How I Invest with David Weisburd is a podcast that interviews the world's leading institutional investors. Previous guests include The Ford Foundation, Northwestern University Endowment, CalPERS, Stepstone, and other top limited partners.
Why are Institutional Investors betting big on Private Markets? Franklin Templeton oversees more than $1.6 trillion in assets, with over $260 billion dedicated to private markets. But what’s driving this massive shift — and how are the world’s largest allocators navigating liquidity, valuations, and the next era of private credit? In this episode, I speak with John Ivanac, Head of U.S. Institutional Alternatives at Franklin Templeton, to uncover how the firm is positioning itself for the next decade of alternative investments. We explore the evolution of private markets post-GFC, the consolidation wave among asset owners, and why liquidity, governance, and strategy selection are becoming more critical than ever. John also shares his perspective on Franklin’s acquisition strategy, how they integrate firms like Lexington Partners and Benefit Street Partners, and what it truly means to be a “trusted partner” to LPs in an increasingly complex market.
Can a $324.3 billion wealth manager reinvent how high-net-worth investors access private markets? In this episode, I speak with Robert Picard, Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors, who is leading one of the industry’s most ambitious expansions into private markets. We discuss how Hightower is bringing institutional-grade research, access, and due diligence to individual investors, what the NEPC acquisition means for its alternatives platform, and how technology and AI are reshaping the way portfolios are built. Robert also shares lessons from more than 35 years of building multi-billion-dollar alternative platforms atThe Carlyle Group/Rock Creek, Optima Fund Management, RBC Capital Markets and State Street/InfraHedge, and explains why the future of wealth management will look more like an endowment model than ever before.
If “fixed income is broken,” what are investors actually missing—and how should they rebuild the 40% to protect and compound through drawdowns? In this episode, I speak with Thomas E. Swaney II, former Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at Northern Trust Asset Management, who oversaw more than $600 billion across global fixed income. Thomas explains why traditional bond allocations fail when it matters most, how to separate duration from credit risk, and how to use notional leverage to target true diversification without sacrificing liquidity. We explore the structural flaws in 60/40, how to design a fixed income portfolio that actually offsets equity drawdowns, and why the future of bond investing depends on better risk budgeting—not higher yield.
What are the real playbooks behind managing an $86B alternative asset platform—and where do the next decade’s returns actually come from? In this episode, I sit down with Payton Brooks, Managing Director on Future Standard’s Primary Investments team, to unpack the operating system behind a multi-strategy LP: how a combined platform serves both institutions and the wealth channel, why mid-market private equity still offers the best shot at alpha, and how evergreen structures can reduce cash drag while preserving optionality. We cover sourcing (spinouts, emerging managers), what great GPs do in downturns, the co-invest / secondaries / credit toolkit, and the partnership behaviors that earn re-ups across multiple fund cycles.
Why do ~90% of first-time managers fail before Fund II/III—and what separates durable fund builders from good investors? In this episode, I unpack that question with Conrad Shang, Founder & Managing Partner at Ensemble VC. We examine why being a great investor is necessary but not sufficient to be a great fund manager, how to build for durability across cycles, and the partnership practices that earn long-term LP trust. Conrad shares lessons from UTIMCO, Norwest, and Bain Capital Ventures; why sometimes the hardest move is sitting out frothy markets; and how Ensemble uses a team-first lens and internal data products to focus time on the few opportunities that matter. We also discuss defense tech’s shift from “taboo” to mainstream, and why communication cadence and transparency determine who survives the first four to five years—when most managers wash out.
What really happens inside the hidden world of family offices—and why do they invest so differently from institutions? In this episode, I explore that question with Sid Malhotra, Chief Investment Officer at Kactus Capital, a single family office. Sid reveals how family offices align incentives between principals and investment teams, the advantages of having true “skin in the game,” and why their long-term, absolute-return mindset stands apart from pensions, endowments, and foundations. We also discuss the unique strategic role family offices play—from backing zero-to-one opportunities to leveraging deep sector expertise and networks—and how Sid’s career path, from Citadel to Pritzker Group to his current role, shaped his approach to risk, alignment, and building resilient portfolios.
Why is up to “$150 trillion” poised to migrate from public to private markets—and what will unlock that shift for RIAs and family offices? In this episode, I examine that question with David Sawyer, CEO & Co-Founder of Unlimited.ai. We unpack the real blockers to alternatives adoption—operational, reporting, diligence, and liquidity complexity—and how AI can turn PDFs and siloed portals into queryable, decision-ready data for LPs. We talk RIA psychology, the GP/LP information asymmetry, and why solving “complexity” is the catalyst for the public-to-private transition cited by industry leaders (including the oft-quoted $150T prediction).
How do you underwrite pre-seed founders when the only durable asset is the human—before there’s product-market fit? In this episode, I go deep with Mike Ma, Managing Partner at Sidecut Ventures, on his 30-day “work-alongside” diligence, why he optimizes for action-oriented self-awareness, and how to calibrate coachability—especially in go-to-market—without overfitting to investor bias. We unpack earned secrets, impact theses in education, climate, healthcare, and economic mobility, solo-GP advantages, alignment pitfalls from 2021-era rounds, and the mindset habits he wishes he’d had earlier: “write at a fourth-grade level” and “document your screw-ups.”
How can families preserve wealth and well-being across five or more generations? In this episode, I dive deep into a conversation with James E. “Jay” Hughes, Jr., legendary family wealth advisor and author of five influential books including Family Wealth. Jay shares stories from advising families for over 50 years—why flourishing, not just financial returns, is the real measure of wealth; how families like the Rothschilds and Fords illustrate both triumph and tragedy; and why choosing trustees wisely may be the single most important decision for multi-generational continuity. We explore governance, purpose, philanthropy, Aristotle’s philosophy of flourishing societies, and Jay’s own midlife realization that the true professional question is not “what do you need?” but “how can I help?”
How should a public pension build an active equity and absolute-return program—without diluting alpha or chasing the “hot” manager? In this episode, I go deep with Brian Miller, Senior Investment Officer at the Sacramento County Employees’ Retirement System (SCERS), on constructing a $6B public-equity book inside a ~$15B plan, sizing managers, and using absolute-return strategies as true diversifiers. Brian reflects on 16 years at Tukman Grossman Capital Management (value, long-term compounding, and staying consistent), the realities of “LP capture” across cycles, and why tracking error isn’t the right risk lens. We unpack manager due diligence (including on-site visits), active vs. passive trade-offs, the global/US mix, and how SCERS uses MSCI Caissa for whole-portfolio visibility.
How can continuation vehicles and independent sponsors unlock structural alpha in private equity when traditional buyouts are struggling with low DPI? In this episode, I go deep with Paul Cohn, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Agility Equity Partners, on why continuation vehicles (CVs) and independent sponsor deals are reshaping the buyout landscape. Paul explains how CVs let GPs hold their best companies longer while still providing LP liquidity, why the lower middle market offers outsized return potential, and what makes independent sponsors a fast-growing segment of private equity. We cover alignment dynamics, incentives, real-world deal structures, the findings from the HEC Paris study on CVs, and the lessons Paul has learned over 15+ years investing in this niche.
Can venture capital be reinvented to deliver alpha without relying on “heroic assumptions”? In this episode, I go deep with Daniel Kimerling, Founder and Managing Partner of Deciens Capital, on his mission to build a different kind of venture fund—one focused on highly concentrated, long-duration bets in financial services. Dan explains why Deciens is unapologetically “get rich or die trying,” how his team avoids the venture hamster wheel of markups and momentum rounds, and why he believes the next generation of financial institutions (not just fintech apps) will be the true power-law winners. We cover his philosophy on portfolio construction, long timelines, liquidity vs. exits, and how Deciens publishes its playbooks openly to challenge orthodoxy.
How can ultra-high-net-worth families invest like endowments—without becoming forced sellers when markets turn? In this episode, I go deep with Greg Brown, Co-CEO of Caprock, on how a modern multi-family office serves UHNW families. Greg explains why Caprock acts as CFO first and CIO second, forecasting liquidity across complex balance sheets before allocating to private markets. We cover the thresholds for when privates make sense, how to structure portfolios for resilience, the role (and limits) of interval funds, and how Caprock uses pooled scale to negotiate economics and secure access to top deals. We also explore tax-alpha strategies like QSBS, Opportunity Zones, and long/short overlays.
How do you run a $1B endowment with a lean five-person team — while balancing liquidity, access, and high-conviction relationships? In this episode, I speak with Geeta Kapadia, CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Fordham University, about how she manages a concentrated portfolio of 30–40 manager relationships, the lessons she’s learned resetting the portfolio for liquidity, and why she favors passive equities with selective active bets in emerging markets and developed ex-US. We also dive into the shortcomings of interval funds, when to say yes to continuation vehicles, and how Fordham leverages the Gabelli alumni network and a student venture fund to extend sourcing and diligence reach.
How do you use the SBIC program to access long-dated, low-cost leverage—without blowing up risk? In this episode, I speak with Eric Rosiak, CEO & CIO of Amplify Community Investment Partners, about the mechanics of SBICs, the new accrual debenture license for venture and growth, what top LPs look for, and how policy changes could expand the opportunity set. We dig into eligibility tests, realistic fund sizes, diligence standards (they’re no joke), and why some large platforms now run SBIC sleeves alongside billion-dollar flagships.
What would the bond market look like if it were built today? In this episode, I speak with Dylan Parker, CEO & Co-Founder of Moment, the operating system for fixed income that unifies trading, portfolio construction, and risk/compliance—and automates the workflows wealth platforms run every day. We dig into how fixed income finally went electronic, why half of bond trading still happens by phone or chat, and how Moment can build customized ladders in seconds instead of hours. We also unpack the (surprisingly big) after-tax edge in munis, and Dylan’s lessons from building automated credit trading at Citadel before raising a $36M Series B led by Index Ventures this summer.
What does it take to build an AI-native search engine for science? In this episode, I spoke with Eric Olson, Co-founder & CEO of Consensus, the platform making peer-reviewed research accessible through AI. We covered the company’s journey from Series A to millions of users, the realities of competing with tech giants, and what truly creates defensibility for AI startups. Eric shared his perspective on the “AI talent wars,” building products at hyperspeed, and what truly creates a moat for AI applications. If you allocate to or invest in AI, you’ll want to hear Eric’s frameworks for product strategy, market sizing, and execution speed.
In this episode, I speak with Avy Stein, Founder & Chairman of Cresset—a multi-family office known for its private markets access and co-investing model. We cover Avy’s path from Kirkland & Ellis lawyer to private-equity dealmaker, the Willis-Stein spinout from Continental Bank, why multi-strategy platforms scaled so quickly, how co-invest rights really add alpha (and where adverse selection bites), and the rise of private credit in the middle and lower-middle market. We also get into culture building at scale, how Cresset thinks about alignment with GPs, and Avy’s best career advice from four decades in law, PE, operating, and wealth.
In this episode of How I Invest, I speak with Frank Mihail, CIO of the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, which manages an $8B sovereign wealth endowment built to fund public schools. Frank shares how his three-person team runs a highly concentrated portfolio with 75% in alternatives, why they prefer evergreen fund structures for liquidity, and how they think about portable alpha, co-investments, and core-satellite strategies. We also discuss the trust’s broader mission: having already distributed $2B to North Dakota schools, with the long-term goal of covering the entire cost of public education.
What happens when AI lets five people build what used to take fifty? Can you scale to eight figures in revenue without ever touching a “Series A treadmill”? In this episode, I talk with Henry Shi, co-founder of Super.com and creator of the Lean AI Leaderboard, about seedstrapping (raising once, then reaching escape velocity), outcome-based pricing, and a new, non-dilutive way to finance lean, profitable startups. We also get into how Henry “vibe-coded” an AI VC tool over a weekend, why survival rates should improve in the lean-AI era, and what founder traits show up again and again among these ultra-efficient companies.
