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Swimming with Allocators

Swimming with Allocators

100 episodes — Page 2 of 2

Ep 49The Water Is Fine: Debunking Common Investment Fears

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Bob’s Background and the Best and Worst of Running a Coffee Shop (0:11) Transition to Nonprofit Work (1:59) Formative Experiences in Finance (3:47) Transforming Nathan Cummings Foundation (5:43) Shifting Organizational Culture (7:36) Convincing Skeptics of Impact Investing (11:53) Defining Impact Investing (15:03) Mission-Aligned Investing Toolkit (16:28) Insider Segment: AI Solutions for Today’s Financial Institutions (18:43) Custom AI Solutions (20:36) Multi-Channel Strategies (22:39) Investment Team Reflection (25:02) Due Diligence 20 Pledge (27:49) Accountability in Search Processes (32:02) Impact America Fund Investment (35:53) Understanding Allocator Decisions (37:26) Pay It Forward Mindset (38:02) Encouragement for Impact Investing (39:17) Flexible Capital Initiative and Parting Thoughts (41:38) Nathan Cummings Foundation is a multigenerational family foundation, rooted in the Jewish tradition of social justice, working to create a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society. We partner with social movements, organizations and individuals who have creative and catalytic solutions to climate change and inequality. Learn more: http://nathancummings.org Bottega8 offers secure and cost-efficient AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning tailored for financial institutions. If you're concerned about the expense and complexity of building in-house AI teams, or worried about the privacy and security risks inherent in Big Tech AI APIs, we provide the ideal solution for your proprietary data.Bottega8's solution is specifically designed for institutional financial clients, including PE/VC funds, hedge funds, broker-dealers, traders, investment banks, and fintechs. By partnering with us, you eliminate the need for expensive AI engineers, hefty API fees, and complex technical roadmaps—reducing your AI development costs by up to 85%. If you're seeking AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning services that prioritize security and cost-efficiency without sacrificing Big Tech fidelity, we'd love to talk to you. Learn more at bottega8.com/swimming. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 202445 min

Ep 48Your Investor Path to Greatness

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Story of the Ford Foundation (1:05) Development of Mission Investment Criteria (4:08) Results of the Investment Strategy (7:21) Complexity of Impact Investing (10:16) Importance of Long-Term Perspective (12:57) Learning and Adapting in Impact Investing (17:08) Quality Jobs Impact Investing (21:41) Insider Segment: AI-Driven Solutions for VC Funds and Portfolios (24:09) Successful Engagements and Outcomes (27:55) AI Integration in Business Strategies (29:53) Public Recognition of AI Efforts (33:29) Capital Access Imbalance (35:14) Impact of Diversity on Economic Growth (37:02) Portfolio Diversity Challenges (40:39) The Weaponization of Quotas (42:52) The Role of Behavioral Insights (48:43) Strategies to Reduce Bias (52:02) Advice for Diverse Fund Managers (57:55) Mergers and Consolidation Opportunities (1:00:14) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (1:04:46) The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For more than 85 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $16 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Bottega8 offers secure and cost-efficient AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning tailored for financial institutions. If you're concerned about the expense and complexity of building in-house AI teams, or worried about the privacy and security risks inherent in Big Tech AI APIs, we provide the ideal solution for your proprietary data.Bottega8's solution is specifically designed for institutional financial clients, including PE/VC funds, hedge funds, broker-dealers, traders, investment banks, and fintechs. By partnering with us, you eliminate the need for expensive AI engineers, hefty API fees, and complex technical roadmaps—reducing your AI development costs by up to 85%. If you're seeking AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning services that prioritize security and cost-efficiency without sacrificing Big Tech fidelity, we'd love to talk to you. Learn more at bottega8.com/swimming. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20, 20241h 7m

Ep 47The CIO Mindset Every VC Needs

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sarah's Background and Career Journey (0:18) Importance of Capital Allocation (5:09) Investment Philosophy (8:30) Manager Selection Framework (9:41) Framework Adaptability (12:54) Team-Based Decision Making (15:51) Investment Edge and Sustainability (16:43) Insider Segment: Enhancing Fund Thesis Through Custom AI Solutions (18:14) Impact of AI on VC Firms (21:03) The Role of Discipline in Fund Management (23:10) Importance of Mentorship in the Industry (27:38) Supporting Emerging Fund Managers (30:33) Explorer Rating Platform (32:45) Community Foundations' Impact (33:49) Braving Our Savings (35:05) Advice for Emerging Allocators (37:24) NEPC, LLC is one of the industry’s largest independent, full-service investment consulting firms, serving more than 400 clients with over $1.7T assets under advisement. Our mission is to help governments, institutions, families, and individuals preserve and grow their capital across different asset classes and market cycles. Our research-driven investment solutions are tailored to support your unique financial goals, constraints, beliefs and time horizons. As trusted and thoughtful stewards of capital, we measure our accomplishments by the success of our clients. As an employee-owned company, we know our greatest strength is our people, an exceptional and diverse group of professionals united in their commitment to fulfilling your long-term financial objectives. Our goal is to deliver objective investment advice and the highest level of service. We invite you to experience the NEPC difference. Visit nepc.com to learn more. Bottega8 offers secure and cost-efficient AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning tailored for financial institutions. If you're concerned about the expense and complexity of building in-house AI teams, or worried about the privacy and security risks inherent in Big Tech AI APIs, we provide the ideal solution for your proprietary data.Bottega8's solution is specifically designed for institutional financial clients, including PE/VC funds, hedge funds, broker-dealers, traders, investment banks, and fintechs. By partnering with us, you eliminate the need for expensive AI engineers, hefty API fees, and complex technical roadmaps—reducing your AI development costs by up to 85%. If you're seeking AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning services that prioritize security and cost-efficiency without sacrificing Big Tech fidelity, we'd love to talk to you. Learn more at bottega8.com/swimming. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13, 202440 min

Ep 46Adopting Marketing and Client Services Best Practices in Venture

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Christina's Accidental Career Path (0:51) Entry Into Hedge Funds (2:43) Storytelling in Venture Capital (3:22) Market Research Importance (5:54) Lessons from Bridgewater (7:55) Consulting at FBG (11:28) Education's Role in Consulting (13:03) Client Needs for Reliable Data (15:32) Understanding Venture Goals (17:39) DPI vs. IRR Narrative (18:43) Insider Segment: Custom AI Model Training (21:10) Data Security Risks (26:11) Cost-Effectiveness of Custom Solutions (28:14) Renaissance Venture Capital Overview (30:36) Overview of Startup Event Success (35:07) Investment Culture in Michigan (37:45) Criteria for Fund Selection (39:11) Importance of Risk Management (41:24) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:15) The Renaissance Venture Capital Fund was formed with the philosophy that venture capital is important for economic growth and that many major industrial and business regions such as the State of Michigan are underserved in the amount of venture capital available to fund exciting new ideas and technologies. Success is often built by a combination of innovation, capital and strong working relationships. Our belief is that by providing much needed capital to top tier venture capital firms that are active in Michigan and by building bridges between young innovation companies and Michigan's established business community, we can achieve regional success in the form of strong investment returns and economic growth. Bottega8 offers secure and cost-efficient AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning tailored for financial institutions. If you're concerned about the expense and complexity of building in-house AI teams, or worried about the privacy and security risks inherent in Big Tech AI APIs, we provide the ideal solution for your proprietary data.Bottega8's solution is specifically designed for institutional financial clients, including PE/VC funds, hedge funds, broker-dealers, traders, investment banks, and fintechs. By partnering with us, you eliminate the need for expensive AI engineers, hefty API fees, and complex technical roadmaps—reducing your AI development costs by up to 85%. If you're seeking AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning services that prioritize security and cost-efficiency without sacrificing Big Tech fidelity, we'd love to talk to you. Learn more at bottega8.com/swimming. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 202446 min

Ep 45Do Most LPs Like Their Job? Featuring Grady Buchanan

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Grady Becoming a Limited Partner (0:52) Networking and Mentorship (3:14) Understanding LP Dynamics (5:29) Job Satisfaction Among LPs (9:03) Understanding Corporate Innovation Needs (13:57) Connecting Startups with Limited Partners (15:22) Value Addition in Fund Manager Selection (18:30) Local Corporate LPs vs. State Money (20:22) Outside-In Investment Approach (22:51) Insider Segment: Implementing AI in VC and Portfolio Companies (24:14) The Importance of Data and Culture (28:35) Misuse of AI Terminology (30:54) AI Playbook for Executives (32:59) Key Qualities for GPs (34:51) The Role of Co-Investment (37:04) Avoiding Shiny Objects (38:58) Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Allocators (40:38) Grady Buchanan is an institutional and risk-based asset allocation professional. His focuses include venture capital fund investments as well connecting startup ecosystems across the globe. NVNG is focused on establishing stronger venture capital presences in regions throughout the US - managing a venture capital fund of funds tailored to meet the needs of local corporations and institutional limited partners. As a Founding Partner, Grady is responsible for the fund of funds portfolio, venture capital fund sourcing and diligence, and for investment allocation decisions.Grady is also the founder and CEO of OmniValley, an online social community exclusively for those looking to establish the right connections within entrepreneurial ecosystems. He’s built a strong and growing platform housing institutional investors, venture capital firms, accelerators, and individuals in efforts to connect under-ventured communities to sophisticated, strategic, and engaged investors, sponsors, and mentors. Bottega8 offers secure and cost-efficient AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning tailored for financial institutions. If you're concerned about the expense and complexity of building in-house AI teams, or worried about the privacy and security risks inherent in Big Tech AI APIs, we provide the ideal solution for your proprietary data.Bottega8's solution is specifically designed for institutional financial clients, including PE/VC funds, hedge funds, broker-dealers, traders, investment banks, and fintechs. By partnering with us, you eliminate the need for expensive AI engineers, hefty API fees, and complex technical roadmaps—reducing your AI development costs by up to 85%. If you're seeking AI Model Training and Fine-Tuning services that prioritize security and cost-efficiency without sacrificing Big Tech fidelity, we'd love to talk to you. http://www.bottega8.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 202444 min

