K2 Advisors
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Investment management |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | David Saunders, William Douglass |
| Headquarters | Stamford, Connecticut , United States |
Area served | United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific |
| Parent | Franklin Templeton Investments |
K2 Advisors is a U.S.-based investment firm specializing in fund of funds strategies, with its main office located in Stamford, Connecticut. Operating as a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton Investments, it stands as one of the foremost fund of hedge fund managers within the United States, also maintaining offices across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Background
Established in 1994 by David Saunders and William Douglass, the firm’s name was inspired by the K2 mountain, a reference drawn from a charitable event attended by the founders. Saunders, who previously served as Head Trader at Tiger Management under Julian Robertson, is recognized among the Tiger Cubs. Douglass brought experience from his tenure at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
K2 Advisors began incorporating investments in ESG assets and Insurance-Linked Securities starting in 2006. A year later, in 2007, TA Associates acquired a minority interest in the company for an undisclosed amount. By 2011, K2 was considering a potential sale, with The Carlyle Group identified as one of the interested parties.
In 2012, Franklin Templeton Investments completed the acquisition of K2 Advisors and subsequently purchased TA Associates’ remaining shares to assume full control. The firm broadened its presence in Europe in 2019 by launching a suite of funds designed to provide regional investors with access to U.S.-based fund managers.