I had the chance to talk with Francis X. Suarez, the 43rd Mayor of Miami, about how his "open-for-business" leadership transformed the city into a global tech and finance hub. We unpack Miami’s “quantum opportunity,” the practical growing pains—housing, schools, transit—and the civic strategy behind international diplomacy and major sports deals. We also explore his run as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and his reflections on leadership, resilience, and embracing failure.
Alan Zafran, Founder & Managing Partner at IEQ Capital, joins to unpack how ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions think about risk, cash runways, GP selection, illiquidity, secondaries, LPAC governance, and portfolio strategy amid rising rates and sovereign debt.
In this episode I speak with Rafael Costa, who co-founded Across Capital to back category-leading software companies across the U.S. and Latin America. We dive deep on the Brazil tech flywheel — from why the central bank and Pix have accelerated fintech innovation, to the infrastructure winners like QI Tech that are becoming foundational rails for payments, banking and credit. Rafael walks me through Across Capital’s concentrated, high-conviction approach (a ten-company portfolio, deliberate sizing, then backing winners over time), how they underwrite downside protection in growth equity, and what AI actually changes for regulated industries. Along the way he shares practical diligence habits (the “what really matters” slide), how they build conviction over ~17 months, and one piece of advice he’d give his younger self about focusing on the present to compound relationships and learning.
This episode features John Felix, General Partner & Head of Research at Pattern Ventures, a specialist fund-of-funds focused on backing small venture managers in the $5–50M range. We talk about the endowment principles that shaped John’s investing mindset, how to separate true specialists from résumé-driven narratives, why access and selection are two very different games, and the traps LPs face in co-investments. John also shares lessons on reserves strategy, portfolio construction, and what allocators consistently overlook when evaluating emerging managers.
I had the chance to speak with Bradley Tusk, the legendary political strategist turned venture capitalist. He started in politics—running Michael Bloomberg’s mayoral campaign and serving as Deputy Governor of Illinois—before becoming the fixer behind startups like Uber, FanDuel, Lemonade, and Coinbase. Now, he runs Tusk Holdings, where he invests in—and fights for—startups navigating regulation. We talked about his unique investing playbook, how to outmaneuver entrenched interests, what founders misunderstand about politics, and why he’s betting $20 million of his own money on mobile voting.
What does it take to be a truly great limited partner? In this episode, I spoke with Matt Curtolo, a veteran LP who’s worked with some of the most sophisticated institutional investors in the world—Hamilton Lane, MetLife, and Hirtle Callaghan. Today, Matt advises both LPs and emerging GPs, offering a rare perspective from both sides of the table. We dug deep into what separates elite LPs from the pack, how institutional incentives shape decision-making, the paradox of humility and self-promotion among GPs, and why the best partnerships are built on trust, EQ, and long-term thinking. If you're raising a fund—or allocating to them—this episode is a masterclass.
In this episode of How I Invest, I’m joined by Alex Hormozi — entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Acquisition.com — to unpack the mindset and methods that have fueled his success across multiple industries. We dive deep into why entrepreneurship is more a “game of the heart” than the mind, the power of compounding skills, the dangers of “ignorance debt,” and how to strategically decide whether to build skills yourself or bring in outside talent. Alex shares candid stories from his career — from building gyms to scaling software companies — and offers sharp insights on persistence, focus, and eliminating distractions to win long-term. We also explore the nuances of goal setting, why tiny incremental improvements matter when scaled to millions, and the art of building high-value peer networks. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, seasoned operator, or investor, you’ll walk away with concrete frameworks to increase your odds of success — and the conviction to keep playing the game long enough to win.
Most people pitch performance. Rahul Moodgal built a career on pitching relationships. In this episode, I go deep with Rahul Moodgal—Head of Investor Relations at Parvus Asset Management and one of the most trusted capital raisers in the hedge fund world. Over his career, Rahul has raised $99 billion across platforms like TCI and Parvus, building decades-long relationships with LPs, endowments, and mission-driven institutions around the globe. We explore how Rahul flips traditional fundraising on its head: opening with the negatives, focusing on long-term alignment, and avoiding the sales-y traps that doom many GPs. If you're a manager trying to understand how world-class LPs think—or an allocator looking to work with truly values-aligned capital—this is the playbook.
In this episode of How I Invest, I speak with Scott Welch, Chief Investment Officer and Partner at Certuity, a multi‑family office managing over $4 billion in assets. Scott joined Certuity’s Board of Managers in 2020, and now leads the investment strategy and participates actively in risk management across all facets of the firm's investments, including portfolio architecture, asset allocation, investment due diligence, and manager selection We talk about what’s keeping him up at night in public markets, his views on the Fed and interest rate policy, and how Certuity builds globally diversified portfolios that balance risk factor, asset class, and geographic exposure. We also go deep into taxes, where Certuity aggressively harvests losses using market-neutral overlays to create "tax alpha" for their clients.
Christina Wing is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, where she teaches the “Family Enterprise” course—a foundational class for the rising generation of family office leaders. She’s also the founder of Wingspan Legacy Partners, where she advises ultra-high-net-worth families on governance, talent, and legacy. In this episode, I sat down with Christina to unpack why most family offices are structurally flawed—and what to do about it. Christina shares insights from advising dozens of families and training hundreds of HBS students from Gen 1, Gen 2, and beyond. We explore the real reason most family offices fail, how to build a high-functioning investment operation, and why separating investment, concierge, and philanthropic functions is critical. Christina also walks me through what makes MSD Capital, the Koch family office, and others stand out—and how the next generation can step up and lead with clarity.
Why do Harvard and Yale seem to be exiting private equity? What does the most rigorous data actually say about buyout and venture performance? And how should serious LPs think about real estate, hedge funds, and co-investments? In this episode, I’m joined with Steven Neil Kaplan—Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, co-creator of the Kaplan-Schoar PME metric, and one of the most widely cited academics in private equity and venture capital. Steve breaks down decades of private market performance data, busts myths around IRRs and overmarking, and gives a rare, honest evaluation of asset class performance through multiple cycles. This conversation is a masterclass in understanding what the real numbers say—direct from the person who helped shape how performance is measured.
What does it take to manage the wealth of America’s most iconic families? In this episode, I spoke with Stephan Roche, Partner at BanyanGlobal, and former senior executive for the Gates and Walton families. Stephan has had a front-row seat to how some of the world’s most sophisticated family offices think about investing, governance, and multigenerational legacy. At Banyan, he now advises enterprising families on ownership strategy and purpose. We explore the frameworks ultra-wealthy families use to structure portfolios, co-invest alongside GPs, and prepare future generations for stewardship—not just of capital, but of mission and values. Whether you’re managing family wealth or building toward it, this is one of the most insightful conversations I’ve had on long-term investing.
Tom Bilyeu went from sleeping on the floor to co-founding and selling a billion-dollar company, Quest Nutrition. Today, he's the force behind Impact Theory, a media studio with a bold mission: pull people out of the Matrix at scale. In this episode, Tom reveals the frameworks that helped him transform from a self-proclaimed “emotionally fragile” dreamer to a high-agency entrepreneur and truth-seeking machine. We cover everything from skill stacking and the physics of progress to first-principles thinking, radical candor in leadership, and how he’s building a real-world version of Ready Player One. If you're obsessed with performance, truth, and high agency thinking, this one’s for you.
What if your healthcare wasn't about just treating sickness, but maximizing your potential? In today's episode on How I Invest, I spoke with Dr. Cameron Sepah, founder and CEO of Maximus, a performance medicine company pioneering a new paradigm in healthcare. Cameron previously helped build Omada Health, now a billion-dollar public company, and coined the term “digital therapeutics.” Now he's productized his unique medical expertise into a next-gen men's health platform. We talked about the evolution of performance medicine, why testosterone and GLP-1s are changing how Americans manage their health, and how AI is reshaping clinical decision-making. We also dug deep into the personal and systemic failures of the traditional healthcare model — and what the next 10 years will look like as proactive medicine goes mainstream.
In this episode, I spoke with Anurag Chandra, Chief Investment Officer of a single-family office and longtime trustee and former Investment Committee Chair of the San Jose Federated City Employees’ Retirement System (FSERS). Over the past decade, Anurag has helped transform FSERS from one of the worst-performing pension plans in the U.S. into a top-decile performer. He’s also an experienced operator, venture capitalist, and accidental allocator—with hard-won insight into everything from re-risking public portfolios to model delivery and tax-loss harvesting. In our conversation, Anurag shared how EQ, team dynamics, and governance structure often outperform raw IQ in investing—and how he helped rebuild a $2.2B pension plan through careful governance reform, luck, and great timing. We also covered how he now applies those same principles at a nimble family office, blending institutional rigor with operational agility.
Randal Quarles has been at the helm of some of the most influential institutions in finance and government. From his tenure as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve and Under Secretary of the Treasury, to his leadership role at The Carlyle Group, Randal brings a rare blend of private market acumen and public sector insight. Today, he's the Chairman and Co-Founder of The Cynosure Group—an investment firm anchored by the Eccles family and built to solve the very structural misalignments that plague private equity for families and foundations. In this conversation, we explore the evolution of private equity, the mismatch between GP incentives and family office needs, the importance of long-duration compounding, and how Cynosure is creating a modern investment firm inspired by the early days of Lazard and Rothschild.
In this episode of How I Invest, I spoke with Thomas Lee, Co-President and CIO of Parametric, a $600 billion asset manager within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Tom walks us through how Parametric helps high-net-worth individuals access institutional-quality investment strategies, why customization is the future of asset management, and how their technology powers nearly a quarter million highly personalized accounts. We talk about inflation myths, the credibility of the Fed, and whether the U.S. will eventually inflate its way out of debt. Tom also shares how Parametric brings tax-efficient investing and direct indexing to portfolios as small as $25,000, explains why "investments as a service" is not just a tagline, and offers valuable insights on long-term leadership, scale, and innovation. Whether you're an institutional allocator, wealth manager, or an individual trying to understand the future of investing, this episode is packed with takeaways.
Nancy Davis spent nearly a decade on Goldman Sachs’ legendary prop desk before founding Quadratic Capital, the firm behind the popular iVol ETF. In this episode, we dive deep into her options-based approach to investing, why she believes most investors manage risk backward, and how her firm is positioning for a potential return of stagflation. We also talk about her early days at Goldman, the psychological traps investors fall into, and why she thinks humility and coachability are underrated superpowers in finance. If you’ve ever wanted to understand volatility, inflation protection, or how to think like a derivatives trader—this episode is for you.
Mark Wade leads strategy and investments at CAZ Investments, a Houston-based firm managing approximately $10 billion in assets. In this episode, we unpack the evolution of the alternatives landscape, the rise of evergreen funds, and what it means to lead with alignment—starting with $700 million of insider capital invested alongside clients. Mark gives a candid look at how CAZ sources differentiated deals, manages risk through the “CAZ Case” downside model, and builds trust by investing alongside 7,000+ LPs. We also dig into how the firm leverages NAV-based leverage, the growing appetite for alternatives from RIAs, and why humility is essential when allocating capital. If you're an allocator, an advisor, or simply trying to understand where private markets are headed, this episode is packed with insights from one of the most thoughtful voices in the space.
