Asset manager 1Sharpe Capital has completed an initial capital raise of USD500 million. The income generating strategy attracted strong support from global pension plans and foundations and will focus its investments on real estate related loans that can deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.
“We are very pleased by the strong backing we have received from institutional partners,” says Rob Bloemker, co-founder and chief investment officer at 1Sharpe. “We believe our unique strategy will help us identify opportunities in private and public markets, generating solid returns for our investors.”
The firm’s co-founders, Rob Bloemker and Gregor Watson (pictured), have vast experience investing in mortgage-backed securities, originating real estate-related loans, as well as acquiring, renovating, and managing real estate across the country.
Rob Bloemker leads 1Sharpe’s Investment Committee and is a member of its Operating Committee. Before co-founding 1Sharpe, Bloemker was a Portfolio Manager at Cerberus Capital Management within their USD5 billion Mortgage Hedge Fund. Bloemker also co-founded Dwell Finance, which originated over USD500 million in loans and was sold to a unit of the Blackstone Group, as well as Five Ten Capital where he raised, invested, and successfully liquidated three private equity funds. He also managed over USD60 Billion at Putnam Investments, and previously working at Salomon Brothers and Lehman Brothers.
Gregor Watson is a member of 1Sharpe’s Investment and Operating Committees. Prior to co-founding 1Sharpe, Watson co-founded and is Chairman of Roofstock, an online marketplace for single family rental homes. He is the founder of 643 Capital, a real estate private equity firm, and co-founder of Dwell Finance. Watson spent the early part of his career purchasing and developing land and apartments throughout California.
“We’re not in a skyscraper on Wall Street. We’re nimble and have the flexibility to identify trends and move quickly to execute,” says Watson. “Our position gives us the freedom to pursue some of the best opportunities for our investors and we’re grateful for their support in helping us achieve this goal.”