Ep 44Capitalizing on Counter-Cyclical Valuations in Venture

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Darren's Background and Career Journey (1:09) Thesis on Private Markets (5:11) History and Focus of Provenio Capital (6:42) Investment Structuring for Clients (10:22) Investment Process for New Managers (13:44) Current Interests in VC Managers (15:08) Building Relationships with VC Fund Managers (16:28) Understanding Venture in Portfolio Context (18:26) Insider Segment: Setting Institutional-Grade Back Offices (19:13) Operational Diligence in Fund Management (24:10) Minimum Investment Criteria for Clients (28:09) Trends for Allocators to Watch (30:12) Lessons Learned in Venture Investing (31:40) Parting Thoughts on Venture Portfolio (33:01) Current Opportunities in Early Stage Investments (34:34) Provenio Capital: Our specialization and expertise is the sourcing and diligence of alternative investment strategies across hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, real estate and direct deals. Our focus is to build portfolios that are less correlated to the broader markets, and our aim is to generate outperformance during periods of dislocation in order to produce excellent risk-adjusted returns for our clients with significantly less volatility. As part of the overall investment process, we will aim to incorporate the appropriate planning and structure to maximize after-tax returns. Aduro Advisors is a trusted partner for venture capital fund managers, offering comprehensive and expert fund administration services. Known for being agile, responsive, and focused on making fund operations seamless, Aduro enables fund managers to concentrate on investing. With deep expertise across a variety of fund sizes and strategies, Aduro provides a full suite of services, including fund accounting and compliance. The firm understands the fast-paced nature of venture capital and prides itself on being as innovative and driven as the funds it supports. Aduro doesn’t just manage operations—they help funds scale. https://www.aduroadvisors.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 202436 min

Ep 43The “Approachable LP” Investing on Behalf of 120 Families

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sean’s Background and Journey in VC (1:07) First Deal Learning Experience (3:22) Conviction in Allocating (5:08) User-Friendly LP Approach (7:35) Openness to Manager Relationships (11:19) Overview of Gresham Partners (12:14) Strategy on Smaller Investments (14:10) Macro Trends Influencing Venture Strategy (15:57) Influence of Families on Investment Strategy (19:52) Capital Pool Structure (22:00) Insider Segment: Best Practices for Emerging Managers (25:24) Identifying Client Needs (27:34) Distribution Trends (29:45) Investment Process Transparency (31:55) Adapting to Market Changes (33:48) Miscommunication in LP-GP Relations (37:05) Understanding GP-LP Dynamics (40:15) Building Relationships in the LP Community (42:06) Changes in Fund Strategies (45:28) AI's Impact on Investments (48:17) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (49:22) Sean Warrington is the Head of Private Investments at Gresham Partners where he seeks to build portfolios of world-class private equity and real asset managers. His primary responsibilities include developing, sourcing and executing private investments around the world. Prior to joining Gresham, Sean served as co-head of private markets for the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, a $6.5 billion foundation based in Jacksonville, FL. He previously held positions in corporate finance at Lockheed Martin as well. Sean’s personal interests include watching sports (including esports!), reading science fiction and regular workouts. Aduro Advisors is a trusted partner for venture capital fund managers, offering comprehensive and expert fund administration services. Known for being agile, responsive, and focused on making fund operations seamless, Aduro enables fund managers to concentrate on investing. With deep expertise across a variety of fund sizes and strategies, Aduro provides a full suite of services, including fund accounting and compliance. The firm understands the fast-paced nature of venture capital and prides itself on being as innovative and driven as the funds it supports. Aduro doesn’t just manage operations—they help funds scale. https://www.aduroadvisors.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 202453 min

Ep 42Turning Around a Pension Fund with a Modern Venture Strategy

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Anurag’s Background and Experiences in VC (1:05) Understanding Venture Capital Dynamics (2:26) The Importance of Transparency (5:33) Expectations of Returns (9:06) Emerging Manager Trends (11:30) Family Offices and Investment Strategies (12:49) Exploring Emerging Geographies (15:56) The Importance of Risk in Venture (17:53) Learning from Allocators (22:56) Insider Segment: Trends in Fund Structures (25:48) The Role of Fund Administrators (29:22) Benchmark Data in Fundraising (30:18) Investment Strategy Focus (32:17) Current Regulatory Landscape (35:01) Pension Fund's Venture Program Development (36:36) Investment Decision-Making Processes (40:02) Building Relationships with Pension Plans (42:06) Differentiating Fund Proposals (43:45) Overview of Race Global Conference (45:49) Trends in Fund Proposals (47:01) Criteria for Advising Family Offices (50:00) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (55:14) Anurag Chandra’s background encompasses billions of dollars of institutional investing and venture capital experience. He has also held three hi-tech startup senior operating roles reporting directly to founders/CEOs (two M&A exits to public companies). He has expertise in equity and debt and early and later-stage investments and has advised dozens of funds and family offices. His experience includes structuring principal transactions, including SPVs, debtor-in-possession purchases, and asset purchases/acquisitions. Aduro Advisors is a trusted partner for venture capital fund managers, offering comprehensive and expert fund administration services. Known for being agile, responsive, and focused on making fund operations seamless, Aduro enables fund managers to concentrate on investing. With deep expertise across a variety of fund sizes and strategies, Aduro provides a full suite of services, including fund accounting and compliance. The firm understands the fast-paced nature of venture capital and prides itself on being as innovative and driven as the funds it supports. Aduro doesn’t just manage operations—they help funds scale. https://www.aduroadvisors.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9, 202454 min

Ep 41The Remaining Massive Opportunities in Fintech with PayPal’s Lisha Bell

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Lisha's Background and Journey in VC (1:44) Inspiration for Equity Charge (2:38) Angel Investing Data (4:36) Access to Venture Capital (6:02) Role of LP Investing (9:32) Advice for First-Time LPs (11:07) Valuing Early Backers (15:04) Economic Opportunity Fund at PayPal Ventures (16:14) Team Collaboration and Initiative (17:24) Advice for Other Organizations (20:00) Insider Segment: How Adoro Provides Scalable Solutions for VC Firms (21:09) Naming Adoro Advisors (23:27) Evolution of Fund Administration (25:37) Adoro's Unique Positioning (28:13) Synergy with Portfolio Companies (30:51) Building Synergistic Relationships (32:47) Diversity in GP Representation (33:39) Legacy of Racial Equity Movement (35:20) Investment Strategy and Portfolio Balance (37:42) Fintech Opportunities and Challenges (39:52) Adoption of Financial Technologies (42:10) Podcast "Sisters with Ventures" and Parting Thoughts (44:54) Lisha Bell has over 20 years of experience in technology innovation, specializing in digital money movement. She currently leads PayPal Ventures' Economic Opportunity Fund, a $100M investment in diverse emerging fund managers. Previously at PayPal, she led Product for the Financially Underserved Segment and Pay with Venmo. Prior roles include payments-related positions at Wells Fargo, Kohl’s, and Feedzai, where she developed early digital financial products like online banking and digital wallets. Lisha is cofounder of BLXVC, an angel syndicate supporting Black and Brown founders, and host of the Sisters with Ventures podcast. She previously led deal flow at Pipeline Angels and serves as board chair for Black Girl Ventures. Lisha holds a BSc from USC and MBAs from UC Berkeley and Columbia, and enjoys traveling, cooking, and dancing, all while balancing motherhood duties with her daughter. Aduro Advisors is a trusted partner for venture capital fund managers, offering comprehensive and expert fund administration services. Known for being agile, responsive, and focused on making fund operations seamless, Aduro enables fund managers to concentrate on investing. With deep expertise across a variety of fund sizes and strategies, Aduro provides a full suite of services, including fund accounting and compliance. The firm understands the fast-paced nature of venture capital and prides itself on being as innovative and driven as the funds it supports. Aduro doesn’t just manage operations—they help funds scale. https://www.aduroadvisors.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 2, 202445 min

Ep 40Election 2024: What Tech Investors Are Missing When It Comes to Regulatory Risks and Rewards

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Bradley's Background and Journey in Politics and VC (1:08) Regulatory Challenges in VC (3:18) Understanding Political Dynamics (4:18) Investment Strategies in Regulated Industries (6:00) Importance of Local Politics (9:33) California AI Bill Overview (11:25) Political Implications of the AI Bill (13:17) AI in Government Processes (16:08) Impact of AI on Legal Marketplaces (18:51) Sector-Specific Growth in GovTech (20:38) Political Influence on Tech Regulation (22:19) FTC's Mixed Impact on Innovation (24:13) Concerns Over Economic Policies (27:29) Mobile Voting Discussion (29:27) Impact of Low Primary Turnout (31:38) Political Survival vs. Public Safety (32:36) Mobile Voting Project Origins (34:15) Building Secure Voting Tech (35:26) Engaging Younger Generations (37:20) Impact of Technology on Voting (38:12) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (39:10) Bradley Tusk is a venture capitalist, political strategist, philanthropist and writer. He is the CEO and co-founder of Tusk Holdings, the world’s first venture capital fund that invests solely in early stage startups in highly regulated industries, and the founder of political consulting firm Tusk Strategies. Bradley’s family foundation is funding and leading the national campaign to bring mobile voting to all U.S. elections. Tusk Philanthropies also runs and funds anti-hunger campaigns that have led to the creation of anti-hunger policies and programs (including universal school breakfast programs) in 22 different states, helping to feed over 12.5 million people. Bradley is the author of The Fixer: My Adventures Saving Startups From Death by Politics and Obvious in Hindsight, writes a column for New York Daily News, hosts a podcast called Firewall about the intersection of tech and politics, and is the co-founder of the Gotham Book Prize. He recently opened a bookstore, podcast studio, event space and cafe called P&T Knitwear on Manhattan's lower east side. He is also an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25, 202441 min