What if Berkshire Hathaway were built today, with the best of technology and long-term thinking baked into its DNA? That’s the question Matt Foran and his team at StoicLane are answering—by doing it. In this episode, I speak with Matt Foran, co-founder of StoicLane, a holding company quietly building one of the most interesting portfolios in private markets. With over 70 acquisitions across four major verticals—accounting, PEO, appraisal and mortgage services, and vacation rentals—StoicLane now manages $300M in TTM revenue and expects $60M in EBITDA this year. But it’s not just the numbers. StoicLane stands out for its permanent capital structure, seller-friendly integration approach, and deep use of technology and AI to transform old-school industries. We dive deep into how Matt thinks about company building, permanent capital advantages, competing with PE firms, and the cultural flywheels StoicLane is creating as they scale.
What’s the playbook for building a resilient, multi-billion‑dollar venture firm that weathers every market cycle? In this episode, Abe Finkelstein, Co‑Managing Partner at Vintage Investment Partners, shares how they underwrite managers, navigate funds‑of‑funds and secondaries, and spot next‑gen innovation—all while maintaining LP confidence across turbulent times.
I spoke with Amy Rubenstein, CEO of Clear Investment Group, about how she built a thriving real estate platform by focusing on one of the most overlooked areas of the market: distressed C-class multifamily housing. Amy didn’t come from institutional real estate — she taught herself everything from Excel to underwriting by reverse-engineering models, and built a company that now serves both high-net-worth and institutional LPs. Today, her firm consistently delivers 30%+ IRRs by stabilizing mismanaged assets and restoring them to market performance. We talk about her journey from buying a single six-unit property to leading a vertically integrated investment platform, her thoughts on risk and inflation, why C-class housing remains resilient, and how she thinks about scaling her team and her impact.
Philip Krim is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Casper, one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) startups in history. Under his leadership, Casper hit $100M in revenue in its first year, went public in early 2020, and was later taken private. Today, Philip is building again—this time through Montauk Climate, a platform innovating in what he calls the “electron economy.” We talked about lessons from hypergrowth, managing through crisis, organizational design, and the future of climate investing.
Ron Biscardi is the Co‑Founder & CEO of iConnections, a fintech platform reshaping global capital introduction. With 25+ years in the alternative investment space, Ron has facilitated 36,000+ LP/GP meetings since launching iConnections in April 2020. He previously co-founded a boutique seeding firm, deploying over $600M in capital via 20+ deals. From a philanthropic start—with Funds4Food raising $1.9M in 2020 targeting pandemic relief—to anchoring flagship “Global Alts Miami” events, Ron discusses the strategy of building trust, technology, and community in capital formation.
In this episode, I speak with Tyler Sosin, founder of Villain Capital, a new fund focused on investing in vertical software businesses. Having grown up in the venture business for 17 years with storied firms Menlo Ventures and Accel Partners, Tyler brings a unique - and perhaps contrarian - perspective to venture investing. With Villain, Tyler's ambition is to help vertical focused founders efficiently scale their start-ups into dominant franchises that can compound their growth and relative market share over decades. The name of the firm, Villain, was inspired by a quote by Harvey Dent, a character in the Batman film The Dark Knight, who said to Batman, “You either die a hero or see yourself live long enough to become a villain.”
In this episode, I speak with T.C. Wilson, Chief Investment Officer of The Doctors Company (TDC Group), the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer with $7 billion in assets under management. T.C. shares how he built an internal investment office, how insurance investing differs from endowment and foundation models, and why he treats surplus like an endowment portfolio. We dive into his framework for portfolio construction, his views on innovation in asset management, the underrated value of evergreen structures, and the specific ways GPs can tailor their approach to win over insurance LPs. T.C. also shares why he’s cautious on large-cap private equity, how he thinks about downside protection, and what extreme ownership has taught him as a leader. If you want to learn how a CIO with decades of experience invests across public and private markets with an eye toward solvency, surplus growth, and long-term resilience, you’ll want to listen to this one.
What does it take to allocate billions in private markets—and what sets a top-tier LP apart? In this episode, I speak with Patrick Miller, Executive Director and Portfolio Manager of J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Private Equity Group, where he plays a central role in their alternatives platform, investing across venture capital and private equity. Patrick shares how a single energizing meeting with a Florida-based venture capitalist sparked his interest in the asset class and how his team has since built a differentiated barbell strategy combining legacy tier-one firms and new emerging managers. We dive into what LPs can do to truly add value to GPs, why fund size and ownership matter, how AI is shifting capital dynamics, and what makes a venture firm truly “differentiated.” Whether you're a founder, a new VC, or an allocator, this episode is full of real LP insights from one of the most thoughtful voices in the game.
Michael Marvelli leads the private markets strategy at the UCLA Investment Company, managing a portfolio that spans private equity, real estate, and real assets. But his route to institutional investing wasn’t linear. Before UCLA, he spent time at Prudential and The Irvine Company in real estate and mortgage finance, and even helped launch a venture-backed startup as COO and CFO. That operating experience gives him a unique lens when evaluating managers today. In this episode, we talk about how UCLA builds conviction in lower-middle-market GPs, how they manage dry powder and fund pacing, and what it was like spinning out UCLA’s investment office into an independent entity.
David Berry is one of the most prolific healthcare entrepreneurs of our time. In this episode, we discuss his transition from scientist to founder to investor, what it takes to scale transformational health companies, and how his firm Averin is helping usher in the next wave of AI-enabled healthcare. We also talk about his early experience launching a satellite at 14, how he's co-founded over 30 companies—including seven unicorns—and why patents, perseverance, and purpose are the trifecta behind lasting innovation.
In this episode, I speak with Rip Reeves, CEO of Institutional Investor and former CIO of AEGIS Insurance Services. Rip brings over four decades of experience across investment management, insurance, and endowments. We discuss his unconventional path from Salomon Brothers to leading one of the most iconic platforms in the investment world, his views on the OCIO model, portfolio construction, the “art” of manager selection, and why he believes building authentic relationships matters more than ever in this industry. We also cover his deep ties to LSU, how he uses qualitative signals (like waiting room conversations) in manager evaluations, and the future of Institutional Investor in a changing GP-LP landscape.
John Trammell has been on the front lines of institutional investing for decades. He’s managed capital for some of the largest families and organizations in the world—from family offices to the Episcopal Church—and in this episode, he explains the seismic shifts happening in the world of endowment and foundation investing. We talk about secondaries, collateralized fund obligations (CFOs), the future of Bitcoin in institutional portfolios, and why concentration—not diversification—created most of the great fortunes. This is one of the deepest conversations I’ve had on how the smartest long-term investors are thinking today.
Aaron Jacobson is one of the most insightful thinkers at the intersection of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity—and in this conversation, he separates signal from noise. We explore the future of humanoids, the shifting threat landscape in cybersecurity, and why the next wave of industry-defining companies will be built on infrastructure, not just foundation models. Aaron Jacobson is a Partner at NEA, where he invests in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. He’s backed companies like Databricks, Horizon3.ai and Veza, and previously worked in tech M&A at Qatalyst Partners. In this episode, we dive into what’s real vs. hype in AI, the future of humanoids, and where the biggest opportunities in infrastructure are emerging.
In this episode of How I Invest, I speak with Arjun Sethi—Chairman and co-founder of Tribe Capital, Co-CEO of Kraken, and one of the sharpest thinkers in venture capital and crypto today. Arjun breaks down how he approaches investing in “N-of-1” companies, what most VCs get wrong about data, and why the traditional funding stages like “pre-seed” and “Series A” are being rewritten in real time. We also go deep into Arjun’s frameworks for scaling world-class companies, the evolution of crypto in a changing political landscape, and the big bets he’s making at the frontier—including humanoid robotics. Whether you're an allocator, founder, or just fascinated by the future of finance, this conversation is packed with sharp insights and original thinking.
What happens when you get fired from one of the most prestigious media companies in the world at age 36? For Michael Loeb, it meant inventing a new category in subscription services, launching one of the earliest venture studios, and incubating Priceline—one of the internet’s first great successes. In this episode, I speak with Michael Loeb, founder of Loeb.nyc, about how getting fired from Time Inc. led to the $800M sale of Synapse back to Time, his early partnership with Jay Walker to incubate Priceline, and what makes a great entrepreneur. We also dive into how Loeb.nyc works, the role of trust and pivots in building companies, and why pattern-matching VCs often get it wrong. Michael doesn’t hold back. He’s honest, funny, and full of war stories from decades of building companies—and backing founders through multiple lives.
Sasha Pieterse might be best known for her acting career — but behind the scenes, she’s been building a beverage empire. In this episode, we dive deep into how Sasha's personal health journey led her to launch Hippie Water, a hemp-derived THC beverage brand that’s now in 140+ stores across 9 states. We talk about what it takes to transition from Hollywood to the CPG world, why Gen Z is drinking less alcohol, and how Sasha is redefining what it means to be a “celebrity founder.” This conversation goes beyond cannabis — it’s about leadership, authenticity, and building brands with staying power.
This episode is a masterclass on one of the most powerful — and under-the-radar — capital structures in private markets: Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). I’m joined by Brett Palmer, President of the Small Business Investor Alliance, and David Demeter, who helps manage Davidson College’s endowment. We dive deep into the SBIC program — a unique public-private partnership that lets private equity and credit funds access 2:1 fixed-rate, non-recourse leverage from the U.S. government. The result? LPs can access equity-like returns for credit-like risk, and fund managers gain scale without sacrificing strategy. Most people haven’t heard of it. That’s exactly why we did this episode.
What if your venture partner could talk to a thousand founders a day — and actually listen? In this episode, I speak with Andrew D’Souza, the Founder/CEO (aka Creator) of Boardy and previously the founder and CEO of Clearco (formerly ClearBank). Andrew is building something entirely new: Boardy, an AI super-connector that lives across voice, chat, and email — and introduces people to each other. He describes Boardy as a principal, not an agent — a character with its own goals, who is building goodwill and helping founders, fund managers, LPs, and executives find each other in real time. And here’s the wild part: Boardy is already responsible for over ten multimillion-dollar deals, including helping HF0 select 3 of its 10 portfolio companies, and facilitating LP meetings for emerging fund managers.
Alex Robinson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Juniper Square, a company transforming the private markets through technology and service. In this episode, we go deep into how he and his co-founders saw the opportunity to modernize fund administration, why the private markets are decades behind the public markets, and how Juniper Square is building for the future with AI agents. We also discuss how the best GPs scale trust with LPs, why the retail channel still hasn’t arrived in full force, and the challenges of building a system of record in a fragmented industry.
Alexis John d'Amecourt is the coach behind some of the most iconic CEOs in tech today—including the founders of Substack, Eigenlayer, and Booksy. In this episode of How I Invest, I sat down with Alexis to explore what really makes great CEOs tick—and what causes them to fall apart. We talked about how founders can build trust, navigate emotional turbulence, lead organizations as they scale, and get unstuck when things feel overwhelming. Alexis also opened up about his own story—from being raised by his grandmother in D.C. after a turbulent childhood to becoming a three-time founder turned executive coach. This conversation is packed with tactical frameworks, powerful analogies, and a ton of heart.
Hunter Somerville helps allocate billions of dollars across venture capital at StepStone—and he’s one of the most thoughtful LPs I’ve ever met. In this episode of How I Invest, Hunter gives us a rare look into how top institutional investors evaluate funds, pick managers, and underwrite spinouts before they even happen. We go deep on what separates the best emerging managers from the rest, how LPs think about performance before DPI, and why some GPs win repeatedly while others fade. Hunter also shares his own personal playbook—from how he manages his time to the biggest lessons he’s learned over two decades in venture. If you're raising a fund, building a firm, or just curious about how top LPs think, this one is a must-listen.
Brad Conger has a rare view into the evolving dynamics of institutional portfolios—and how allocators can adapt. As Chief Investment Officer of Hirtle Callaghan, a $20B OCIO, Brad is responsible for investment decisions across public and private markets, and he's developed a highly nuanced view of what's working, what's broken, and where alpha really comes from. In this episode, we cover the structural decline of the small-cap index, how private markets have siphoned off the highest-quality growth companies, and why illiquidity can actually be a feature—not a bug. Brad also shares how he builds conviction in contrarian positions, what makes a great spinout manager, and why bigger private equity funds may still outperform. If you're building or managing portfolios across public and private markets, this episode is full of actionable insights.
