Here's how to invest with clarity, not illusion. #CognitiveBias #Investing #ClusteringIllusion #BlockOutTheNoise

"Women and math? No, they can't go together." Johanna von Herman once heard those words. Today, as VP, and Head of Customer Excellence at ACE Alternatives, she and so many other women in venture capital are proving that outdated stereotype spectacularly wrong. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and leadership of women shaping industries once considered off-limits to them. In a discussion hosted by Ucha Vekua from Startup Adventures International, our four remarkable colleagues Johanna von Hermann, Stephanie von Behr, Natalya Naumova, and Johanna Rolf shared their journeys in the VC ecosystem and the often-overlooked role of operations in venture capital. Beyond pitch meetings and million-dollar deals, VC operations are the backbone of the industry and increasingly, women are leading this transformation. But numbers reveal a stark reality. Only 16% of GPs in Europe are women, managing just 9% of total AUM, compared to 91% controlled by male GPs. Even more striking, just 2% of venture capital funding goes to all-women teams (Sophie Winwood). The gender gap in VC remains stark, but as these women demonstrate, success isn’t about fitting into an old mold, it’s about reshaping the industry with fresh perspectives and driving real change. From shifting industries to restarting careers after raising children, their stories highlight the determination, adaptability, and expertise that are transforming VC from the inside out. As Johanna von Hermann put it: "Mixed teams are the most successful teams, whether on the startup side or the fund side." On this Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the incredible women driving change in finance, tech, and beyond. Link in the comments to the full conversation 👇 ✨ Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s continue breaking barriers together. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInVC #VentureCapital #Leadership #DiversityInFinance #WomenInBusiness

#event Join us on March 10th for "How to Best Engage with American LPs," featuring Matias Collan and Felix von der Planitz (ACE Alternatives), Andreas Munk Holm (EUVC ), and David Rose (US Expansion Partners). The panel will explore: ✅ Strategies for European funds to distinguish themselves in the US market ✅ Navigating complexities around compliance & tax challenges ✅ Market advantage and why now is the time for US capital ✅ Operational adjustments necessary for long-term success ✅ and more.... The European investment approach brings unique perspectives and methodologies that American investors are increasingly seeking. However, capturing this opportunity requires more than just showing up - it demands strategic positioning, regulatory finesse, and operational adaptability. Our panel will reveal how European funds are capitalizing on current market dynamics to attract significant US capital, creating mutually beneficial partnerships that leverage Europe's distinctive investment philosophy while satisfying American investor expectations. The landscape is shifting rapidly. Join us to discover why 2025 is proving to be a pivotal moment for European fund managers to establish a strategic foothold in the American market. Sign up today on https://lnkd.in/dkB7K7Dh #webinar #investing #tax #operations #fund #linkedinlive

Join us on March 10th for "How to Best Engage with American LPs," featuring Matias Collan and Felix von der Planitz (ACE Alternatives), Andreas Munk Holm (EUVC ), and David Rose (US Expansion Partners). The panel will explore: ✅ Strategies for European funds to distinguish themselves in the US market ✅ Navigating complexities around compliance & tax challenges ✅ Market advantage and why now is the time for US capital ✅ Operational adjustments necessary for long-term success ✅ and more.... #webinar #investing #tax #operations #fund

Are your record-breaking returns sustainable?   Or is the market pulling a disappearing act on your wins? Chasing those dazzling peaks feels thrilling—until they fade into the average.   What seems like a breakthrough may simply be a statistical illusion. Investors often latch onto extreme performances, believing that today's dazzling highs will last forever. This can lead to misallocated capital—as if chasing a shooting star that vanishes before your eyes. But what if you’re thinking, “I trust my instincts”?   Even the sharpest instincts need the support of solid data. Curious to know how to harness this market gravity to your advantage?   Let's dive in and learn how to blend bold leaps with rock-solid stability for lasting success. #CognitiveBias #RegressionToTheMean #Investing #VentureCapital

We are thrilled to welcome Celina Ka to ACE Alternatives as our new Product Lead! Celina brings an impressive background in digital product management and compliance tech, making her a valuable addition to our team as we continue to enhance our tech-enabled fund operation solutions. Celina has spent the past ten years building expertise in digital and regulatory products, positioning herself as a leader in product management. In her previous role, she led transformative initiatives in the renewable energy sector, including overseeing the digital experience for a major project aimed at modernizing energy storage systems across Germany. Her work in compliance and regulatory technology has also provided her with a solid foundation in digital product development, equipping her with the skills to navigate the complexities of fintech. Celina’s career has been shaped by her passion for high-impact industries, from renewable energy to financial technology. She believes that product ownership is more than just management—it’s about driving vision and creating lasting impact. This perspective led her to ACE, where she was introduced to the opportunity through Matias Collan. Beyond her professional expertise, Celina brings an energetic and well-rounded perspective as a former spinning coach, an avid reader, and a deep thinker in philosophy & literature. As Product Lead, Celina will play a key role in advancing ACE’s product vision and strategy. She will work closely with operations and tech teams to maintain high design standards, user experience consistency, and product efficiency. Celina’s expertise will be invaluable in improving our GP portal, LP portal, and investor onboarding workflows. We are excited to have Celina on board and look forward to the innovative ideas, leadership, and fresh perspectives she will bring to ACE Alternatives. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!   #fintech #tech #digital #productlead #fundoperations

