Future Standard Partners with KDC to Drive Infrastructure Investments and Innovation

In a significant move set to reshape the infrastructure landscape, Future Standard, a leader in alternative asset management with a portfolio valued at $94 billion, has announced its strategic partnership with KDC. This alliance, highlighted by a recent minority stake acquisition in KDC, is aimed at broadening access to diversified investment opportunities in capital-intensive sectors that require specialized expertise. This partnership stands at the intersection of innovation and solid financial backing, addressing two critical market needs: investor access to high-growth infrastructure themes and the operational support that project owners require.

KDC, co-founded by Future Standard's CEO Edwin Conway alongside the Kamine family, is renowned for its expertise in developing, financing, and operating vital infrastructure projects. KDC has positioned itself as a key player in the realm of high-demand capital projects, focusing on sectors ranging from energy security to advanced manufacturing and critical minerals. With this partnership, Future Standard aims to leverage KDC's execution-oriented capabilities, which are essential for resolving the complex challenges that infrastructure projects often face.

According to Michael Forman, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Future Standard, the firm's foundation rests on the identification of durable growth areas early on, allowing clients to tap into markets that have historically been challenging to reach. He elaborated on the synergy between Future Standard and KDC, noting that the expertise and experience KDC brings is crucial for unlocking value in the infrastructure sector.

KDC's effort to bridge what it refers to as the “missing middle” of infrastructure investing is particularly noteworthy. These are projects that are too advanced for venture capital yet are still regarded as too niche or technically demanding for traditional infrastructure investors. By integrating functions such as development, engineering, construction, and capital structuring, KDC empowers promising projects to evolve into marketable and scalable realities.

"The best infrastructure opportunities are rarely created by capital alone," remarked Edwin Conway. He pointed out that successful infrastructure projects require a blend of technical acumen, operational discipline, and the orchestration of the right partnerships at pivotal times. Conway's insights underscore the importance of having a multi-faceted approach to infrastructure investing, one where Future Standard’s financial backing and KDC’s operational expertise create a robust foundation for infrastructure projects.

The partnership also capitalizes on Future Standard's recent expansions, including notable acquisitions like Post Road Group, which enhanced its investment capabilities in digital infrastructure. The combined strengths of KDC’s project development and Future Standard’s established client relations create a distinct platform for sourcing, evaluating, and scaling infrastructure opportunities across the entire value chain.

Hal Kamine, KDC’s Co-Founder, emphasized the long-term structural shifts within the infrastructure space that necessitate a blend of innovative thought, seasoned execution, and private capital to seize emerging opportunities. He shared a glimpse into KDC’s history of over 40 years, rooted in developing and managing assets in both traditional and renewable sectors, including power plants and telecom platforms.

For Future Standard, this partnership signifies a pivotal evolution in its long-standing commitment to foster innovation and accessibility within investment markets. Having dedicated over three decades to enabling clients to navigate private markets, the addition of KDC is poised to enhance the firm’s capabilities further. The partnership allows Future Standard to tap into the expanding demand for capital within sectors where operational excellence is crucial, thereby solidifying its status as a progressive alternative asset manager.

In summary, the Future Standard and KDC partnership not only emphasizes their mutual commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure investments but also represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing today’s pressing economic challenges. With this collaboration, both firms are strategically positioned to drive significant changes across the infrastructure landscape, suggesting a promising future for investors seeking enhanced access to high-growth opportunities in the evolving markets.