Alexander Ludwig is best known for his breakout roles in The Hunger Games and Vikings, but behind the scenes, he’s a multi-hyphenate: a passionate actor, a devoted entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Their Jewelry—a sustainable, recycled gold and silver brand he runs with his wife. In this episode, Alexander opens up about the brutal realities of Hollywood, the myth of overnight success, and how ego and humility have shaped his 20-year career. We also dive deep into how he's channeling his platform and resources to build a purpose-driven business that could help tackle the e-waste crisis. This conversation covers everything from surviving the actor’s feast-or-famine cycle to the importance of storytelling, Stoic philosophy, and finding peace in a hyper-competitive world.
Howard Lerman has founded six companies and taken one public—he's a relentless builder with an obsession for speed, innovation, and execution. Currently the Founder and CEO of Roam, Howard is reimagining what the modern workplace looks like by building the “Office of the Future,” where AI agents work alongside humans to accelerate output. In this episode, Howard joined me in How I Invest Podcast to share the frameworks and mental models behind how he leads teams, scales product-market fit, recruits S-tier engineers, and instills an almost maniacal level of urgency and creativity across the organization. We talk about what it means to enter "founder mode," why professional managers may soon be obsolete, and how cultural memes shape everything from product design to company mission. If you’re building, investing in, or simply curious about the future of work and AI-native companies—this episode is a must-listen.
Zaid Rahman is the founder and CEO of Flex, a breakout fintech startup that’s reinventing credit and payments for the middle market. Backed by the Thiel Fellowship and known for his “Delta 4” product philosophy, Zaid is building a multi-product platform that’s helping profitable, owner-operated businesses unlock capital and scale faster. In this conversation, Zaid breaks down how Flex is using AI to radically reduce underwriting time, why he’s obsessed with hiring 10x talent, and how “taste” and first principles thinking guide everything from product design to risk management. If you’re building in fintech, hiring in tech, or just obsessed with the craft of company-building, this episode is full of tactical insight.
Cliff Asness is one of the most influential minds in quantitative investing and the Founder, Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer at AQR Capital Management, which oversees over $100 billion in assets. In this wide-ranging conversation, we go deep into what makes a successful long-term strategy, how Cliff thinks about building portfolios, and why most investors misjudge both volatility and leverage. He also shares what it was like launching AQR after his early work on momentum strategies at Goldman Sachs, and what he’s learned about investor behavior across cycles. This is one of the most insightful and entertaining conversations we’ve had on the podcast—and Cliff brings both humor and hard-earned wisdom to the table.
John Bowman, CEO of the CAIA Association, joins How I Invest to discuss the most important shift in institutional investing: the move from the traditional bucketed approach to the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA). In this episode, we go deep on how allocators are modernizing portfolio construction, why liquidity might be a hidden danger, and what the future of alternatives will look like as trillions of dollars flow from public to private markets.
Jamie Gull is the GP/Founder of Wave Function Ventures, a deep tech seed fund, and an engineer turned investor who previously worked at SpaceX during its early, intense years of scaling. In this episode, Jamie and I discuss the high-responsibility culture at SpaceX, how it shaped Jamie’s approach to company building and investing, and what makes a deep tech founder stand out. We also explore why fast iteration matters more than perfect planning, how techno-economics drive investment decisions, and why deep tech’s reputation for being overly capital-intensive is becoming outdated. Jamie shares firsthand stories from his time working under Elon Musk, his angel investments in companies like Boom Supersonic and K2 Space, and the founding principles behind Wave Function Ventures. If you're interested in the future of deep tech investing, how to identify category-defining founders, or how hardware startups can scale efficiently, this is a must-listen.
Paige Finn Doherty, Founding Partner of Behind Genius Ventures, joins the How I Invest podcast to share how she built one of the most distinctive brands in early-stage venture capital — all before turning 25. Paige talks about the power of content and community, how her engineering background shaped her investing style, and why being deliberate about media strategy can transform access to top founders and LPs. She also breaks down her investment thesis around AI in overlooked industries, the importance of institutional-grade operations from day one, and what it really takes to build a lasting venture firm.
Meghan Reynolds, Partner and Head of Capital Formation & Talent at Altimeter, has spent over 20 years at the intersection of GPs and LPs, helping some of the largest firms in the world raise capital, navigate investor relationships, and scale their strategies. In this episode, she breaks down what it takes to be a best-in-class capital raiser—how to expand into new strategies, find the right investors (not just any capital), and build enduring partnerships in a hypercompetitive environment. We also talk about what’s changed in the last 20 years, how the best GPs handle crisis communication, and why building a brand as an investor matters more than ever.
D.A. Wallach’s journey is one of the most unconventional paths in venture capital. He went from fronting a rock band discovered by Kanye West and Pharrell, to investing in Spotify, SpaceX, and founding a biotech VC firm reshaping human medicine. In this episode, we dive into his evolution—from artist to investor—and what he’s learned from being in the room with Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Ron Burkle. D.A. shares why great investing is an act of taste, how he earned his first big break with Ron Burkle at Inevitable Ventures, and why he believes biotech is the most exciting place to invest over the next decade. We also discuss how aesthetic intuition applies to investing, how to think in second and third order effects, and what it really means to be contrarian when contrarianism has gone mainstream.
Jim Bethea oversees $1.7 billion at the University of Iowa’s endowment—and he does it with a team of just five people. In this episode, we cover how Jim thinks about asset allocation, governance, manager selection, and why Iowa has decided to specialize in certain asset classes like lower middle market private equity. This conversation is full of nuance, clarity, and hard-earned lessons that every allocator, GP, and fund manager will benefit from. Jim pulls back the curtain on how small teams can still invest in niche, high-performing funds, how to manage investment committee dynamics, and why more isn't always better when it comes to diversification.
In this thought-provoking debut episode of Turpentine VC, Erik sat down with Ben Horowitz, Co-Founder of Andreessen Horowitz, to explore the evolving landscape of venture capital, leadership, and the future of innovation. Ben shares his insights on navigating market cycles, building resilient companies, and the role of culture in long-term success. This conversation, recorded live at a16z’s Menlo Park offices in 2023, is packed with practical wisdom and candid stories from one of Silicon Valley’s most influential investors.
Paul Chai’s journey from first-generation immigrant to Chief Investment Officer of a $1 billion endowment is anything but conventional. In this episode, we unpack how he transitioned from aerospace engineering to managing capital, his approach to investing in “outsiders,” and the delicate balance of taking risk in hedge funds, GP stakes, and tactical trades like TALF 2.0. Paul shares how Kansas State University's endowment supports the school’s mission, why they invest in lower middle market buyouts and small hedge funds, and how they find and evaluate emerging managers.
Blake Scholl started with a crazy idea: bring back supersonic flight. A decade later, Boom Supersonic pre-orders from the likes of Virgin, United, and American Airlines, and is building the fastest commercial jet since the Concorde—without the sonic boom. But what looks like an inevitable success now was, at the beginning, a nearly laughable dream. In this episode, we break down how Blake went from crashing a Virgin Galactic rollout to pitching Richard Branson over breakfast, to getting a “yes” 24 hours before Y Combinator Demo Day. It’s a masterclass in high-agency entrepreneurship and building something audacious from first principles. From pitching billionaires to proving physics, from engineering emotional payoff for teams to raising capital from LPs directly, Blake unpacks how to build hard tech companies that actually work. If you’re a founder, builder, or dreamer, this one’s for you.
In this episode of How I Invest, Evan Fisher, Founder of Portal Ventures, shares his expertise in fundraising, venture capital, and deal flow. He discusses the key elements of successful fundraising, how to craft a compelling pitch, and what investors look for when evaluating opportunities. Evan’s insights provide valuable lessons for both founders seeking capital and investors looking for high-quality deals.
In this episode of How I Invest, Billy Libby, Co-Founder and CEO of Upper90, discusses how his firm is redefining venture capital through a hybrid investment model that combines equity and credit. He shares how Upper90 empowers founders to scale without excessive dilution and offers insights into navigating today’s venture landscape. Billy’s approach to alternative financing provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
In this episode of How I Invest, Aaron Hodari, Managing Director at Schechter, delves into the world of wealth management and alternative investments. He shares how his firm navigates market uncertainties, crafts resilient portfolios, and uncovers unique opportunities for high-net-worth clients. Aaron's insights provide valuable lessons for investors seeking to optimize their financial strategies.
In this episode of How I Invest, Logan Allin, Managing Partner and Founder of Fin Capital, shares how his firm uses AI-powered predictive models to evaluate startups. We explore how AI can assess founder DNA, predict billion-dollar outcomes, and transform the venture capital landscape. Logan also highlights the surprising traits that lead to startup success, the advantages of repeat founders, and what the future holds for fintech. This conversation offers valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of AI and venture capital.
In this episode of How I Invest, I speak with Brendon Parry, Head of Private Markets, Deputy CIO, and Managing Director at TIFF Investment Management. Brendon shares insights on TIFF’s mission to serve nonprofit institutions through tailored investment solutions. He discusses the importance of private market investments, the legacy of leaders like David Swensen, and how TIFF partners with foundations to achieve long-term financial goals. Tune in for actionable strategies and valuable perspectives from a seasoned investment professional.
In this episode of How I Invest, I dive deep into a conversation with Charlotte Zhang of Inatai Foundation. Charlotte shares her approach to managing a $2.4 billion private investment program, the importance of market inefficiencies, and how she strategically builds GP relationships. We explore how Inatai identifies top managers, why LPs are increasingly interested in fundless sponsors, and what makes a great investment philosophy. Whether you're an LP, VC, or just curious about institutional investing, this episode is packed with insights on capital allocation, conviction-based investing, and long-term partnership building.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Matt Fitzpatrick, CEO of Invisible Technologies and former head of McKinsey’s QuantumBlack Labs. Matt shares his deep insights on enterprise AI adoption, model fine-tuning, and the challenges businesses face when integrating AI into their workflows. We explore why only 8% of AI models make it to production, how enterprises can overcome friction points, and the future of AI-powered enterprise solutions. If you’re curious about the intersection of AI and business strategy, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of How I Invest, I interview Robert Cherun, an expert in search funds and small-cap investing. Robert shares his journey from launching his own search fund to building and exiting a highly successful business. We dive into the fundamentals of search funds, the economics of acquiring and scaling small businesses, and the key traits that make a successful searcher.
In this special solo episode of How I Invest, I break down one of the most powerful forces in investing: compounding. Over the course of 142 episodes, I’ve discovered that the best investors all leverage compounding—not just in their portfolios but in every aspect of their business. From relationships and reputation to proprietary information and top talent, compounding creates exponential advantages in a hyper-competitive market.
In this episode of How I Invest, I interview Scott van den Berg, an expert in celebrity-founded brands and the managing partner of Hotstar VC. Scott shares deep insights into how celebrities are leveraging their platforms to build billion-dollar businesses and why some partnerships thrive while others fail. We discuss the shift in celebrity investments, the rise of creator-led brands, and key lessons from success stories like Ryan Reynolds' Mint Mobile, Kim Kardashian's Skims, and George Clooney's Casamigos.
In this episode of How I Invest, I have a conversation with Scott Chan, Chief Investment Officer of CalSTRS, to explore how he oversees a staggering $350 billion in assets. Scott shares insights on CalSTRS’ collaborative investment model, their approach to private and public markets, and why they aim to be the "global partner of choice." We also discuss the importance of structural alpha, liquidity management, and identifying long-term supply-demand imbalances.
