The Brutal Truth About Starting a Fund—And Why Most Don’t Make It | Ep 244 with Patrick William Founder of Rixon Capital
Podcast: Founder's StoryPublished On: Fri Aug 01 2025
Description: Patrick William didn't take the safe route. In this episode, the former tech/media M&A banker turned private credit fund founder reveals how he bootstrapped Rixon Capital from a $3M cold-call raise into an internationally respected firm—all without institutional backing. From burning the boats to turning down Plan B, Patrick shares the psychology, risks, and raw reality behind building a fund from scratch. Key Discussion Points: Why starting a fund is like flying a plane with only one engine The real reason raising capital is harder than most people think Management fees, performance fees, and how fund managers actually make money What investors really want (and why they’re happy to pay for boring returns) Why most high-paying careers hold people back from entrepreneurship The “burn the boats” mindset and why it separates real founders from dabblers Capital trends in Southeast Asia—and what excites him most about the region Why patience is the secret weapon behind long-term returns Takeaways: Great ideas aren’t enough—storytelling and persistence close deals Investors aren’t just buying returns—they’re outsourcing stress “Mindless self-belief” is a founder’s most underappreciated asset Sometimes, the only way to win is to make sure there's no way out Closing Thoughts:Patrick William isn’t just building a fund—he’s redefining what smart, disciplined capital looks like in a noisy world. His story is a masterclass in conviction, patience, and making boring look brilliant. Today's Sponsor: Get more leads and grow your business. Go to https://www.pipedrive.com/founders and get started with a 30-day free trial.
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