Are you certain your last big win was the result of a well-honed strategy? Or did a twist of random luck quietly steer your decisions? For alternative asset investors, the line between calculated strategy and chance can be startlingly thin. Sometimes, what appears to be a breakthrough is nothing more than the market's whimsical dance of serendipity. Have you ever stopped to wonder if that triumphant moment in your portfolio was truly driven by your expertise, or if coincidence played a larger role than you realized? #CognitiveBias #CoincidenceBias #Investing #VentureCapital

Tax structuring is one of the most critical aspects of private equity fund management, and in Germany, it’s becoming more complex. With new compliance requirements, evolving tax treatments, and shifting investor obligations, fund managers need a clear strategy to navigate this environment. A key update in 2023 requires private equity funds structured as partnerships to file annual tax returns if they have at least two German tax-resident investors, even if the fund has no taxable presence in Germany. This rule applies to both domestic and foreign transparent entities (e.g., Luxembourg SCS), and non-compliance could result in penalties or tax assessments at the investor level. Beyond compliance, fund managers must carefully consider how they structure investments. In Germany, primary transactions (direct acquisitions) and secondary transactions (buying stakes from existing investors) are common, but tax treatment varies significantly by fund structure. Partnerships allow for tax transparency, meaning income flows directly to investors. However, if the partnership is deemed to be conducting business activities, it becomes subject to German trade tax. Investment funds, in contrast, face a 15% corporate tax on certain German income and must withhold tax on domestic investors’ taxable income, but distributions to non-resident investors remain tax-free. The taxation of carried interest is also a key consideration. If structured correctly, it qualifies for a 40% tax exemption, leading to an effective tax rate of ~28.5%—a favorable outcome for fund sponsors. Additionally, since 2024, all alternative investment funds (AIFs) are VAT-exempt, reducing costs for fund managers. What does this mean for PE funds in Germany? Proactive tax planning is no longer optional—it’s essential. Fund structure affects profitability, investor returns, and regulatory risk. Securing tax rulings in advance provides greater certainty, especially in distinguishing asset management from active business operations. Foreign investors must also assess their withholding tax exposure, as treaty benefits vary. Germany’s tax landscape for PE is evolving, and staying ahead of these changes through strategic tax planning is key. For more information please contact Felix von der Planitz, Matias Collan and Johanna von Herman. Here’s a side-by-side tax comparison of Partnerships vs. Investment Funds in Germany. ⬇️ #PrivateEquity #TaxPlanning #InvestmentFunds #GermanyTax #FundManagement #PEInvesting

Tax structuring is one of the most critical aspects of private equity fund management, and in Germany, it’s becoming more complex. With new compliance requirements, evolving tax treatments, and shifting investor obligations, fund managers need a clear strategy to navigate this environment. A key update in 2023 requires private equity funds structured as partnerships to file annual tax returns if they have at least two German tax-resident investors, even if the fund has no taxable presence in Germany. This rule applies to both domestic and foreign transparent entities (e.g., Luxembourg SCS), and non-compliance could result in penalties or tax assessments at the investor level. Beyond compliance, fund managers must carefully consider how they structure investments. In Germany, primary transactions (direct acquisitions) and secondary transactions (buying stakes from existing investors) are common, but tax treatment varies significantly by fund structure. Partnerships allow for tax transparency, meaning income flows directly to investors. However, if the partnership is deemed to be conducting business activities, it becomes subject to German trade tax. Investment funds, in contrast, face a 15% corporate tax on certain German income and must withhold tax on domestic investors’ taxable income, but distributions to non-resident investors remain tax-free. The taxation of carried interest is also a key consideration. If structured correctly, it qualifies for a 40% tax exemption, leading to an effective tax rate of ~28.5%—a favorable outcome for fund sponsors. Additionally, since 2024, all alternative investment funds (AIFs) are VAT-exempt, reducing costs for fund managers. What does this mean for PE funds in Germany? Proactive tax planning is no longer optional—it’s essential. Fund structure affects profitability, investor returns, and regulatory risk. Securing tax rulings in advance provides greater certainty, especially in distinguishing asset management from active business operations. Foreign investors must also assess their withholding tax exposure, as treaty benefits vary. Germany’s tax landscape for PE is evolving, and staying ahead of these changes through strategic tax planning is key. For more information please contact Felix von der Planitz, Matias Collan and Johanna von Herman. Here’s a side-by-side tax comparison of Partnerships vs. Investment Funds in Germany. ⬇️ #PrivateEquity #TaxPlanning #InvestmentFunds #GermanyTax #FundManagement #PEInvesting