Ep 39Fundraising from Family Offices and Maximizing Those Relationships with Malcolm Robinson

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Malcolm’s Background and Experience (0:10) Experience as an Allocator (2:43) LP Perspective on Investment Risks (4:07) Advantages of Smaller Check Writers (6:43) Criteria for Assessing Fund Managers (8:44) Exciting Opportunities in Healthcare and Deep Tech (12:09) Challenges of Sourcing Family Offices (15:06) Insider Segment: The Impact of AI on Hardware Ecosystems (18:30) Interest in Hardware Financing (21:15) Diversifying Capital Stacks (22:20) Formation of the Black LP Association (24:12) Growth of Diverse Emerging Managers (27:27) Challenges in Fundraising (30:34) Differentiation in Asian Markets (32:12) Value Addition as an LP (37:05) Internship Opportunities in VC (39:33) Building a Talent Pipeline (42:04) Final Thoughts on Market Opportunities (44:20) Malcolm Robinson founded and serves as the executive director of the Black Venture Capital Consortium (BVCC), which educates, trains and places top students from HBCUs into the venture capital and startup ecosystem. In addition, Mr. Robinson co-founded and is the executive director of the Black LP Association (BLPA). Prior to BVCC and BLPA, Mr. Robinson was a general partner at Avenue Capital Group where he launched Avenue's Asia investment management business in 1999 and grew it to over $5 billion AUM, opening 9 offices in 8 countries and building and managing a team of over 110 employees throughout China, India and Southeast Asia. The fund invested in private equity, distressed debt, nonperforming loans and mezzanine investments. Prior to joining Avenue in 1999, he was the chief investment officer for the Richmont-Parley Investment Company, a Hong Kong based investment company. Before that, he was a portfolio manager at The Pacific Group’s Asia Hedge Fund based in Hong Kong and affiliated with the U.S. based hedge fund, Tiger Management Corporation. The Asia Hedge Fund directly invested in long/short equities, convertible bonds, fixed income securities, currencies and derivatives. Prior to that, Mr. Robinson was an investment professional with the Prudential Investment Corporation. During his seven years at Prudential, he participated in $600 million of direct investments in private credit and private equity. Mr. Robinson founded the New Jersey Advocates for Education, a college scholarship program which has awarded scholarships to over 300 students from the greater Newark, NJ area. Mr. Robinson graduated with Honors with a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida A&M University in 1987 and received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1994. Camber Road is the most cost-effective, flexible and nimble leasing company for venture-backed businesses. We are experienced, but not stodgy. We're hungry, like the startup companies we serve. And we hold every lease on our balance sheet. We finance business-essential equipment for venture-backed companies. We do one thing, and we do it better than the rest. Learn more at www.camberroad.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 18, 202446 min

Ep 3830 Years of Lessons Learned Investing in Emerging Managers with Aakar Vachhani

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Aakar's Career Journey (1:27) Evolution of Fairview's Investment Strategy (2:56) Impact of the Great Recession (3:06) Fairview's Investment Activities (5:22) Partnerships and New LPs (7:31) Direct Co-Investment Strategy (8:30) Differentiation from Other Fund of Funds (11:23) Chip on the Shoulder Mentality (13:31) Overlooked Opportunities in Diversity (15:01) Emerging Managers and Deal Flow (16:46) Insider Segment: Camber Road's Business Overview (00:17:37) Navigating Large Funding Offers (19:30) Strategic Work in Venture Capital (22:19) Anticipating New Fund Formation (25:20) Challenges of Starting a Fund (28:27) Understanding GP Counseling (31:00) Assessing Non-Traditional Managers (34:30) Maintaining LP Relationships (37:05) Current Investment Opportunities and Parting Thoughts (39:25) Fairview curates dynamic relationships for institutional investors, providing unparalleled access across the most compelling segments of the private markets: venture capital, diverse and emerging managers, and co-investment. Learn more: https://www.fairviewcapital.com/. Camber Road is the most cost-effective, flexible and nimble leasing company for venture-backed businesses. We are experienced, but not stodgy. We're hungry, like the startup companies we serve. And we hold every lease on our balance sheet. We finance business-essential equipment for venture-backed companies. We do one thing, and we do it better than the rest. Learn more at www.camberroad.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 202443 min

Ep 37How MetLife Won Allocation in Top GPs with Matt Curtolo

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Matt’s Background and Experience in VC (0:10) Challenges in Venture Capital Allocations (2:20) Understanding the Allocator's Perspective (4:32) Technology's Impact on Allocators (7:02) Direct Investments vs. Outsourced CIOs (10:04) Using Third-Party Reports for Performance Measurement (14:14) Understanding Performance Metrics (16:12) Venture Capital Landscape (17:50) Insider Segment: The Importance of Diversifying Funding Sources (19:31) Extending Your Runway and Preserving Equity (22:06) Engaging with Camber Road (22:57) Insurance Allocators' Strategy (24:55) MetLife's Venture History (26:40) Innovation Office Impact (27:53) New Pools of Capital (31:29) Balanced Portfolio Insights (34:25) Investment Strategies for New Investors (34:52) The Challenge of Investor Sentiment (37:00) The Importance of Manager Selection (40:09) Contrarian Investment Strategies (41:36) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:14) Matt Curtolo is a seasoned investor with 20+ years covering all functional areas of the private markets from both an allocator and investor lens. Most recently, he built the investment capability from the ground up at a fintech start-up called Allocate, focused on offering high-quality venture capital and alternative investment opportunities to a broader investor base. Previously, he was a co-manager of MetLife's Alternative Investments Portfolio and Head of Private Equity at a large independent OCIO. Matt began his career at Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ: HLNE) during its early growth, before it became the world's pre-eminent private markets allocator. Camber Road is the most cost-effective, flexible and nimble leasing company for venture-backed businesses. We are experienced, but not stodgy. We're hungry, like the startup companies we serve. And we hold every lease on our balance sheet. We finance business-essential equipment for venture-backed companies. We do one thing, and we do it better than the rest. Learn more at www.camberroad.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 4, 202447 min

Ep 36How Screendoor Underwrites First-Time Fund Managers with Lisa Cawley

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Lisa's LP Career Journey (1:05) Changes in the Venture Capital Landscape (4:21) Introduction to Screendoor (6:16) GP Advisory Services Explained (8:47) Portfolio Construction Approach (13:20) Analyzing Fund Ones (15:53) Investment of Time (17:44) Common Pitfalls for First-Time Managers (21:22) Legal and Operational Considerations (25:14) Insider Segment: Starting a New Venture (00:27:06) Understanding Equipment Financing (30:07) Lessons from the 2020-2022 Debt Cycle (31:55) Importance of Diversifying Funding Sources (36:10) The Value of Personal Stories in Fundraising (38:39) The Future of Venture Capital Evolution (00:44:17) Understanding Fund Management Challenges (46:17) Challenges Faced by LPs (48:04) Risk Management in Fund Commitments (50:16) Encouragement for Younger LPs (51:27) Final thoughts and takeaways (52:09) Lisa Cawley is the Managing Director at Screendoor, an investment platform that invests in new managers raising early institutional venture funds and building an enduring firm. At Screendoor, Lisa leads efforts to reshape the VC landscape by supporting new fund managers. Lisa leads the firm and is responsible for the entirety of Screendoor’s operations and investments. Her commitment extends beyond her professional roles, actively participating in initiatives like Global Women in VC, advocating for economic empowerment, transparency, and inclusivity in the ecosystem. Prior to Screendoor, Lisa worked with a private multi-billion-dollar global investment firm where she was involved in all aspects of managing the firm’s private market portfolio, including sourcing and manager due diligence, asset allocation and forecasting, and creating and implementing the firm’s investment data tools and analytics. Lisa started her career at Ernst & Young, & earned an MBA, MSF, and BBA from Loyola University Maryland. She is a CFA Charterholder and holds a CPA. Camber Road is the most cost-effective, flexible and nimble leasing company for venture-backed businesses. We are experienced, but not stodgy. We're hungry, like the startup companies we serve. And we hold every lease on our balance sheet. We finance business-essential equipment for venture-backed companies. We do one thing, and we do it better than the rest. Learn more at www.camberroad.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 202450 min

Ep 35Foundry's Approach to Investing in Early-Stage VC Funds with Jaclyn Freeman Hester