In this episode of How I Invest, I chat with Balaji Srinivasan—former CTO of Coinbase, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and bestselling author of The Network State. Balaji shares his vision for how the internet could ultimately succeed America, the rise of network states, and the implications of Bitcoin's exponential growth. We discuss the future of digital governance, crypto democracy, and how decentralized technologies are reshaping global power structures. Whether you're a crypto investor, a technology enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of governance, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Erik Hirsch, Co-CEO of Hamilton Lane, a global leader in private market investing. Erik discusses the evolving landscape of private markets and the integration of digital tools like tokenization in investments. He dives into how private markets are becoming more accessible to retail investors and the future of asset management, with a focus on education and technology. From the role of RIAs and wirehouses to the impact of digital wallets and tokens, Erik provides deep insights into what’s next for investors at every level. If you're curious about the future of investment opportunities and how they will change by 2030, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of How I Invest, I engage with Jackson Craig, Managing Director and Co-Head of H.I.G. Bayside's U.S. Special Situations and Distressed Debt Strategy. With over 20 years of experience in private equity investing, Jackson shares his expertise on navigating distressed debt markets, building resilient portfolios, and uncovering hidden opportunities in complex financial situations. From sourcing distressed assets to managing risk, Jackson offers a masterclass on investing in challenging environments.
In this episode of How I Invest, I speak with Jeremy Heer, Managing Director at the University of Illinois Foundation, about the art of networking, the power of super connectors, and the evolving landscape of institutional investing. Jeremy shares his insights on building relationships that drive investment success, the importance of strategic networking, and how attending conferences with intent can create game-changing opportunities. He also dives into the future of nuclear energy, the role of generalist investors in discovering new asset classes, and the long-term value of investment engagement.
In this episode of How I Invest, I dive deep into a discussion with John Skjervem, Chief Investment Officer at Utah Retirement Systems (URS), to uncover the unique governance and investment strategies behind one of the most innovative public pension funds in the United States. John shares his insights on governance structures, private equity allocations, the benefits of a "fishbowl-free" decision-making process, and his approach to alternative energy investments. Whether you're curious about pension fund management or the future of disruptive energy investments like nuclear fusion, this episode is a masterclass in strategic thinking and long-term investing.
In this episode of How I Invest, I interview Constantine Karides, a Lead Partner at Reed Smith, to discuss the critical role lawyers play in the startup and venture capital ecosystem. Constantine shares insights on what founders and investors should look for in legal counsel, the leverage model law firms use, and how AI is reshaping the legal landscape. From the importance of choosing the right law firm to navigating legal costs effectively, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and investors.
In this episode of How I Invest, I have a conversation with Mel Williams, Co-Founder and General Partner at TrueBridge Capital Partners. We dive into TrueBridge’s pivotal role as Forbes' data partner for the prestigious Midas List, its strategic approach to venture capital fund-of-funds investing, and how the firm consistently identifies and backs the top-performing fund managers. Mel provides a masterclass on portfolio construction, risk management, and scaling a successful venture investment platform. Whether you’re an institutional investor, a fund manager, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of venture capital, this episode is packed with essential takeaways.
In this episode of How I Invest, I dive deep into a conversation with Henry Ward, CEO of Carta, to discuss his journey building one of the most transformative companies in private market infrastructure. From cap table management to fund administration and beyond, Henry shares his insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of private equity. We delve into Carta's strategic pivots, its playbook for turning services into scalable software, and Henry's contrarian views on AI and leadership. This episode is packed with lessons for founders, investors, and operators navigating the evolving landscape of private capital.
In this episode of How I Invest, I connect with Lorenzo Thione, Managing Director at Gaingels, one of the most active and inclusive venture syndicates in the world. Lorenzo discusses his philosophy on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the democratization of venture capital, and his thoughts on the AI revolution. From his experience building a portfolio of over 100 investments to lessons learned from co-founding PowerSet, Lorenzo provides invaluable insights for investors and entrepreneurs alike.
In this episode of How I Invest, I dive into a conversation with Nichole Wischoff, Founder and Managing Partner at Wischoff Ventures, to explore her remarkable journey of raising a $50 million fund during one of the toughest markets of 2024. Nichole shares her insights on fundraising strategies, the power of media in deal sourcing, and building a personal brand. She also discusses her unique approach to fostering relationships in venture capital and why community and authenticity are key drivers of success in this space. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for emerging fund managers and anyone navigating the world of VC.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Nick Shekerdemian, entrepreneur, investor, and founding partner of The Venture Collective (TVC). A former Oxford student turned Thiel Fellow, Nick shares his journey of dropping out of university to pursue big ideas and how the fellowship helped shape his path in venture capital. We explore TVC's unique approach to portfolio construction, investing in deep tech and computational biology, and why thesis-driven investing is the future of venture capital. Nick also discusses challenges like founder breakups, scaling value-added strategies, and his thoughts on the next big shifts in technology and bio-defense.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Marcie Frost, CEO of CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in the United States. From her beginnings in public service to leading a $502.9 billion portfolio, Marcie shares her journey and offers insights into managing one of the most influential pension funds globally. We discuss the challenges of governance, integrating climate change risks into investment decisions, and the importance of building a culture of trust and innovation. Marcie also delves into CalPERS’ strategic focus on sustainable investments, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and how the organization is setting benchmarks in transparency and fiduciary responsibility.
In this episode of How I Invest, I connect with Ken Smythe, founder of Next Round Capital, to discuss his journey in private markets, lessons from hedge fund management, and the future of thematic investing. Ken shares insightful stories about spotting talent, using key executive moves as signals for investment opportunities, and the rise of AI and defense technology. We also explore the challenges facing venture capital and private equity in today’s market, including liquidity bottlenecks and the hunt for alpha in a rapidly evolving landscape. Ken's personal story of resilience and his passion for innovation shine through in this inspiring conversation.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and CEO of iCapital, to explore the transformative potential of alternative investments in the wealth management space. Lawrence shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to building iCapital, a platform managing over $200 billion in alternative assets. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in democratizing access to private markets, the role of technology in scaling the alternatives industry, and the growing appetite for private equity and credit among high-net-worth investors. If you're curious about the future of wealth management and the intersection of technology and alternatives, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Felix Ejeckam, Co-Founder and CEO of Akash Systems. Felix discusses how Akash is leveraging synthetic diamond technology to revolutionize cooling for high-power microchips used in AI servers and satellite communications. He shares insights on their $68 million CHIPS Act funding, the importance of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, and Akash’s journey through tough times to becoming a leader in cutting-edge technology. A must-listen for anyone interested in semiconductors, AI, or transformative tech innovations.
In this episode of How I Invest, I connect with Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management. Matt shares his expertise on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investments, offering actionable insights on portfolio allocation, valuation, and the evolving crypto market. From the benefits of a 2–5% Bitcoin allocation to the potential of Bitcoin as a global settlement currency, Matt provides a compelling case for crypto as a transformative asset class. This episode is a must-listen for institutional investors, financial advisors, and anyone curious about the future of digital assets.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Alifia Doriwala, Co-CIO and Managing Director at RockCreek, a multi-asset and OCIO solutions firm managing $16 billion in assets. Alifia delves into RockCreek’s unique approach to managing customized portfolios for endowments, foundations, and pensions. She shares her perspectives on navigating public and private markets, the evolving role of hedge funds, and the outlook for IPOs and M&A activity in 2025. This conversation is packed with insights for asset managers, institutional investors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of market trends and investment strategies.
In this episode of the How I Invest Podcast, I interview David Clark, CIO of Vencap, to discuss the venture capital landscape. We discuss assumptions about small vs. large venture funds, unpack survivorship bias in performance data, and explore the power law dynamics in early-stage and growth funds. David Clark shares Vencap's strategy for identifying top-performing managers, insights on fund size limits, and the implications of political and economic shifts on venture capital. A must-listen for investors seeking a data-driven perspective on navigating the venture ecosystem.
In this episode of How I Invest, I connect with Gregor von dem Knesebeck, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Future Partners. Gregor shares the story of building a successful fund-of-funds focused on venture capital, emphasizing brand building, portfolio construction, and navigating the unique challenges of venture investing as a family office. This episode provides insights into venture capital portfolio strategies, the power law of returns, and best practices for fund allocation. A valuable listen for emerging fund managers, family offices, and anyone exploring fund-of-funds strategies.
In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Elizabeth Browne, Managing Director and Co-Head, Sponsor Solutions Group & Elevate at GCM Grosvenor. Elizabeth shares her deep expertise in GP seeding—a niche yet growing area in private equity—covering topics such as structuring deals, the challenges of building institutional-grade asset management firms, and how to identify and support future industry leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the nuances of private equity, the intersection of investing and firm-building, and the future of the seeding market.
In this episode of How I Invest, David Weisburd speaks with Ron Diamond, a renowned expert in the family office space and the founder of Diamond Wealth. Together, they explore the transformative role family offices are playing in private markets, the impending $84 trillion wealth transfer, and the challenges of professionalizing family office operations. Ron also shares his insights on governance, structural alpha, and strategies for raising grounded, ambitious children in wealthy families. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of family offices and their potential to disrupt private equity and venture capital.
In this episode of How I Invest, David Weisburd is joined by Teddy Gold, the Founder and CEO of 3i, a membership-based platform that connects elite investors. Teddy discusses key insights into private equity, venture capital, and niche investing strategies. He shares his experiences with scaling asset management, navigating the complexities of private credit, and the power of leveraging networks to uncover investment opportunities. A must-listen for those interested in the intersection of high-level investment strategies and the value of relationship-driven networks.
Najada Kumbuli, Vice President, Head of Investments at Visa Foundation sits down with David Weisburd to discuss what makes a first-time fund manager a breakout success, why storytelling matters in impact investing, and why this is the most challenging fundraising market since 2001.
In this episode of How I Invest, we’re joined by Michael Kakenmaster, Director of Investments at Loyola University Chicago. Michael shares his journey and expertise in managing university endowment portfolios, with a focus on private markets and hedge fund strategies. He offers valuable insights on how to build sustainable, diversified portfolios and the strategies that have led to success in his role. We also discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital and how institutions like Loyola are adapting to market changes.
Hansen Ringer, Managing Director at Sepio Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the asset class that delivers equity-like returns without the market risk, what distressed credit reveals about market cycles and investor behavior, and what happens when stocks and bonds move together.
Victor Mayer, Managing Director, Head of Private Wealth at Pantheon sits down with David Weisburd to discuss why top GPs are rushing to evergreen funds, how Pantheon balances small-cap potential and large-cap stability, and the benefits of Pantheon’s no-cost co-investment deals.
James Langer, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at Redmont Wealth Advisors sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how Reason small cap stocks are crushing large caps, the academic approach to outperforming with small cap strategies, and the history of top stocks since 1926.
Chris Dion, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Brockenbrough sits down with David Weisburd to discuss what makes small buyout funds resilient, how small buyouts outperform big private equity deals, and why the deal leader matters more than the firm.
Christopher Zook, Founder, Chairman, & Chief Investment Officer at CAZ Investments sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the cost of keeping the wrong person on the team, the crucial mistake CEOs make when building a strong culture, and the secret behind faster growth and success.
Jake Paul and Joey Levy, Co-Founders of Betr, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Jake Paul’s bold vision for the future of sports betting and how the company seeks to become the market leader in the space.
Dean Duchak, Chief Investment Officer at KFF sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the lessons learned from 13 years at KFF, how to create a culture of collaboration in endowments, and Dean’s perspective on diversifying investment strategies.
David Sawyer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner at Legacy Knight : Multi-Family Office sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the top mistakes investors make in GP stakes, why middle-market GP stakes could be a game-changer for investors, and how GP stakes outperform traditional investments in 2024.
