Episode 1 | Raisah Yusuf, Head of Client Service at 17Capital
In this episode of Beyond the Fundraise, Atominvest's CCO Piers Evans is joined by Raisah Yusuf, Head of Client Service at 17Capital, to explore why Client Service has become a strategically important function.
From building dedicated teams and winning internal buy-in, to navigating the data demands of today's LPs and the fast-moving technology landscape, Raisah shares practical insight from a career spent at the intersection of investor experience and operational excellence.
Whether you're standing up a Client Service function or looking to sharpen the one you have, this conversation is packed with ideas from one of the industry's leading practitioners.
Watch the full episode now!
Summary
- Why Client Service has become a strategic function
- A dedicated Client Service function frees up investment professionals, distribution and compliance teams
- Fundraising has become harder and more competitive across all GP strategies
- There is no single blueprint; the right Client Servicing model depends on firm size, investor base, and how the firm is already set up
- LP demand for data has shifted: timely, tailored reporting is now a competitive differentiator
- Technology is moving faster than most firms can evaluate it; the goal is scaling volume without scaling headcount
- Client Service has a bird's eye view of the full investor process, and that visibility is a strategic asset for reinvestment
Here's what we cover:
1:12 | CHAPTER 1: Client Service as a Career
- Career journey from IR Associate at a boutique fund manager to Head of Client Service at 17Capital
- A passion for project management and client service
- Client Service as the "conductor" of client engagement
3:04 | CHAPTER 2: Why Client Service Matters Right Now?
- Fundraising has become harder and more competitive across all GP strategies
- LPs are weighing far more than track record alone
- A dedicated Client Service function frees up investment professionals, distribution and compliance teams
- One coordinated voice for the investor - end to end
- Poor service directly affects the chance of LP reinvestment
7:31 | CHAPTER 3: What Do Firms Need from a Dedicated Client Service Team?
- No single blueprint - the function is shaped by firm size, strategy and investor base
- Operational focus vs commercial mindset - the team needs both
- The right model starts with asking: what do our investors actually need?
10:54 | CHAPTER 4: Meeting Evolving LP Needs
- Timely, tailored reporting is now a competitive differentiator
- Ensuring data is accurate and easy to access is vital
- Software implementation and tech stack decisions are increasingly strategic
13:40 | CHAPTER 5: AI and Technology in Private Markets
- The technology landscape is evolving faster than most firms can evaluate. Strong partnerships with suppliers and peers are key to help navigate
- The right tech supports higher volume without scaling headcount
- Building vs buying: both paths require significant resource investment
17:44 | CHAPTER 6: Common Challenges Facing IR and Client Service Teams
- Investor experience: expectations are rising and vary significantly by LP type
- Cross-departmental collaboration: getting consistent buy-in and workflow
- Validation: client service is still a relatively new, evolving function
About Atominvest
Atominvest is a leading technology provider for private markets asset managers, offering a unified software platform that streamlines investor relations, AI-powered portfolio management, and compliance workflows. With over 150K users globally and more than $5 trillion in AUM supported, Atominvest powers investor and portfolio operations across private equity, private credit, venture capital, real assets, and asset management firms.