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Jaclyn’s Background and Journey in VC (0:50) Early Experiences in Venture Capital (1:55) Finding Edge in Venture Investing (5:16) Decision to Institutionalize Fund Investments (8:09) Evolution of Foundry's Investment Strategy (10:38) Building Networks in Venture Capital (15:16) Initial Impressions of the Venture World (16:14) Understanding the LP World (17:51) Evaluating People in Venture (20:39) Adapting to a Growing Number of Funds (23:01) Insider Segment: Advice for Fund Managers (25:49) Opportunities for Limited Partners (27:22) Outlook for 2024 (28:28) Transition to Direct Investing (32:08) Importance of Manager Relationships (35:37) Value of a Focused Strategy (39:10) Future of Venture Capital (43:37) Connecting with Jaclyn and Final Thoughts (44:10) Jaclyn Freeman Hester is a Partner at Foundry. She joined in 2016 with a passion for supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors. Jaclyn leads direct investments in early-stage companies, often collaborating with Foundry’s partner funds. She loves working closely with founders to solve hard problems and think about the human elements of business. She invests across B2B and consumer companies that exhibit strong end-user empathy and use technology to empower individuals, unlock potential, and improve experiences. Jaclyn helped launch Foundry’s partner fund strategy, building the portfolio to nearly 50 managers. Bringing her unique GP + LP perspective, Jaclyn has become a go-to sounding board for emerging VCs. Jaclyn first fell in love with entrepreneurship while earning her JD/MBA at CU Boulder (Go Buffs!). There, she served as Executive Director of Startup Colorado, where she got to know Foundry and the incredible Boulder/Denver startup community the firm helped catalyze. In her brief stint as a practicing attorney, Jaclyn advised clients in M&A transactions and early-stage financings. She also witnessed the founder's journey first-hand, working closely with her husband and his family as they built a B2B SaaS company, FareHarbor (acquired by BKNG). Learn more at foundry.vc Gunderson Dettmer is the preeminent international law firm with an exclusive focus on the innovation economy. The firm serves market-leading venture capital and growth equity investors and pioneering companies through inception, growth and maturity, as well as groundbreaking public companies that result from the global venture capital ecosystem. The firm’s clear-cut focus and well-honed technical skill enables an accelerated pace and unmatched efficiency, delivering best-in-class value at each phase of a client’s business. Learn more: www.gunder.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 202446 min

Ep 34A Novel Solution for LPs to Access Emerging GPs Biggest Winners with Sunil Pai

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sunil’s background in venture capital (0:11) First Contact with DFG (2:07) Transition to AngelList (5:02) Insights Leading to the Collective (6:57) Shifts in Investment Strategy (10:05) Insider Segment: Regulatory Changes Impacting VC (12:08) Emerging Managers and Established Firms (15:31) Angel Collective Opportunity Fund Overview (18:19) Manager Selection Criteria (21:11) Pitching to Founders (23:06) Opportunity Funds in Context (27:15) Rate of Deployment Expectations (28:25) Emerging Manager Market Fit (30:12) Starting as an Angel Investor (31:43) Challenges for LPs in Small Funds (33:51) Advice for Aspiring VCs (35:53) Trends Among Emerging Managers (37:42) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (39:46) Angel Collective Opportunity Fund is a generalist opportunity fund composed of thematic specialists. Managers are selected annually, so the fund is not anchored to any one player and the team consistently aims to achieve the best access across the venture ecosystem. For investors, this approach works with proven emerging managers and maintains steady exposure to the top technology sectors each year. For more information, please visit: www.angelcollective.com. Gunderson Dettmer is the preeminent international law firm with an exclusive focus on the innovation economy. The firm serves market-leading venture capital and growth equity investors and pioneering companies through inception, growth and maturity, as well as groundbreaking public companies that result from the global venture capital ecosystem. The firm’s clear-cut focus and well-honed technical skill enables an accelerated pace and unmatched efficiency, delivering best-in-class value at each phase of a client’s business. Learn more: www.gunder.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 202442 min

Ep 33Today’s Opportunities and Landscape in Canadian Venture Capital

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: John’s journey from operator to allocator (0:49) Misalignment in the Market (3:30) RBCx’s Venture Capital Approach (5:40) Key Insights on Fund Investing (8:33) Strategic Advantages of RBCx (10:14) Advice for Corporates on Fund Practices (12:47) Building Anchor Partnerships (14:00) Insider Segment: Challenges for Emerging Managers (17:20) Navigating Due Diligence Processes (19:04) LPA Considerations for Institutional Investors (21:44) Mortgage Challenges for Founders (25:59) Surprises of Being an LP (27:37) Understanding the Capital Food Chain (28:26) Exit Value Insights (30:22) Canadian Venture Market Dynamics (34:15) Government Support in Early Stages (36:38) Fundraising Trends in Canada (39:14) Exit Value to Fund Size Ratios (41:09) Future Outlook for Canadian Venture (42:06) Canadian Life Sciences Focus (44:08) Exit Opportunities in Venture (46:23) Liquidity Challenges Ahead (48:05) Final thoughts and takeaways (49:11) John Rikhtegar is the Director of Capital at RBCx in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Prior to joining RBCx, John was the Chief of Staff & VP of Strategic Operations at Kognitiv Corporation for 10 months, where he contributed significantly to the company's strategic initiatives. Before that, he was the Head of Commerce Revenue, EMEA, at VaynerCommerce in London, United Kingdom, for 9 months, focusing on expanding the company's revenue streams across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. John also worked as an Enterprise eCommerce Consultant at Shopify Plus in the Waterloo, Canada area, where he advised high-growth, high-volume merchants on scaling and succeeding in the competitive eCommerce space. Gunderson Dettmer is the preeminent international law firm with an exclusive focus on the innovation economy. The firm serves market-leading venture capital and growth equity investors and pioneering companies through inception, growth and maturity, as well as groundbreaking public companies that result from the global venture capital ecosystem. The firm’s clear-cut focus and well-honed technical skill enables an accelerated pace and unmatched efficiency, delivering best-in-class value at each phase of a client’s business. Learn more: www.gunder.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 202451 min

Ep 32Building Relationships with Asian Limited Partners with Chris Shen of Revere VC

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Chris Shen's Background and LP Career Journey (0:52) US-China Geopolitics, History, and MacroEconomics (3:27) Developing Relationships with Asian Allocators (8:02) Flavor of GP and Navigating Family Offices in Asia (11:31) Understanding LP Motivations (16:52) Importance of Liquidity for Investors (18:35) Working with Corporate Venture Capital Groups (22:15) De-risking Perception for Corporates (24:28) Diversity of VC Ecosystem (30:53) Insider segment: Focusing on the Innovation Economy (32:01) Learning the ropes of venture capital (38:18) Advice for junior investors (40:30) Personal experiences and growth in investing (43:27) Asian American foundation and the Committee of 100 (45:33) C100 organization (49:57) Connecting with Chris and Final Takeaways (50:27) Chris Shen has over 15 years of financial services, investments and legal experience in both the United States and Asia. He is the co-founder of Revere, which is building a tech-enabled, data-driven platform specializing in emerging managers – like Cambridge Associates for the modern allocator. l. Previously, Chris was a managing director at LQ Pacific Partners, a Hong Kong based merchant bank focusing on tech investments. Chris was also a founding partner of West 22nd Capital Advisers, a Hong Kong-based single family office and SFC-licensed investment firm. Chris led investments in external asset managers, established the firm’s operations and was a member of the investment committee. Before moving to the buy side, Chris was a senior corporate finance and investment funds lawyer with Baker McKenzie, with a pan-Asia practice representing large corporates, financial institutions, and fund managers. Gunderson Dettmer is the preeminent international law firm with an exclusive focus on the innovation economy. The firm serves market-leading venture capital and growth equity investors and pioneering companies through inception, growth and maturity, as well as groundbreaking public companies that result from the global venture capital ecosystem. The firm’s clear-cut focus and well-honed technical skill enables an accelerated pace and unmatched efficiency, delivering best-in-class value at each phase of a client’s business. Learn more: www.gunder.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 202453 min

Ep 31Opportunities in Today’s Secondary Market with Christopher Johnson of Knightsbridge Advisers

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Christopher’s Background and Journey in Venture (0:13) Venture Capital as a Place of Hope (4:33) Macroeconomic Trends in Venture (5:50) Activity in the Secondary Market (7:44) Platforms and Working with Them (12:30) LPs' Preferences in the Market (14:37) The role of venture capital in the global economy (16:43) Working with institutional LPs (17:38) Tailoring services for different client types (19:00) Structural approach to client services (22:19) Navigating the slow-moving venture capital landscape (24:41) Insider Segment: Vested’s API integration (27:29) Cold emails vs. Warm intros (00:31:55) Looking beyond current AI trends (33:45) Meeting etiquette and deal pitches (35:29) Long-term relationships in venture capital (39:07) Transitioning within venture capital firms (42:32) Fundraising advice and market entry strategy (45:52) Final thoughts and closing remarks (47:22) Knightsbridge Advisers has dedicated more than four decades to building premier portfolios of venture capital relationships in the industry and providing institutional investors access to strong performing venture managers. Knightsbridge focuses on fund of funds and separately managed accounts for primary, secondary, and opportunistic investments in venture capital and growth equity partnerships. Learn more: knightsbridgevc.com/ Vested empowers startup employees to capitalize on their hard-earned equity, primarily by providing funding to help exercise stock options. The company’s overarching mission is to democratize access to equity, ensuring that startup employees both understand and have a real chance to tangibly benefit from the shares they’re granted. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24, 202449 min

Ep 30DDQ: Megafunds Are Back; Adjusting Your LP and VC Strategy Accordingly with Earnest Sweat and Alexa Binns

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Series A Crunch (0:59) Concentration of LP Capital in Mega Funds (4:22) Partnership Questions in VC (12:24) Start, Bench, Cut of Alternative Investment Products (21:34) Emergence of Solo GPs and Potential Mergers (27:56) Debate on the Potential of 2024 as a Breakout Vintage Year (30:28) LP Update Strategies and Being a Better Ally (33:20) The Power Law (41:22) The Next Novel Approach (42:53) Venture Capital's Future (44:30) Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 202447 min

