Founded in 2002, HedgeCo.net quickly became the go-to source for hedge fund data, conferences, and fund marketing. By 2008, the site had passed 10,000 active users and tracked over 2,000 hedge funds. By 2013, HedgeCo.net had grown to 34,000+ users and covered 7,500 hedge funds, cementing its role as the most comprehensive public hedge fund directory of its time.

In 2008, the firm received a strategic investment from InterAtlantic Group, fueling expansion into fund administration (via G&S Fund Services) and technology. Soon after, founder Evan Rapoport shifted focus to launch SmartX Advisory Solutions, which became the fastest-growing TAMP in history — raising more than $33 billion for asset managers with equity backing from Morningstar and venture capital firms.

After stepping down from SmartX and serving as a Venture Partner at Social Leverage, Evan returned to his roots. In 2025, he reacquired 100% of HedgeCo.net with a bold mission:

2025 Relaunch Mission

  • Expand coverage beyond hedge funds to all alternative investments
  • Deliver a modern, advisor-focused experience powered by AI
  • Keep HedgeCo.net the only truly free alternatives database

Today, HedgeCo.net is relaunching to surpass its prior scale of 34,000 users and 7,500 funds — aiming to become the world's largest and most comprehensive alternative investments database.

Our Journey

2001–2002

Founding

HedgeCo Networks launched by Evan Rapoport and a co-founder, with the creation of HedgeCo, L.L.C. in Florida (2002-07-11).

2004

Expansion into Marketing & Web Services

HedgeCo.Net adds conferences and a marketing platform for hedge funds. HedgeCo Websites, LLC formed to provide custom websites and digital marketing for fund managers. (Sold to Financial Services Media in 2012.)

2005

Industry Recognition

Florida Trend highlights HedgeCo.net as a fast-growing innovator bringing transparency to hedge funds. At this stage, HedgeCo.net had already grown to thousands of registered users and a database of hundreds of funds.

2006–2007

Early Affiliates

Hedge Fund Tools LLC (2004–2007) supports startup hedge fund operations.

2008

Strategic Growth & Investment

HedgeCo acquires G&S Fund Services to expand fund administration and compliance capabilities. The same year, InterAtlantic Group makes a private equity investment into HedgeCo Networks.

HedgeCo.net passes 10,000 users and covers over 2,000 funds.
2010–2012

Scaling Services

HedgeCo Websites grows to hundreds of hedge fund clients. HedgeCo Websites sold to Financial Services Media in 2012.

HedgeCo.net surpasses 20,000 active users and 4,000 funds tracked.
2013

Rapid Scale

By late 2013, HedgeCo.net reaches 34,000+ active users and tracks 7,500 hedge funds across strategies and geographies.
2014

Technology Breakthrough

HedgeCoVest unveiled at FinovateFall, enabling investors and advisors to replicate hedge fund strategies in real time.

2015–2019

SmartX Era

Evan Rapoport focuses on building SmartX Advisory Solutions, which becomes the fastest-growing turnkey asset management platform (TAMP) for advisors, raising over $33 billion for asset managers. HedgeCo.net continues to run but is not the central focus.

2020–2023

SmartX Recognition & Monetization

Morningstar and venture capital firms acquire equity in SmartX. Rapoport steps down after the platform achieves record adoption and later joins Social Leverage as a Venture Partner.

2024–2025

Return to HedgeCo

Evan Rapoport reacquires 100% of HedgeCo.net. Relaunch efforts begin with a mission to:

  • Broaden coverage across all alternative investments (hedge funds, private equity, venture, SPVs, real assets)
  • Deliver a modern UI/UX and advanced AI-powered tools
  • Remain the only truly free database of alternative investments
  • Apply advisor-focused distribution expertise from SmartX to bring HedgeCo's data to the wealth management community

2025 Relaunch Vision

HedgeCo.net to expand beyond its 2013 peak of 34,000 users and 7,500 funds, relaunching as the largest and most comprehensive alternative investments database in the world — entirely free to investors and advisors.

Join the Relaunch