Ben Challgren, Principal at Top Tier Capital Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss what makes a top-performing fund, the surprising role of local managers in European venture success and the secrets to spotting a winning startup before it’s big.
Charles Hudson, Managing Partner at Precursor Ventures sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how to support first-time fund managers, innovative strategies for sourcing deals in venture capital and tips for success on building relationships with limited partners.
Scott Richland, Chief Investment Officer at Caltech sits down with David Weisburd to discuss key portfolio secrets inside Caltech’s $4.5B endowment strategy, the importance of strategy discipline in asset management and how direct investments are chosen behind Caltech's opportunistic bucket.
Kunal Sood, Managing Director at Pantheon sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how US institutional investors can access Indian venture capital and private equity, key trends shaping India's unicorn startup ecosystem for global investors and how to leverage local expertise to navigate asia-pacific private markets.
David Weisburd speaks with Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of Serhant, about the explosive growth following the Netflix debut of *Owning Manhattan*. They discuss how the show has transformed the business, increasing market diversification, website traffic, and lead engagement. Ryan also shares his insights on scaling a real estate business, the importance of culture in a distributed workforce, and why he sees Serhant as more than a brokerage—defining it as a sales as a service company with an innovative approach to training and technology. Throughout the conversation, Ryan reflects on his personal journey, the challenges of transitioning from broker to CEO, and the responsibility of building a brand tied to his own name.
Justinas Milašauskas, Investment Manager at Willgrow sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the risks and rewards of investing in spinouts, top lessons learned from investing in venture and private markets and lessons on investing in emerging managers and navigating fragmented markets. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – SPONSOR: Carta is the all-in-one suite for private fund operations. Carta’s software-based approach takes fund administration out of the spreadsheet and into the modern age with powerful solutions and intuitive interfaces, all on one platform. Their suite of products and expert services help funds at any stage with up-to-date insights and automated workflows to get them to the next level. Learn more at: https://z.carta.com/10xpod – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) @justi_nas (Justinas Milašauskas) – LinkedIn: Willgrow: https://www.linkedin.com/company/willgrow-uab/ Justinas Milašauskas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milasauskas/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ – Links: Willgrow: https://willgrow.com/ – Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com – TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (1:45) The strategic advantage of operating businesses in portfolio construction (3:19) Investment cadence and the importance of recognizing one's weaknesses (5:25) Evaluating fund managers and the significance of their cap table (6:26) Sponsor: Carta (7:09) Investment strategies for spinouts and emerging managers (9:40) The evolution of emerging managers and ticket sizing lessons (11:12) Transition from public markets to private markets and the current investment climate (12:47) Differentiating as an LP and perspectives on European investment geography (14:24) Insights on investing in emerging managers and advantages of family office capital (15:54) Closing remarks
Alex Hormozi, entrepreneur and founder of Acquisition.com, joins David Weisburd to share his journey of building a $150 million net worth. He discusses the lessons learned from losing his fortune twice, the importance of controlling revenue streams, strategic risk-taking in business, insights into scaling businesses, and the mindset required for long-term success. Hormozi also explains how he leverages his social media presence to drive deal flow and growth for Acquisition.com. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co — X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) @AlexHormozi (Alex Hormozi) — LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Alex Hormozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhormozi/ — Links: Acquisition: https://www.acquisition.com/ — Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com — Timestamps (0:00) Episode Preview (0:39) From Management Consultant to Gym Mogul (4:14) The Big Exit and New Ventures (5:09) The Birth of Acquisition.com (6:00) The Power of Social Media and Brand Building (7:16) Investment Strategies and Business Models (17:33) Skill Acquisition and Compounding (27:08) Transactional vs Relational Business Dynamics (31:15) Understanding Opportunity Costs and A-Players (31:51) The Importance of Reinforcement Loops (32:16) Unlocking Discretionary Effort (33:21) Power of Immediate Rewards (34:23) Behavioral Conditioning in Business (35:37) Hiring for Attitude and Intelligence (38:02) The Role of Trauma in Behavior (39:30) The Meta Skill of Learning (40:40) Aligning Incentives and Delegation (41:17) The Founder Mode and Soft Skills (44:32) Operationalizing Culture and Feedback (46:47) Personal Growth and Business Strategy (57:53) Closing remarks
Francesca Cornelli, Dean at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how private equity firms handle CEO turnover, why private equity firms benefit from enlightened disagreement and diverse opinions, and the importance of mentorship in private equity. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) @KelloggSchool (Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management) -- LinkedIn: Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management: https://www.linkedin.com/school/kellogg-school-of-management/ Francesca Cornelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-cornelli/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ – Links: Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management: https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/ – Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (1:13) Path to becoming dean of Kellogg School of Business and defining its culture (4:20) Practical tips for enlightened disagreement and commonality in negotiations (5:47) Impact at London Business School and research in private equity (7:18) Insights on private equity from academic research (11:24) CEO turnover in private equity and case studies (14:36) Industry-academia collaboration and future of business education (17:35) Closing remark
Mark Shoberg, CIO & Partner at Capital Creek Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the keys to successful institutional investing, how large should an endowment be for optimal returns, and how to build the perfect investment platform for family offices and endowments.
Travis Shore, CIO at University of Illinois Foundation sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how CIOs can adapt to the next big change in time, the critical mistakes made in mastering risk in uncertain markets, and identifying which strategy may save your endowment in the next crisis. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) @uofi_foundation (University of Illinois Foundation) -- LinkedIn: University of Illinois Foundation:https://www.linkedin.com/company/universityofillinoisfoundation/ Travis Shore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-shore-cfa-34a05712/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ – Links: University of Illinois Foundation: https://uif.uillinois.edu/ – Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (1:28) Evolution of University of Illinois endowment and investment philosophy (3:09) Navigating herd behavior and the financial crisis impact on strategy (6:32) Evaluating venture managers and approach to asymmetric risks (8:34) Investor vs. allocator roles and decision-making in teams (11:18) Leadership principles and the value of iterative decision meetings (14:28) Developing institutional knowledge and asset allocation flexibility (17:49) Managing market cycles, risk, and liquidity (22:21) Adapting to market changes and liquidity management strategies (25:36) Governance's impact on endowment performance and board relations (30:36) Addressing bias in growth strategies and investor re-ups (33:11) Transition challenges to a CIO role and asset allocator decision-making (36:41) Closing remarks
Albert Azout, Managing Partner at Level Ventures sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how to spot unicorn founders early in Venture Capital, what separates great fund managers from the rest, and digging deep into the role of data in unpacking venture fund performance. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) @levelvc (Level Ventures) -- LinkedIn: Level Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/level-ventures/ Albert Azout: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertazout/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ – Links: Level Ventures: https://levelvc.com/ – Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (1:39) Data-driven approach to investing and predicting top-performing managers (3:20) Building social capital and early investment indicators (4:38) Follow-on investments, market timing, and macro factors (6:33) Ownership strategies and discipline in seed investments (8:13) Offensive strategy and value-add for GPs (10:18) Evolution of Level VC's value-add approach (13:16) Flywheel effect in investment networks (14:31) Learnings from Coda Capital and systematic sourcing (16:03) Recognizing great founders and contextual quality of GPs (17:07) Fund size control, co-investing, and portfolio construction (20:28) Collaboration, differentiation, and venture capital insights (22:11) Closing remarks
Rob Rahbari, Senior Investment Officer and Assistant Treasurer at University of Rochester sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the hidden potential that diverse fund managers offer, the missing ingredient in a successful investment strategy, and what role will diversity, equity, and inclusion play in the future of institutional investing. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) @UofR (University of Rochester) @RobRahbari (Rob Rahbari) -- LinkedIn: University of Rochester: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-rochester/ Rob Rahbari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrahbari/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ – Links: University of Rochester: https://www.rochester.edu/ – Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (3:17) Portfolio construction and generalist strategy pros and cons (6:27) Macro factors and their impact on investments (7:37) Real assets, fixed income, and real estate strategies (8:52) Venture portfolio insights and GP relationship management (11:21) Selection criteria for new managers and common pitfalls (13:34) Addressing bias and complexity in investment strategies (15:40) Doug Phillips' unique approach to investing (18:13) Investing at the University of Rochester and IADEI initiative (20:51) Embracing market cycles and diverse managers (22:27) Closing remarks
Drew Myers, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of CrossLayer Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the key to small funds thriving in pre-seed investing, how time diversification tame crypto volatility, and identifying persistent top quartile crypto funds. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) -- LinkedIn: CrossLayer Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crosslayer-capital/ Drew Myers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-myers-8764aa22/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ – Links: CrossLayer Capital: https://www.crosslayercap.com/ – Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (2:01) Investment strategy: emerging vs. established managers and fund structures (4:20) Identifying alpha in venture and liquid crypto investments, comparison to biotech (6:12) Diligence and alignment in GP-LP relationships; lessons from Makena Capital (10:37) Approach to VC China strategy and parallels in crypto; early market mistakes (16:01) Divergent interests between GPs and LPs; systematic frameworks and investment theses (18:27) Portfolio construction and diversity with idiosyncratic bets (22:12) Pre-seed investments and their impact on return profiles (24:11) Managing risk in volatile markets and differentiating managers (27:26) Persistence of top quartile returns and market cycle impacts (29:30) Advice for institutional LPs entering crypto; regrets and lessons at Crosslayer (33:33) Closing remarks
Michael Wallach, Vice President of Investment at Levy Family Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the unexpected challenges of working at a family office, how to leverage expert insights to drive high-impact investments, and critical mistakes LPs should always avoid. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co – X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) -- LinkedIn: Michael Wallach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wallach-8b75291/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ -- Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (1:51) Investment strategy and differentiation in alpha/beta strategies (3:34) Sourcing and diligence process for direct deals (6:31) Managing portfolio drawdowns and liquidity (8:12) Importance of data room contents for decision making (9:45) Emphasis on reputation in investment decisions (10:53) Asset class allocation and planning (11:47) Key takeaways from experiences at Levy Family Partners (14:21) Pain points for GPs and LPs' leverage points (15:57) Unique advantages and advice for family office operations (17:25) Closing remarks
Les Baquiran, Founder of Alpine Capital Advisors, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss insights on building LP relationships globally. In addition, they discuss reasons GP’s hire placement agents, benefits of family offices as LPs, and non-traditional structures LPs like to invest in. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co -- X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) -- LinkedIn: Les Baquiran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-baquiran/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Alpine Capital Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpine-capital-associates/ -- LINKS: Alpine Capital Advisors: https://alpineca.com/ -- Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (2:22) Lessons learned working at Park Hill (5:31) The life cycle of working with a GP (8:02) Geographical reach and strategy for Latin America (11:54) Raising capital from LPs in different regions (19:12) Common problems LPs face in the current market (21:22) The impact of illiquidity on LP investment strategies (23:34) Examples of bad behavior by GPs (29:27) Building strong LP-GP relationships (33:10) Les Baquiran's LP roundtables and gatherings (36:47) The nuances of being a placement agent (40:25) Closing remarks
Tony Meadows, Partner at Sinefine sits down with David Weisburd to discuss what initial investment choice could make or break your portfolio, when to dive into early-stage investments, and how strategic timing can turn ordinary investments into extraordinary gains.
John Gleeson, Founder & General Partner at Success Venture Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the underappreciated secret to Venture Capital success, why operator LP’s outperform, and the math behind portfolio concentration.
Steve McLaughlin, CEO at Financial Technology Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the hidden values and success of top fintech companies, insider perspective on the work-life balance myth, and the powerful face-to-face strategies that elite companies swear by.
Renee Hanna, Managing Director of Investments at Baylor University sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how Baylor balances allocation between public and private investments, how its private investments are built around returns hurdles, and thoughts on appropriately sizing commitments.