Ep 29Venture Capital for the State of California with Derrick Tang of IBank California

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Derrick’s background in venture capital (0:19) Transition to public sector (2:27) The Government's role in innovation (4:55) Public perception of government in venture capital (8:40) Government programs for venture capital (10:48) Constraints of public funding (13:11) Coordination among state programs (15:18) Purpose of public venture funds (17:14) Supporting Underrepresented Small Businesses (17:34) Investing in Diverse Teams (22:41) Insider Segment: Vested’s Differentiation from Competitors (24:59) Considerations for Pre-IPO Shares (25:35) Thought Leaders in the LP Community (27:11) Allocation for Diversity and Climate (29:16) Definition of Climate Justice (31:01) Unique Aspects of Climate Investing (34:02) Mission and Returns in Inclusive Investing (37:30) Fund Size and Deployment (40:35) Final thoughts and takeaways (42:15) Derrick Tang serves as the Deputy Director of Venture Capital at IBank California, a role he was appointed to by Governor Gavin Newsom. With a rich background in climate change, venture capital, and government leadership, Derrick has dedicated his career to increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs. His work focuses on supporting underrepresented fund managers and entrepreneurs, with an additional emphasis on climate justice investments. Derrick's previous roles include leading the Climate Investments team at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and managing grants at the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF). He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and is passionate about leveraging venture capital to drive social and environmental change. Vested empowers startup employees to capitalize on their hard-earned equity, primarily by providing funding to help exercise stock options. The company’s overarching mission is to democratize access to equity, ensuring that startup employees both understand and have a real chance to tangibly benefit from the shares they’re granted. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 10, 202444 min

Ep 28Starting a Public Venture Program from Scratch with Peter Teneriello

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Peter’s background and journey Into finance (0:58) Strategy of Institutional LPs (2:30) Bandwidth Constraints and Time Management (5:53) Lessons Learned from Early Stage Programs (8:01) Criteria for Fund Managers (10:11) Transition to Institutional LP and Governance Structure (12:56) Challenges Faced by Institutional LPs (16:10) Excitement about certain investment strategies (19:24) Overview of the Kauffman Fellows program (23:04) Insider Segment: Vested's target audience and investor interest (24:32) Ingredients for successful LP-VC partnership (30:45) Role of limited partners in the future of venture capital (33:24) Proud venture capital investment (35:49) Investing with Creativity and Conviction (38:03) Final thoughts and takeaways (38:50) Peter Teneriello is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in finance and private equity. At 33, he boasts a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, complemented by his participation in the Kauffman Fellows Program. His career includes significant roles at Sapient Capital, Stifel Financial Corp., and the Texas Municipal Retirement System. As a Kauffman Fellow, Peter has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and leadership in the investment field. His interests in technology and ethical considerations in AI highlight his forward-thinking approach. Vested empowers startup employees to capitalize on their hard-earned equity, primarily by providing funding to help exercise stock options. The company’s overarching mission is to democratize access to equity, ensuring that startup employees both understand and have a real chance to tangibly benefit from the shares they’re granted. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 202440 min

Ep 27Impact Investing: Past, Present, and Future with Margot Kane of Spring Point Partners

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Growth and Evolution of Impact Investing (0:47) Misconceptions about Impact Investing (3:34) Impact Investing in Political Climate (7:59) Spring Point Partners' Mission (11:07) Venture Capital and Impact Strategy (12:28) Assessing and Vetting Fund Managers (14:41) Impact Labeling for Fund Managers (16:47) Fundraising Strength and Networked Wealth (19:13) Silicon Valley Diversity (23:03) Shared Ownership and Participatory Investment Models (28:31) Insider Segment: Stock Option Funding (33:33) Climate Investment Opportunities (42:13) Intersection of Planetary and Human Well-Being (44:06) Community Ownership in Renewable Energy (46:04) Industries and Investment Trends to Avoid (49:47) Applying Historical Frameworks to Investing (55:04) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (57:02) Spring Point Partners is a social impact organization that invests in the transformational leaders, networks, and solutions that power community change and advance justice. We do this by: Seeking out and supporting community leaders who have the vision to see what’s possible and the drive to make that real. Connecting the experience of partners with comprehensive and flexible supports for shared learning and impact. Investing in innovative ideas and adaptive solutions that can spark and scale change for all. Whether we’re partnering on youth development, human-centered learning, animal welfare or water sector leadership or investing in new business models that close opportunity gaps and boost social and economic mobility, we center equity and justice in all we do — supporting individuals and ideas that can have a catalytic impact in their communities and on our society. Together, let’s change the way social impact is achieved. Learn more: www.thespringpoint.com. Vested empowers startup employees to capitalize on their hard-earned equity, primarily by providing funding to help exercise stock options. The company’s overarching mission is to democratize access to equity, ensuring that startup employees both understand and have a real chance to tangibly benefit from the shares they’re granted. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 202458 min

Ep 26QED Chronicles: Lessons Learned from a Top VC for Selecting New Managers with Alex Edelson

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Alex's experience as a VC turned LP (0:51) Insights into evaluating smaller funds (2:20) Characteristics of a good LP (6:44) Role of an LP as a sounding board (8:06) Constructing an LPAC (10:39) Continuing relationships with funds (12:15) Pitch to LPs for Slipstream Investors (14:17) Evaluating Emerging Managers (18:53) Sector-Focused Funds (24:05) Insider Segment: Navigating Venture Capital’s Evolution (25:45) Diversification of Investment Opportunities (28:35) Future of Venture Capital (30:38) Fund Management and Responsibilities (34:45) Active Investing and Fund Sourcing (35:33) Optimal Time for Venture Investment (37:08) Final thoughts and takeaways (38:26) Alex Edelson is the Founder and General Partner of Slipstream Investors. Before starting Slipstream, he worked at QED Investors, a top fintech-focused venture capital firm with $4.3 billion in assets under management. Alex joined as Nigel Morris's Chief of Staff and became the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. He previously worked at a fintech startup and spent seven years practicing law. Alex holds a J.D. and B.A. from the University of Michigan. Learn more at www.slipstream investors.com. Sydecar.io is a frictionless deal execution platform for venture investors. Our platform handles back-office operations for venture investors, automating banking, compliance, contracts, and reporting so that customers can focus on making deals and building relationships. Learn more at www.sydecar.io. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 202440 min

Ep 25Expanding Your Investment Strategy to Include Venture Capital with Kate Nevin

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Origin Story of TSWII (1:04) Kate entering the finance industry (6:07) Family dynamics and alignment in investing (8:28) Transition to private investments (00:11:02) Exploring the full spectrum of investments (15:14) Sourcing and Early Stage Investment (18:58) Investing in Female Managers (22:26) Innovating for Parity (24:02) Insider Segment: Simplifying SPVs for fund managers (26:47) Trends in Special Purpose Vehicles (29:53) Negotiating Terms and Warehousing Deals (32:34) Sustaining Interest in Venture Capital (35:59) Investing in Diversity and Community Building (36:41) Solving Big Problems and Impact Investing (40:00) Sourcing and Supporting Emerging Managers (43:03) Wealth Transfer and Women's Investing (50:32) Encouraging Women to talk about money and investing (55:31) Final thoughts and takeaways (58:07) Kate Nevin is President and Portfolio Manager at TSWII Capital Advisors, a role she has held for over 20 years. She is active with many industry groups (such as The Academy of Institutional Investors and Nexus) and community organizations focused on conservation and gender equality. She was a Riley Diversity Fellow. Both in her work at TSWII and as a diversity fellow, Kate has ensured that female founders have access to mentoring, networks, and coaching in order to thrive. Learn more: tswii.com. Sydecar.io is a frictionless deal execution platform for venture investors. Our platform handles back-office operations for venture investors, automating banking, compliance, contracts, and reporting so that customers can focus on making deals and building relationships. Learn more at www.sydecar.io. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22, 20241h 0m

Ep 24The Strategy for Selecting Top Co-Investments as a Limited Partner with Josh Porter

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The LA venture ecosystem (0:43) Unique investment opportunities in LA (3:54) Leveraging entertainment and deep tech in LA (6:42) The Partnership between Josh and Ankeet (7:47) Finding the right partner (9:23) The goal of FirstLook Partners (11:35) Fee structure of fund of funds (15:47) Strategy Shifts and Market Validation (18:13) Co-Investment Strategy (20:05) Investment Thesis and Co-Investment Opportunities (21:30) Insider Segment: Fund Administration and the Rise of Hybrid Fund Models (24:42) Product Development and Core Focus (27:18) Future of Venture Capital and Hybrid Fund Models (31:36) Sourcing new managers (36:46) Criteria for manager selection (37:41) Unique investment strategies (38:24) Venture allocation and market dynamics (43:40) Challenges in decision-making and final takeaways (44:57) Founded in 2023, FirstLook Partners is a hybrid fund of funds investing in venture capital firms under $50M and software companies. FirstLook is managed by Josh Porter in Los Angeles, CA and Ankeet Kansupada in Chicago, IL. Visit their website at firstlookpartners.com. Sydecar.io is a frictionless deal execution platform for venture investors. Our platform handles back-office operations for venture investors, automating banking, compliance, contracts, and reporting so that customers can focus on making deals and building relationships. Learn more at www.sydecar.io. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 202448 min

Ep 23How Should Fund Managers Approach Pension Plans in Private Market Investing? Featuring Edward Comerford

