For decades, Callan, a trusted advisor to hundreds of funds and asset pools, has helped guide trillions of dollars in (institutional capital across private markets).^1^ Pension funds, endowments, global asset managers — a number of them have relied on Callan for its experience, due diligence, and fund selection.
That level of insight has traditionally been out of reach for individual investors. It’s the kind of access that typically came with a $100 million check and a dedicated advisory team. Not anymore.
In part, thanks to new services provided by Callan, Crowd Street members may now access select funds reviewed through a similar (due diligence process) Callan brings to its $3 trillion client base.
Let’s break down how this works and why it matters.
Callan’s Institutional DNA
Founded in 1973, Callan supports more than 475 institutional clients with over $3 trillion in assets under advisement, as of August 2025. They work closely with pension plans, endowments, foundations, and other asset owners to evaluate managers, structure portfolios, and guide capital allocation across (asset classes).
Now, Callan is supporting Crowd Street by helping evaluate a suite of (private market funds) — spanning commercial real estate, private equity, private credit, and venture capital. Select funds will be researched and vetted through Callan’s due diligence process, led by a team of 25+ alternatives specialists advising on more than $200 billion in (alternative assets).^2^
That process evaluates managers across multiple dimensions, typically including track record, investment strategy, team structure, and risk controls. Many of the funds that will be available on the Crowd Street platform will go through a similar review, just as they would for a pension or endowment.
For members, that means access to opportunities vetted against similar standards that guide some of the more sophisticated portfolios in the world.
Education That Empowers Members
Beyond evaluating investment offerings, Callan provides its clients at major institutions with educational resources. That same approach to investor education will soon extend to Crowd Street members.
“Investor education has always been a cornerstone of Callan’s work,” said Tim Pollard, Senior Vice President and Director, Independent Adviser Group at Callan. “We're excited to share those same resources with a broader audience of self-directed investors who want to deepen their understanding of private markets.”
Bridging the Gap in Private Markets
Today, private market access generally comes in two flavors. On one side: institutions and ultra-wealthy investors with access to curated funds and full-service advisory teams. On the other: offerings available to retail investors like private market ETFs — accessible, but often shallow, with limited control or transparency.^3,4^
Crowd Street and Callan are meeting in the middle. Crowd Street’s platform, now featuring Callan-reviewed funds, is intended for the millions of accredited investors who want private markets access, but on their own terms.
Each side brings something essential. Crowd Street has long been a go-to platform for self-directed investors in commercial real estate. Callan, meanwhile, brings the deep diligence process and insight that has helped shape some of the largest portfolios in the country.
Raising the Bar for Self-Directed Investing
Demand for private markets has never been higher.^5^ But today’s investors want more than just access — they’re looking for education, trusted partners, and, above all, control.
With Callan offering due diligence and educational services, Crowd Street aims to raise the bar for what individual investors can expect from private markets platforms. For members, that means greater confidence in the funds they select, deeper resources to support their decisions, and a stronger foundation for long-term wealth building.
For more on the announcement, read Crowd Street’s press release.