Marius Weber, Founding Partner, and Jocke Martelius, Investment Solutions Manager of Alpha Q Venture Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the comparison between US and European VC markets, strategies for conducting due diligence on emerging VC funds, and the impact of political and economic factors on European VC.
Iyan Unsworth, Vice President of AXA Venture Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss How a Fund of Funds backed by one of the world's largest insurance companies is revolutionizing the venture capital landscape The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co -- X / Twitter: @dweisburd (David Weisburd) -- LinkedIn: Iyan Unsworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyan-unsworth-1016a896/ AXA Venture Partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axavp/ David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ -- LINKS: AXA Venture Partners: https://www.axavp.com/ -- Questions or topics you want us to discuss on The 10X Capital Podcast? Email us at david@10xcapital.com -- TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Episode Preview (2:25) Key Investment Regions and Geographical Distribution of AVP's Portfolio (4:01) Ideal GP Characteristics and Decrease in Funding for First-Time Funds (7:42) Full-Time Commitment and Historical Performance of Venture Capital (9:02) Principal-Agent Problem and Market Contraction Analysis (11:07) Profiles and Importance of Partnership in Emerging Managers (12:04) Evaluating Teams, Dynamics, and Performance in Venture Capital (15:00) Sensitivity in Performance Discussions and Incentive Reassignment (18:54) Conservative Fund Strategies and Transparency in Track Records (20:05) Complexities of Deal Attribution in Diligence Processes (22:03) Discussion on Secondaries (24:22) Closing Remarks
Iyan Unsworth, Vice President of AXA Venture Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss about on how a Fund of Funds backed by one of the world's largest insurance companies is revolutionizing the venture capital landscape.
Dave Neumann, investor at Molten Ventures, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss fund of funds deployment strategies, how GPs should approach fund size and interesting power law data derived from Molten’s 2,500 underlying portfolio companies.
Jamie Biddle (Founding Partner and CEO) & Steve Kim (Partner, Investment Strategy and Risk Management) of Verdis Investment Management, sit down with David Weisburd to discuss how Verdis has managed to invest into 41 unicorns by indexing early-stage venture capital funds, how they came up with the venture index thesis, and the practical considerations of executing on their venture index strategy. They also discuss the purpose of venture in a diversified portfolio, the benefits of QSBS for taxable investors, and avoiding adverse selection in venture capital.
Michael Miller, CIO at Crewcial Partners, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how nonprofit institutions invest, how they think about portfolio construction, and how they manage liquidity.
Mikhail Blancovitch, Co-Founder of Unicorn Strategic Capital, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss strategies for raising capital from different types of LPs, how fund managers can craft a compelling story that resonates with LPs, and sources of growth for alternative asset AUM.
Justin Dyer, Chief Investment Officer of AWM Capital, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how AWM manages investments for professional athletes. Justin details AWM’s adherence to liability-driven portfolio construction, how it invests in venture and unique considerations when investing capital for athletes.
Michael Ashley Schulman, Chief Investment Officer at Running Point Capital, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Michael’s views on venture capital, manager selection across private asset classes, and risks/benefits of investing in spinout managers.
Fernando Saiz, Co-Founder of Azet Capital, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Azet Capital’s fund of funds strategy in venture capital. Fernando shares his diligence process for selecting venture funds, what differentiates the funds Azet invests in vs. the ones they pass on, and Azet’s strategic value-add to venture GPs.
Ryan Serhant is the Founder & CEO at SERHANT., a star in the Netflix show “Owning Manhattan” and Bravo show “Million Dollar Listing New York”, and a 3x bestselling author. In this episode, Ryan and David Weisburd discuss SERHANT.’s meteoric rise as a top real estate brokerage in New York City, Ryan’s unique approach to sales, sales training, and branding, and what it’s like for a founder scaling a business in hyper-growth.
Matt Farrell, Senior Investment Manager at WE Family Offices, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how families with $50M-$1B+ invest their capital. They also cover balancing risk tolerance and liquidity needs, where alpha is in the market today, and characteristics of an ideal private fund manager.
Mike Maples, Founding Partner at Floodgate, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Mike’s new book “Pattern Breakers: Why Some Start-Ups Change the Future”. This is a masterclass on early-stage venture investing. Mike shares his views on identifying ideas and founders that led to his early investments in Lyft, Twitter, and Okta. They also cover how Mike thinks about fundraising from LPs, his learnings from legendary LP David Swensen, and the power and importance of pursuing non-consensus ideas.
Dr. Russell Read, current CIO at 10X Capital, and former CIO at CalPERS, CIO of Alaska Permanent Fund and CIO of the Gulf Investment Corporation sits down with David Weisburd to discuss his extensive career as a premier investment professional. They dive into how large scale pensions allocate to private markets, how those plans structure co-investment programs and design a theoretical allocation strategy.
Justin Pollack, Managing Director at PineBridge Investments, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss PineBridge’s investment thesis. They also breakdown the secondary markets, discuss the structural differences between private equity & public market investing, and ways to analyze spinouts.
Josh Porter, Co-Founder & General Partner at FirstLook Partners, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss FirstLook’s process for evaluating and selecting emerging managers. They also cover typical terms for co-invest, managing conflicts of interest, and the importance of strong personal relationships in venture capital.
Dionne Chingkoe and Samer Yousif of Insight Partners sit down with David Weisburd to discuss Insight’s direct and fund of funds investment strategies. They cover the importance of adding value beyond capital to both founders and emerging managers, the landscape of multi-stage VCs investing in emerging managers, and check size driving fund strategy for GPs. Insight Partners’ 20/20 Vision Capital Fund supports diverse-led, top-tier, early-stage venture funds providing growth and seed capital to companies in the US and abroad. Insight believes that partnering and investing with these GPs is an effective way to drive much needed diversity in the venture capital industry.
Venus Phillips, Managing Director at Kresge Foundation, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the Kresge Foundation’s venture strategy. They cover mission-driven investing, opportunities and risks investing in China and India, and building true partnerships between general partners and limited partners.
John Merrill, Partner at GroveStreet sits down with David Weisburd to discuss GroveStreet’s $10.5B SMA model. In addition, they talk about the keys to building long-term SMA relationships, a highly selective set of criteria for managers and reasons why GP’s should prefer rigorous, discerning LPs vs. fast-followers.
Jamie Rhode sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Screendoor’s strategy of backing emerging managers. In addition, they discuss friction points between LPs and emerging managers, leveraging insights from GPs and LPs in manager selection, and how to diligence a first time fund.
Ben Black, Co-Founder of Akkadian Ventures, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the RAISE Global Summit, the largest LP/GP conference. This is a masterclass on how venture capital GPs can raise venture capital funds and develop long-term relationships with LPs. David and Ben also delve into what differentiates the top venture funds, the importance of operational excellence in fund entrepreneurship, and prioritizing and managing relationships.
Alex Edelson, Founder of Slipstream Investors, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the benefits and tradeoffs of investing in venture capital fund of funds. They also touch on Slipstream’s investment thesis, portfolio construction, and due diligence process.
Peter Teneriello, former Senior Portfolio Manager at Texas Municipal Retirement System, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how TMRS deployed $1B into venture capital. In addition, they discuss institutional allocation pacing models, the importance of aligned investment teams and why investors may allocate to median performing managers.
Jeff Smith, Managing Director of Private Investments at the Smithsonian’s endowment, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the Smithsonian endowment’s advantage in accessing the best managers in venture capital. They also discuss the importance of continually allocating throughout cycles, knowing when to exit, and communicating effectively with LPs. They conclude by covering what Jeff looks for when evaluating new venture managers.
Muthu Muthiah, CIO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how he developed the governance, systems, and team to deploy $2 billion dollars at Inatai Foundation. They also delve into the endowment style investment philosophy, the importance of asset allocation relative to manager selection, and the venture strategy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Erin Harkless Moore, Senior Director of Pivotal Ventures, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Pivotal Ventures’ $1B mission to drive equality and returns. In addition, they discuss how Pivotal works to close the gender gap, ways to manage teams more thoughtfully and the capability of venture dollars to drive exponential impact.
Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Asset Management, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the institutional investment case for Bitcoin and digital assets. In addition, they discuss the diversification benefits of digital assets for portfolio construction, bull arguments for Bitcoin, and expanding the GDP of the internet through increasing use cases of public blockchains.
Eric Satz, CEO of Alto, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how startups can access $13 trillion in retirement capital. In addition, they discuss why to invest in alternative assets via retirement capital, strategies for personal venture portfolio construction and how cryptocurrency fits into alternative asset investing.
Chris Rizik, CEO of Renaissance Venture Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Renaissance’s unique approach to venture. In addition, they discuss how large corporations participate in venture, when to admit a loss vs. doubling down and signals of a strong fund manager.
Trish DiGirolomo, investment manager at Babson College sits down with David Weisburd to discuss scaling Babson College’s endowment via disciplined strategy and process. In addition, they discuss the advantages of patience and a focus on cash on cash returns, criteria for manager selection, and leveraging experienced alumni in the investment process.
Erik Iverson and Mike Partsch of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) sit down with David Weisburd to discuss how WARF supports innovation while driving financial returns. In addition, they discuss the case for investing in life sciences, how inventions turn into portfolio companies and the importance of maintaining relationships through market cycles.
Michael Downing sits down with David Weisburd to discuss emerging manager venture funds, the MDSV Capital Extension Program, and the effect of market conditions on fundraising. They also discuss the role of MDSV in the venture capital landscape, portfolio construction, LP expectations, and Michael’s background as an entrepreneur and investor. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the importance of not overlooking emerging managers as a key part of the venture ecosystem.
Jordan Nel sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how to spot winning venture funds. In addition, they discuss portfolio construction and concentration, the scalability of venture funds and difficult conversations with GPs.
Claude Grunitzky sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Claude's journey as a venture-backed founder, securing an investment from Goldman Sachs, the importance of mentorship in venture capital, and Claude’s approach to spotting potential. They also delve into the creation of The Equity Alliance, the firm’s investment process, and their involvement with Serena Ventures.
Eric Poirier sits down with David Weisburd to discuss insights from the platform’s investment data on nearly $6 trillion in assets. They also talk about the top performing asset classes, the future of asset management and how to manage talent to scale a business.
Robert Rodriguez sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the role of creativity in filmmaking, cost-effective film production, and the influence of technology and AI in film. The discussion also covers Rodriguez's film fund, strategies for creating profitable movies, and the importance of living a creative life.
Eric Sippel sits down with David Weisburd to discuss criteria used to identify top quartile managers, GP follow-on strategies and how LP value-add can increase alpha.
Frank Tanner sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Anthony 'Pomp' Pompliano's role at Morgan Creek as well as the company's origin, growth, and guiding principles. They dive into understanding power laws in venture capital, early-stage investing, and Morgan Creek's manager selection process.
Harisha Haigh sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the art of building and managing relationships in venture capital. They delve deep into Northwestern's venture and crypto strategies, dissect common mistakes made by top VCs, and evaluate the ideal characteristics of a venture manager. They also discuss the leading indicators of success of a venture fund, investment decision-making processes within VC firms, and how to approach underwriting the track record of a spin-out manager.
Hunter Somerville sits down with David Weisburd to discuss StepStone's unique approach to venture capital, their transition to leading deals, and their full life cycle approach to investing. They delve into accessing companies in the secondary market, identifying potential in emerging managers, and StepStone's value-add to funds and companies.
Ron Diamond sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how $1B+ family offices generate alpha in venture capital, the #1 way family offices can avoid adverse selection, how family offices may disrupt private equity, and venture capital vs. private equity.
Mark Gerson sits down with David Weisburd to discuss founding GLG and growing it into a $600 million revenue powerhouse, 3i and its community of world-class private investors and the importance of an ROI driven approach to non-profit work.