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Edward and Earnest’s Basketball Memories (0:47) The importance of pension investments (5:42) How fund managers should approach pension plans (7:59) Unique challenges of pension plans (10:41) Role of venture in the portfolio (13:02) Impact of public markets on venture deployment (14:14) Looking for new managers in 2024 (16:11) Investment vehicles (18:17) Insider Segment: Revolutionizing Venture Capital Operations (20:44) Fund administration best practices (23:24) Trends in SPVs (24:52) Warehousing deals (28:33) Comparison and tracking of managers (31:02) DPI and Valuation Accuracy (32:50) Liquidity and Capital Strategies (35:06) Zombie Funds and Succession Planning (37:44) Venture Capital and Portfolio Diversification (44:08) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (45:38) The San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS) is dedicated to securing, protecting, and prudently investing pension trust assets, administering mandated benefits programs, and providing promised benefits to more than 77,000 active, vested, and retired City and County of San Francisco employees and their survivors. SFERS administers two benefit programs, a $33 billion Pension Plan (defined benefit plan) and a voluntary employee 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit their website. Sydecar.io is a frictionless deal execution platform for venture investors. Our platform handles back-office operations for venture investors, automating banking, compliance, contracts, and reporting so that customers can focus on making deals and building relationships. Learn more at www.sydecar.io. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 8, 202448 min

Ep 22Private Detective to Private Investments: Life Lessons from Caprock’s Chris Schelling

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Chris’ background and expertise in private market investments (0:12) Challenges of Venture Capital (2:14) Multifamily Offices and Client Demographics (4:42) Advice on Participating in Alternative Investments (6:16) Sourcing of Fund Managers (8:22) Behavioral Finance and Market Behavior (9:45) Opportunities in Private Credit (12:37) Behavioral Finance in Due Diligence (13:17) Insider Segment: Matching Team Talent to Capital (15:59) Valuing People and Operations in Startups (17:36) Market Bubbles, Crashes, and Underwriting Strategies (19:10) Networking, Learning, and Building Brand (24:39) Impact of Institutionalization on Private Investments (26:31) Negotiating with Fund Managers (29:36) Adapting Criteria for Fund Managers (32:21) Fun Fact: Chris’ Private Detective Days (33:15) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (35:45) Caprock, founded in 2005, provides aligned management of complex wealth for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. Caprock goes beyond investment execution, managing each client’s entire balance sheet for true alignment with their objectives. The firm is a privately held, multi-family office with more than $8.6 billion in assets under advisement. Caprock specializes in non-public markets, managing more than $4 billion in private market investments. Furthermore, Caprock adheres to a longstanding and principled approach to integrated impact investing. The firm serves as a full-service outsourced Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer, offering clients unique portfolios that secure their financial legacy, free from Wall Street’s constraints and conflicts. The firm is an SEC-registered investment advisor and a founding B-Corporation with locations in Boise, Seattle, San Jose, Newport Beach, Park City, New York, and Austin. This site is intended to provide general information about Caprock and is not a solicitation or offer to sell investment advisory services except in states where we are registered or where an exemption or exclusion from such registration exists. All content is for informational purposes only and may not constitute a complete description of available investment services. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Armstrong International is a specialist financial services executive search firm with 30 years'​ experience across Public and Private Markets. Our consultants possess deep subject matter expertise within; Fixed Income, Equities, Private Equity, Private Debt, Digital (Data Science & Technology), Private Wealth, Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Emerging Markets, Credit, FX, Emerging Markets & Commodities We are trusted by some of the world's leading financial institutions, who use us for 3 primary reasons: industry expertise, speed of hire, and ease of doing business. We like to innovate and have been at the forefront of some of the most profitable and exciting changes in the industry, including the technology revolution and the ever-expanding world of Private Markets. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 202439 min

Ep 21Continuous Improvement: How to 10x Your LP and VC Processes with Jason Calacanis

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Jason’s background as an LP (0:27) Learning as an LP (3:00) Deal Flow and Decision Making (4:54) LP Archetype and Relationship Building (9:07) Venture Investment Strategy (10:55) Communication and Strategy (14:48) Different Investor Preferences (16:25) Predatory Behavior in Acquisitions (18:49) Insider Segment: Advice for Entering the Venture Capital Industry (23:53) The Future of Venture Capital (26:40) Jason's Fund Strategy (30:39) Defining Success and Legacy (32:45) Early Success and Process (35:14) The Future of Startups (40:31) LPs and GPs Relationship (43:10) Jason's Philosophy on Success (46:44) Jason's Process and Parting Advice (49:29) Jason Calacanis is an American Internet entrepreneur, angel investor, and podcaster known for his keen insights into the tech startup ecosystem. With a net worth of approximately $100 million, he invests in over 100 startups annually through Launch.co. Calacanis also educates aspiring founders at Founder University and hosts the popular podcasts “All in Podcast” and "This Week in Startups." His notable investments include Uber and Robinhood. Armstrong International is a specialist financial services executive search firm with 30 years'​ experience across Public and Private Markets. Our consultants possess deep subject matter expertise within; Fixed Income, Equities, Private Equity, Private Debt, Digital (Data Science & Technology), Private Wealth, Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Emerging Markets, Credit, FX, Emerging Markets & Commodities We are trusted by some of the world's leading financial institutions, who use us for 3 primary reasons: industry expertise, speed of hire, and ease of doing business. We like to innovate and have been at the forefront of some of the most profitable and exciting changes in the industry, including the technology revolution and the ever-expanding world of Private Markets. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 202452 min

Ep 20Start, Bench, or Cut: Which Emerging Manager Archetype Do You Want on Your Team?

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Themes from Allocators (1:29) Opportunities and Market Trends (5:49) Debate on Venture Returns and Fund Strategies (8:22) Opportunity and Market Bifurcation (13:13) Game: FMK - Fund Manager Scenarios (15:24) Discussion of the value of a founder's experience and relationships (19:35) Investor Archetypes (20:48) Flight Risk of GPs (22:55) VC Contraction (25:50) LPs and Founders' Perspective (29:06) Sourcing, Selection, and Support (32:23) Support for Founders (33:11) The AI tool for due diligence (34:05) First-time fund manager's dilemma (35:19) What LPs should ask GPs (38:14) Nostalgia in the VC industry (42:17) Reflection on the industry's inflection point (44:34) Final thoughts and takeaways (45:27) Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 17, 202447 min

Ep 19Eric Sippel the Emerging Manager Mentor: Guidance from the Family Office Investor on Twelve LPACs

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Eric’s background in venture and investing (0:02) Lessons from a Bottom Decile Experience (2:20) Motivation to Enter the Venture Capital Space (3:45) Challenges for New LP Allocators (6:08) Supporting Emerging Managers (7:35) Specialists vs. Generalists (10:53) Judging New Fund Managers (16:24) Attributes for Winning in Fund Management (18:57) Insider Segment: Building Teams in Venture Capital (21:00) Starting in Venture Capital (27:02) Future of Venture Capital (28:14) Finding Family Offices (31:16) Investing through fund of funds (34:32) Engagement with LPAC (38:02) Follow-on strategy and tiered investment (40:24) Challenges and advice for emerging managers (45:03) Eric Sippel is an esteemed philanthropist and investor. He currently runs his family office and is an active investor and adviser to real estate, venture capital, and hedge funds. Previously, he was the COO of Eastbourne Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar hedge fund firm, and a Partner at Shartsis, Friese & Ginsburg, where he was a nationally recognized hedge fund and venture capital lawyer. Eric graduated from Stanford Law with Distinction and Wesleyan University with Honors in General Scholarship. Eric has served on many nonprofit boards, including his current role as Chair of Goodwill of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. Armstrong International is a specialist financial services executive search firm with 30 years'​ experience across Public and Private Markets. Our consultants possess deep subject matter expertise within; Fixed Income, Equities, Private Equity, Private Debt, Digital (Data Science & Technology), Private Wealth, Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Emerging Markets, Credit, FX, Emerging Markets & Commodities We are trusted by some of the world's leading financial institutions, who use us for 3 primary reasons: industry expertise, speed of hire, and ease of doing business. We like to innovate and have been at the forefront of some of the most profitable and exciting changes in the industry, including the technology revolution and the ever-expanding world of Private Markets. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 202447 min

Ep 18The Deck Deluge: Boris Wertz’s Journey Through 200 Decks from Emerging Managers Raising Today

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Boris’ Reasoning for Investing in Emerging Managers (0:57) Wrong Reasons for VC Investment in Emerging Managers (3:15) Funding Strategy at Version One (4:28) Motivation for GP Level Investments (5:27) Areas of Interest for Investments (6:59) Relationship with Fund Managers (8:24) How One Tweet Generated an Overwhelming Response (11:56) Insider segment: Building Successful Teams with Ownership and Accountability (14:13) Trends in VC (24:32) Climate and Tech Funds (26:48) Investing in Climate (28:55) Fundraising Strategies (29:53) Advice for Emerging Managers (32:10) Fundraising Tactics (35:40) The LP Investment Mindset (37:53) Importance of Conviction in Risky Asset Classes (39:28) Success Stories and Non-traditional Paths (40:02) Selecting Emerging Managers (41:13) Final thoughts and takeaways (43:33) Boris Wertz is an entrepreneur turned investor. He is Co-Founder of AbeBooks, which sold to Amazon. And an early-stage investor and founding partner at Version One. Their Current portfolio of 100+ investments, includes Ada, Booster Fuels, Coinbase, Dapper Labs, Jobber, Outreach, Shippo, and Uniswap. versionone.vc Armstrong International is a specialist financial services executive search firm with 30 years'​ experience across Public and Private Markets. Our consultants possess deep subject matter expertise within; Fixed Income, Equities, Private Equity, Private Debt, Digital (Data Science & Technology), Private Wealth, Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Emerging Markets, Credit, FX, Emerging Markets & Commodities We are trusted by some of the world's leading financial institutions, who use us for 3 primary reasons: industry expertise, speed of hire, and ease of doing business. We like to innovate and have been at the forefront of some of the most profitable and exciting changes in the industry, including the technology revolution and the ever-expanding world of Private Markets. www.armstrongint.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 3, 202446 min

