gener8tor Founder Series: Ray Denis from Sandbox Wealth
At gener8tor, we love highlighting Founders who are shaking up their industries, and in this week’s Founder Series Spotlight we head to the heart of fintech innovation with Ray Denis, Founder and CEO of Sandbox Wealth.
Building an Open Finance Platform for Wealth Managers
Sandbox Wealth is redefining how independent financial advisors, family offices, trust companies, and insurance carriers access banking and lending solutions. “Our platform allows wealth managers to offer their clients access to a broad array of banking products through our network of partner banks,” explains Ray. “That way, you don’t have to refer your best relationships to a wirehouse or private bank—you can serve them directly through Sandbox.”
Traction and Strategic Partnerships
In just over two years, Sandbox has raised $2.5M, with $1.5M of that raised this year through connections largely fostered via gener8tor. Key investors include Northwestern Mutual, NextGen Venture Partners, First Trust, and other strategic partners.
On the client side, Sandbox’s relationship with Halo Investing, a structured note platform, has opened doors to dozens of wealth managers and accelerated distribution. The company has also established channel partnerships with First Trust and is expanding to work with additional firms.
“This year has been all about execution,” says Ray. “We’ve stopped making the big mistakes of the early startup days and are really hitting our stride.”
A Billion-Dollar Pipeline and a Big Ask
With a growing pipeline of over $1B in loans, Sandbox is actively expanding its network of lending partners. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate this year,” Ray shared, “but if anyone can introduce us to banks interested in working with us, that’s where we’re focused right now.”
The Accelerator Experience
Ray went through the Northwestern Mutual Accelerator Powered by gener8tor in Spring 2024. He credits the program with helping him build a powerful network and source key investors, including his pre-seed lead, through connections made at the gener8tor Insurance and Wealth Conference.
“One of the best decisions I ever made was working with gener8tor,” Ray said. “But you have to be an active participant. No one is going to do the work for you. You’ve got to pull the thread on every connection and take the right dollars into the company, not just any dollars.”
Advice for Founders
For entrepreneurs considering an accelerator, Ray’s advice is simple: “Understand that the network is the biggest outcome, but you have to put in the work. Be strategic, be active, and don’t wait for things to come to you.”
About Sandbox Wealth
Headquartered in New York City, Sandbox sits at the intersection of fintech and traditional finance, helping wealth managers level the playing field with private banks and wirehouses. As Ray puts it, “We’re here because that’s where our clients are, and we’re building on two decades of relationships in the financial industry.”