David York, Founder of Top Tier Capital Partners, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Top Tier Capital's history of success, the value of partnership, and generational transfers. They also delve into their experiences with Limited Partners, the risks and rewards of backing GP "spinouts", and share reflections on David York’s 30 years in the VC industry.
Roy Swan and Christine Looney from Ford Foundation's Mission Investments team sit down with David Weisburd to discuss patriotic capitalism, their investment themes, and strategy impact. They discuss balancing financial return with social impact, Swan's advisory role with the Church of England, and the importance of fairness and morality in capitalism.
Sean Warrington of Gresham Partners sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss his investment decision-making process, extreme risk factors in diligence, and his approach to investing in emerging managers. The episode also covers reference processes in fund management, the impact of social proof and momentum in investing, and best practices of cutting-edge family offices.
Atul Rustgi sits down with David Weisburd to discuss his role as a GP & LP, the paradoxes of selling and building relationships in VC, and the strategy of focusing on funds under $100 million. They also delve into including biotech as a diversification strategy, the importance of blockchain and crypto exposure, family office investments, and the challenges and rewards of raising a fund during a market downturn.
Lindel Eakman sits down with David Weisburd to discuss his journey in the industry, the sustainability of a GP style, and the importance of culture fit in venture capital. They delve into generational transitions, conflicts in venture firms, and the persistence of LP returns, as well as Lindel’s investment strategies, views on search funds, and thoughts on seeding platform opportunities.
Chris Prestigiacomo, Portfolio Manager at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss his journey, the role of private debt in venture portfolio management, and the Wisconsin Investment Board's asset allocation strategy. They delve into backing criteria for General Partners, venture capital's role in SWIB's strategy, and the unique governance structure of Wisconsin's retirement system.
Sasha Pieterse of Pretty Little Liars and now Co-Founder and CEO of Hippie Water, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss her journey from child actor to entrepreneur, her experiences working with renowned actors, and her new venture backed startup. They delve into the cannabis beverage market, Hippie Water's D2C strategy, and the importance of authentic representation.
Katie Riester, Managing Director at Felicis sits down with David Weisburd to discuss venture capital fund strategies, building relationships with GPs, and the math behind venture capital. They discuss the importance of clear communication with LPs, common red flags, and advice for new LPs.
Michael Sidgmore of Broadhaven sits down with David Weisburd to talk about the growth of the wealth channel and its link to private equity. They discuss iCapital's role in the venture world, access issues for family offices, and the strategies of Broadhaven Ventures. The conversation also covers GP stakes, the future of emerging managers, and the potential of IRA funds for venture capital and real estate investments.
Dave McClure sits down with David Weisburd to discuss his journey into venture capital, including luck, his investment strategy, and the challenges he faced breaking into the industry. He provides an analysis on his two 40x+ funds, 500 Startups, and the misalignment between LPs and GPs.
Guy Perelmuter of GRIDS Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss his investment strategy, the unique portfolio construction of deep tech companies, and the potential of DeepTech. They delve into the paradox of AI, its impacts on the labor force, and discuss the ideal GP relationship and transparency. They also touch on LP value-add and the importance of overcommunication.
Carrie Thome and Grady Buchanan of NVNG sit down with David capital to talk about the importance of startups, and portfolio construction. They discuss the competitive landscape for talent, their transition to venture capital, and strategies at Wharf. The conversation also covers strategic investment, liquidity management, and the inception and building of NVNG Investment Partners. The episode wraps up with insights on raising a fund during COVID, network building, assessing emerging manager quality, and the value of fund of funds.
Errik Anderson sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Pro-noia, the potential of the biotech industry, and the 82VS Seed Fund investment approach. They discuss practicing Pro-noia, the value of building a portfolio of relationships, and the idea of a forever company.
Anubhav Srivastava, CEO of Tactyc, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss iterative portfolio construction, portfolio size impact, fund recycling and check size, reserve strategies, and follow-on investments. They also explore the future of Tactyc and lessons from clients.
Ben Gallacher sits down with David Weisburd to discuss venture capital, his journey as an LP, and the challenges emerging managers face. They discuss check sizes, diligence processes, and the impact of a GP leaving during an investment life cycle. They also cover the role of CFO/COO in GP operations and the importance of supporting emerging managers. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Aakar Vachhani sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the role of data in venture capital, Fairview's unique structure, and their co-investment program. They also delve into the discipline of making investment decisions, the advantages of a fund of funds, and the importance of team cohesion in VC firms. Vachhani also shares best practices for data rooms and advice for LPs as Fairview celebrates its 30th anniversary. The 10X Capital Podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Charmel Maynard, CIO of University of Miami, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss asset allocation, diversification strategies, and the process of assessing venture funds. The conversation also covers unique VC challenges, tracking emerging managers, and the importance of diversity in asset management. The Limited Partner podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Ashby Monk, Executive and Research Director at Stanford sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the role and operation of asset owners like pension funds, endowments, and more. They delve into compensation in these fields, the state of pension funds in the US, and their impact on private equity. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans. The Limited Partner podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
David Friedberg sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the role of concentrated capital, venture capital's future, and the impact of capital saturation. Friedberg shares his experience joining Ohalo, the evolution of investment strategy, and the transition from VC to operator. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans. The Limited Partner podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Alan Feld sits down with David Weisburd to talk about his experience founding Vintage, the significance of product-market fit in VC, and how Vintage has thrived over two decades. They discuss the impact of personal history on investment decisions, building an enduring VC firm culture, and engaging with General Partners. They also touch on successful GP cultures, investment allocation, and VC-LP relationship transparency.
David Weisburd interviews Lo Toney about his transition from angel investor to fund manager, his role at Plexo Capital, and his approach to working with founders. They discuss the importance of patience in early-stage investments, the diligence process for managers, and the strategy behind selecting LPs. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans. The Limited Partner podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Roland Reynolds, Senior Managing Director at Industry Ventures, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss being one of the first investors in emerging managers and how he uses secondaries to drive alpha. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Fernando Pontaza, Co-Founder of Invariantes sits down with David Weisburd to discuss setting up the first Guatemalan Venture Capital Fund and why he targets a 25% IRR. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Winter Mead, Founder and CEO of Coolwater Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the importance of emerging managers and how Coolwater Capital is building the YC for GPs. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Jeff Galvin, CEO of Addimmune, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss cell and gene therapy, and how Addimmune is working on a functional solution for HIV. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Joshua Berkowitz of Berkocorp, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss investing in venture capital as a family office and why all investors should care about IRR (and not TVPI). We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Brian Abrahams, CEO of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss its “Peace through Health Initiative” and how the hospital has been helping Israeli and Palestinian citizens during the current conflict.
Alex Edelson of Slipstream Investors, sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss the four sources of alpha for emerging managers (Sourcing, Picking, Winning, and Value-Add). We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Jake Paul and Joey Levy, co-founder of Betr, sit down with David Weisburd to discuss the sports betting industry and how to build a $100 billion company. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
James Heath, Investment Principal at dara5, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss early stage venture. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Raja Doddala, Head of VC at Churchill Asset Management, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how Churchill diligences managers, and the importance of integrity in a GP. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Avlok Kohli, CEO of AngelList sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss how he grew AngelList into a $4B dollar company. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
Tracy Fong, partner at Albourne Partners sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how emerging VC managers can unlock institutional investors. We’re proudly sponsored by Tactyc, visit tactyc.io if you’re ready to level up your venture fund.
Elizabeth "Beezer" Clarkson, Partner at Sapphire Partners, discusses how their new partnership with CalSTRS will allow them to expand their ability to support the next generation of VC managers – all while continuing to focus on investing in the established. We’re proudly sponsored by Tactyc, visit tactyc.io if you’re ready to level up your venture fund.
Scott Painter, CEO of Autonomy sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how he creates value as a serial entrepreneur and why Elon Musk has been able to be successful through all his ventures. We’re proudly sponsored by Tactyc, visit tactyc.io if you’re ready to level up your venture fund.
Jason Calacanis, founder of LAUNCH and host of the All-In Podcast and This Week in startups, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss his new fundraise and his views on the venture capital landscape. We’re proudly sponsored by Tactyc, visit tactyc.io if you’re ready to level up your venture fund.
Shai Goldman, an investor, writer, and Brex ambassador sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the future of VC from his vantage point. We're proudly sponsored by AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp if you’re ready to level up your startup or fund.
Jamie Rhode, Principal at Verdis Investment Management, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss data-driven investing, compounding returns, Jamie's investing philosophy, and more. We're proudly sponsored by AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp if you’re ready to level up your startup or fund.
David Weisburd sits down with Neil Datta, Managing Director of Optima Asset Management managing the wealth of some of the world’s most important people (including the late Queen Elizabeth II). We're proudly sponsored by AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp if you’re ready to level up your startup or fund.
Michael Kim, founder and Managing Partner of Cendana Capital sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss his thesis of creating a fund of funds at seed stage, insights into the changing landscape of VC from the 90s to today, and whether VC should recycle capital. Cendana Capital has invested in Forerunner Ventures, K9 Ventures, and IA Ventures. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd sits down with David Clark, Investment Director at VenCap International PLC to discuss his viral post about power laws in venture capital, manager predictability, adverse selection in VC, and what percent of startups go to zero. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd sits down with Apurva Mehta, the co-founder of an early stage fund of funds at Summit Peak and formerly an institutional investor at endowments (Juilliard, Cook Children’s Hospital) to discuss power laws in portfolios, alpha in early stage investing, and what differentiates a great LP. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg sit down with Samir Kaji, the co-founder and CEO of Allocate. In this episode, they talk about what differentiates truly elite emerging managers, what VCs get wrong in portfolio construction, what fees VCs are charging today, and his predictions about where the venture ecosystem is going by 2025. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd sits down with Steve Chasan, the Head of Investment at the Rothschild Foundation and for other philanthropic endowments led by Lord Jacob Rothschild. In this episode, they go deep into the LP mindset, covering the best practices he looks for in GPs and emerging managers, whether pricing discipline exists in VC, and describing the conversations LPs are having internally that GPs never get to hear. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd sits down with Jonathan Hsu, Co-Founder and General Partner of Tribe Capital and one of the top data scientists in the space. Hsu is a physicist-turned tech entrepreneur-turned VC. In this episode, they discuss the importance of growth patterns and product market fit (PMF) in venture capital. Tribe conducts intensive data work on approximately 400 companies annually, a unique dataset that cannot be purchased or obtained from other sources. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg sit down with Dr. Abe Othman, the Head of Data Science at AngelList and the Head of the Investment Committee at the AngelList Quant Fund. Dr. Abe has one of the largest and most granular private market data sets in the world of nearly 15,000 startups. In this discussion we dive deep into the data: power laws, what Dr. Abe’s research tells us about which companies to avoid at all costs, and whether alpha truly exists in venture capital. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd sits down with Ramzi Samara, Co-Head of Private Funds (VC) at MASIC, one of the few family owned investment firms in Saudi Arabia that has a dedicated venture capital program. Ramzi is also an active angel investor in early-stage startups in the US and MENA. In this conversation they discuss the vibrant dynamics of the region, Ramzi’s investing thesis and multi-year power-law driven strategy, and looking at passive vs active early-stage fund managers. If you’re ready to level-up your startup or fund with AngelList, visit www.angellist.com/tlp to get started.
David Weisburd sits down with Jordan Stein, Director of Venture Capital at Cresset Partners. a large multifamily office with over $45 billion in assets under management and a prolific limited partner and storied venture franchises, including Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed, and Founders Fund.
David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg sit down with LP Chris Douvos, founder of Ahoy Capital and formerly Princeton Endowment.