Ep 17Why Invest in Early-Stage Key-Node VCs with Frank Tanner

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Venture Landscape (0:23) Investing in Venture (3:18) The Evolution of Venture (5:16) Rise of Key-Nodes (8:38) Challenges and Opportunities for Key-Nodes (12:36) Criteria for Micro VCs (18:35) Selecting and Supporting Venture Capitalists (18:51) Examples of Successful Fund Managers (25:14) Misconceptions in Working with Organizations (27:38) Insider Segment: The Role of Technology in AltAssets (31:25) The syndicate vs fund structure (36:08) Misconceptions about venture capital (37:26) Selecting and evaluating early stage funds (39:32) Challenges in selecting venture capital managers (41:44) Novel strategies and considerations in venture capital (44:31) Hype cycles and emerging trends in venture capital (45:54) Connecting with Frank and Morgan Creek Capital (48:20) Final thoughts and takeaways (49:57) Morgan Creek Capital Management, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser founded with a vision of offering institutional and family office investors the same forward-looking strategies that made the large university endowments its leadership had previously managed so successful: integrating alternative investments into traditional equity and fixed income portfolios. Morgan Creek provides a customized outsourced investment office to clients in need of a targeted solution, as well as discretionary strategies to assist clients in building investment programs based on the University Endowment Model. Many members of our senior investment team have a fiduciary pedigree, having previously worked at some of the top university endowment programs in the country (Notre Dame, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and Stanford), and with this experience of allocating capital across all asset classes, the firm has built a global network with access to what we believe to be top-tier investment managers. Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 202451 min

Ep 16How Company Creation Funds Outperform Traditional Venture Capital with Sarah Anderson

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sarah's background in innovation and corporate partnerships (1:02) Challenges with Corporate Partners and Innovation (5:06) Strategic Corporate LPs and their Sustainability (7:23) Recognizing a Different Business Model (9:54) Insider Segment: The Role of SPVs and Opportunity Funds (15:56) Venture studio landscape (17:57) Advantages of company creation (19:12) Criteria for Selecting Fund Managers (22:09) Backed funds and their qualities (23:56) Mistakes in company creation (26:37) Gender disparities in company creation (32:09) Benchmarking founder worth (35:11) Early exits and company creation (36:02) High potential asset class (38:27) Final thoughts and takeaways (39:14) Vault Fund was founded in 2021 and invests exclusively in company creation entities (“company creators”), otherwise known as venture studios. Vault defines a company creator as an entity that serves as the founder or co-founder across their portfolio. Investing in this space since 2015, the leaders of Vault Fund strongly believe that company creation funds have business model advantages to scale innovation and build high quality, resilient companies that create portfolio level alpha more efficiently. Learn more at www.vaultfund.com. Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 28, 202441 min

Ep 15From the Other Side: What Sapphire Partners Wishes More VC Managers Knew Featuring Nate Leung

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Nate’s background and journey in VC (0:46) Sapphire’s Approach (1:36) Emerging Managers Program (4:30) Criteria for Evaluating Managers (8:02) Assessing Established Fund Managers (11:58) Partnership Dynamics (14:48) Market Trends and Observations (16:50) Increasing Specialization in Allocators (17:54) Impact of Liquidity on Secondaries (18:56) Perception and Reality of Secondaries (22:18) The Partnership Principle in Investments (24:34) Trends in Fund Formation (28:39) Building Long-Term Relationships (32:43) Early Investments and Relationship Building (33:20) Outlook on Venture Landscape (35:10) Criteria for Engagement (37:33) Sapphire Partners has been investing in early-stage venture capital funds since 2012 and seeks to identify and support the “New Elite'' managers across the US, Europe and Israel who are uniquely suited to invest in the next generation of technology category leaders. Through its underlying managers, Sapphire Partners has indirectly invested in over 3,200(6) companies since inception. Sapphire Partners looks to partner with managers across their journey as a GP and is focused on adding value beyond its capital commitments through value-add services, industry insights, and its efforts to demystify the ‘LP Perspective’ through the OpenLP initiative. Sapphire Partners is part of Sapphire, a specialized technology investment firm with approximately $11 billion in assets under management across three distinct strategies and with team members across Austin, Menlo Park, San Francisco and London. To learn more, visit the Sapphire Partners website. Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 202438 min

Ep 14Translating Silicon Valley Venture for Brazilian Multifamily Offices with Avanish Sahai

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Avanish’s background and experience in venture (1:16) Diligence and Relationship Building (3:21) Allocation and Time Horizon (5:32) Insider Segment: Exploring the Canopy Platform with John Lang (8:17) Investment Comfort and Expertise (15:23) LP Investments in Venture Capital (18:47) Venture Partner Role (20:18) Portfolio Construction and Investment Philosophy (23:51) Trends in AI and Cybersecurity (26:40) International Market Opportunities (29:51) Bullish on Venture Capital and Macro Events (32:11) Final thoughts and takeaways (35:38) Avanish Sahai is a former technology executive with experiences in product, marketing, and ecosystems. He has held leadership positions at both early-stage and established companies including Oracle, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Google Cloud. Avanish has served on the boards of tech companies HubSpot, Birdie.ai, and Scribe, as well as of nonprofits World Affairs and BayBrazil. Born in India, raised in Brazil, Avanish is a venture partner at Synapse Ventures, a corporate Brazilian Fund of Funds. Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 14, 202439 min

Ep 13Venture Capital: Build a Profitable VC Position through a Correction Featuring David York of Top Tier Capital Partners

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: David’s background and journey to founding Top Tier (1:38) Confidence in Fund to Fund Strategy (6:35) Technology Consumption and Venture Capital (11:53) Insight into the Secondary Market (15:22) Private Equity Secondary Space (17:23) Investing in Emerging Managers (22:33) Seed Investing and Portfolio Construction (25:42) Understanding Underlying Portfolios (29:18) Generalist vs. Specialist Strategies (31:11) The technology stack reinvention (00:34:41) Venture capital and exciting changes (35:42) Insider Segment: SVB's commitment and offerings (40:29) Advice for emerging managers (41:19) Venture capital allocation and duration (45:06) Minority-based managers and diversity (47:28) Connecting with Top Tier (52:29) Top Tier Capital Partners is a venture capital specialist managing niche-focused funds of funds, secondaries, and co-investment strategies. We make primary and secondary investments in venture capital funds and co-invest in select portfolio companies. Our team creates diverse portfolios that are built to spot emerging trends early and to deliver optimal venture returns. Learn more at ttcp.com. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7, 202454 min

Ep 12The Case for LP Allocation and GP Conviction in Venture with Sam Sadowsky

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sam’s journey into VC (1:33) Underwriting for financials and human beings (4:04) Value add and vision for the firm (7:54) Opportunity in non-trendy categories (12:09) Lessons from Climate 10 (13:17) Insider segment: State of markets for the innovation economy (15:39) Venture Ecosystem Model (19:23) Underwriting and Conviction Building (21:54) Advice for Allocators (24:09) LP's Management Process (26:43) Predictions for the Venture Asset Class (29:31) US Managers and International Markets (32:47) Final thoughts and takeaways (33:39) Sam Sadowsky is a Partner at Twelve Hundred, an early-stage investment platform investing in fund managers and founders building companies shaping the future of humanity. The long-term vision of Twelve Hundred is to be a systemic value creator by becoming a leader at partnering from the Seed stage towards regional, global and planetary impact. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 31, 202436 min

Ep 11Strategies for Overcoming Bias in Asset Management with Daryn Dodson of Illumen Capital

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Illumen Capital's Approach (0:48) Research on Biases in Investment Process (1:23) Influence of Historical Figures (3:37) Previous Experiences Shaping Approach (5:39) Illumen Capital's Strategy (7:19) Challenges and Recommendations for Managers (10:07) Personal Stories and Motivations (14:02) Criteria for New Managers (16:36) Learning from Fund One to Fund Two (20:27) Bias reduction and systemic inequality in investing (21:01) Challenges and opportunities for overlooked asset managers (25:49) Insider segment: Future of venture and market trends (29:06) Venture landscape and impact of interest rates (37:13) The systemic inequality in investing (42:47) Final thoughts and takeaways (44:58) Illumen Capital is a Black-owned and led manager dedicated to achieving racial and gender equity across investing. Illumen Capital invests in venture, growth, and private equity funds, and then works closely with fund managers to install a set of strategies and tools designed to reduce racial and gender bias in the hiring, investment, and company support processes. This research-informed bias reduction program – supported by a strategic relationship with Stanford SPARQ - empowers fund managers to expand their investable landscape and better support entrepreneurs who have historically been overlooked and underestimated. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24, 202446 min

Ep 10The Future of Funding: Outlining the Female VC Advantage with Renata Aráuz-DeStefano of Pivotal Ventures

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Renata’s journey into investing (1:21) Impact of Previous Experiences on Renata's Role (4:22) Pivotal Ventures' Unique Approach (7:56) Relevance in Current Market (10:34) Market Trends and Venture Trends (11:54) Innovative Approaches in VC (15:17) Challenges for Women in Fundraising (18:26) Women-led funds facing challenges (19:14) Supporting fund managers (21:12) Tracking data points for managers (22:58) Misconceptions about impact investing (24:51) Remaining open-minded and evolving (26:30) Final thoughts and takeaways (28:02) Founded by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal Ventures accelerates social progress in the United States by removing barriers that hold people back. Pivotal Ventures expands opportunity and accelerates equality in the United States through high-impact investments, partnerships, and advocacy. We focus on areas where social progress has stalled—and where we can have the biggest impact. Like Melinda, we’re clear-eyed about the stubborn problems our country faces. But we also see those problems as potential turning­­ points in our nation’s story. Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible—especially when we seize the moment together. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.com Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 17, 202430 min

Ep 9DDQ: Discuss, Debate & Question VC Predictions for 2024 with Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Discussing the Changes in 2023 and Lessons Learned (0:02) Mapping LP Slots and Strategic Time Spending (4:22) Momentous Changes in the Venture Capital Asset Class (7:55) Uncovering Unspoken Messages from Allocators (9:17) Venture Capital Predictions for 2024 (12:21) Expectations for Seed and Pre-Seed Investors in 2024 (17:24) The counter to VC and America (21:10) Consolidation in the VC ecosystem (22:58) Managing a zombie fund (24:34) The rise of consumer investors (28:50) Vertical applications for AI (33:55) VC firms reopening funds (37:41) Questions allocators should ask VCs (40:18) Expansion and Experience (41:13) Generational Change (42:12) Emerging Managers and DQ's (44:08) Diversity in Venture Capital (45:55) Progress and Challenges (48:17) Final thoughts and takeaways (48:44) Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10, 202451 min

Ep 8Beyond the Hype: Inside the Realities and Opportunities in Venture with Chris Douvos

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Chris’ Journey to VC (1:49) The Vision for Micro VC (4:50) Perspective on Finding Good Firms (6:36) The journey in venture capital (7:31) Changes in micro VC strategy (8:24) Finding differentiation in investments (11:07) The Intimate Nature of Venture Capital (15:18) Understanding Behavioral Footprint in Venture Capital (16:11) The Struggles of Entrepreneurs in VC (17:21) The challenges of diligence and developing relationships (25:42) The principal-agent problem in financial markets (29:40) Insider Segment: Law firms and changing services for GPs (30:37) The future of venture (32:30) Venture as a business of heartbreak (37:42) Finding the Balance (38:59) Considering Alternative Paths (40:41) Ahoy Capital is a boutique fund manager specializing in early-stage venture capital funds and start-ups, actively seeking exceptional opportunities in the application of emerging disruptive technologies. With a legacy in pioneering the micro-VC investing movement, Ahoy Capital's experienced team navigates the dynamic innovation landscape, offering investors access to unique opportunities. Renowned for their engagement and helpful partnership approach, the team's decades of experience guide a conviction-based and concentrated portfolio strategy, aiming to maximize returns with appropriate diversification. Committed to making their investors better investors, Ahoy Capital stands at the forefront of innovation in the entrepreneurial finance space. Gunderson Dettmer is a law firm specializing in providing legal services to the startup and venture capital communities. With a primary focus on technology and life sciences sectors, the firm is known for its expertise in guiding emerging companies through various stages of growth, from formation to financing and beyond. Gunderson Dettmer's comprehensive legal support includes advice on corporate governance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital transactions, making it a trusted partner for innovative enterprises navigating the complex legal landscape. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 3, 202446 min

Ep 7Investing Ahead of the Curve: Wisdom from a Futurist with Roxane Googin

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Ten Year Treasury and its Role in Booms (1:51) The End of an Era and the Impact of COVID-19 (5:09) Shocking Revelation of the Ten-Year Yield (9:31) Reset and Retooling (11:05) LP Perspective on Venture (13:11) Investing in Legacy Assets (15:21) Insider Segment: New and Emerging Trends for LPA (16:37) Raising capital in the current market (19:25) Limited partner agreement terms (20:38) Necessary skills for managers in the next decade (22:05) The time of opportunity (29:50) Safety is danger (30:52) Roxane Googin is a world renowned authority on macroeconomic technology trends and the Chief Futurist of the fintech venture firm Group 11. Previously, Roxane was the editor of High Tech Observer, a long running invite-only publication read by institutional portfolio managers focusing on disruption in the technology sector. Her bold predictions included an inflation-free stock market boom in the 1990s, culminating in the Internet boom from the depths of the LTCM credit crisis in 1998, the internet bubble demise in September 2000, and the introduction of smartphones and cloud computing in May 2002 through her much acclaimed article “Six Simultaneous Equations”, to name a few. In addition to engineering experience in development and manufacturing, Roxane has experienced finance from the cradle to the grave: from venture capital, through equity analysis, to term and finally to asset-based lending. She uses her broad experience to envision the disruptions that are bound to come our way. Roxane Googin has a BS-EE from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from the University of Virginia. Gunderson Dettmer is a law firm specializing in providing legal services to the startup and venture capital communities. With a primary focus on technology and life sciences sectors, the firm is known for its expertise in guiding emerging companies through various stages of growth, from formation to financing and beyond. Gunderson Dettmer's comprehensive legal support includes advice on corporate governance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital transactions, making it a trusted partner for innovative enterprises navigating the complex legal landscape. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 27, 202332 min

Ep 6Mastering Venture Capital in Public Pensions with Tony Meadows

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Tony's background and entry into institutional investing (1:26) Approaching co-investments and the process at PSERS (3:16) Manager selection process and portfolio construction (6:07) Constructing the private equity portfolio (10:45) Timing and relationship with new managers (12:52) Insider Segment: How could emerging managers benefit from general counsel? (15:27) The importance of track record for LPs (16:48) The first female-owned private equity fund (18:22) The GP Selection Process (18:58) Importance of Deal Flow and Proprietary Deal Flow (23:08) LP to LP Relationships (24:42) Consolidation in Distressed Markets (28:59) Final thoughts and takeaways (00:29:42) Tony Meadows, a seasoned Portfolio Manager with over 17 years of experience in investment accounting, research, and management, most recently worked as Portfolio Manager for the Private Equity team at PSERS, one of the world's largest state-sponsored benefit pension funds. In this role, he oversees a substantial portfolio comprising over $7 billion in commitments and a net asset value of $4 billion, strategically diversified across geographies, strategies, and sectors. Tony's impressive professional qualifications include holding the CPA and CAIA credentials, exemplifying his commitment to financial excellence. His core competencies encompass sourcing, evaluating, recommending, and diligently monitoring private equity fund investments and co-investments, complemented by his adeptness in market analysis, due diligence, and risk assessment. Tony's remarkable achievements include pioneering investments in the Japanese and Korean private equity markets, as well as facilitating PSERS' first foray into a female-owned private equity fund. Furthermore, he has played a pivotal role in institutionalizing the co-investment underwriting process, resulting in over 35 co-investment commitments totaling more than $800 million. Gunderson Dettmer is a law firm specializing in providing legal services to the startup and venture capital communities. With a primary focus on technology and life sciences sectors, the firm is known for its expertise in guiding emerging companies through various stages of growth, from formation to financing and beyond. Gunderson Dettmer's comprehensive legal support includes advice on corporate governance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital transactions, making it a trusted partner for innovative enterprises navigating the complex legal landscape. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 202331 min

Ep 5Three Key Criteria for Evaluating Venture Capital Managers: Decision-Making, Specialization, and Operations with Michael Ashley Schulman of Running Point Capital

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The origin story of Running Point Capital (1:11) Transition from public stocks to venture (4:30) Running Point's unique investment philosophy (7:13) Building a Due Diligence Network (8:57) Fostering Long-Term Relationships (10:23) Advice for Managers Launching Their First Fund (14:07) Challenges and opportunities for family offices (19:21) Criteria for selecting venture capitalist managers (21:42) ESG vs. impact investing (24:18) Building and Selling Companies in Challenging Times (30:35) Final thoughts and takeaways (31:35) Running Point Capital is a multifamily office that provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to financial management. Their team of experts, covering various disciplines, collaborates to address the diverse financial needs of their clients, including wealth management, financial planning, estate and trust planning, tax preparation, insurance, and more. The firm stands out for its one-stop-shop model, offering a range of services under a single roof, focusing on personalized service, clear communication, and a lifelong connection with their family clients. Emphasizing a true family office approach, Running Point Capital is committed to understanding the unique objectives of each client, constantly evaluating innovative strategies to drive intended financial results. Gunderson Dettmer is a law firm specializing in providing legal services to the startup and venture capital communities. With a primary focus on technology and life sciences sectors, the firm is known for its expertise in guiding emerging companies through various stages of growth, from formation to financing and beyond. Gunderson Dettmer's comprehensive legal support includes advice on corporate governance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital transactions, making it a trusted partner for innovative enterprises navigating the complex legal landscape. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 202333 min

Ep 4How Nomad's Thinking Has Changed in Manager Selection with Jordan Nel of Hummingbird Ventures

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The background for Hummingbird and Nomad (1:10) How to identify outlier venture funds (3:30) The shift from winning to picking (6:16) The signal in the track record (9:08) Changing the venture landscape (12:26) Competitive edge in venture investing (14:46) Limited Partner expectations for reupping (17:56) Scaling VC Funds and Staying Generalist (18:59) Effective Communication and Brand Strategy (22:21) The argument against most fund of funds (26:08) Opportunities in deep tech (28:30) Advice for fellow LPs and fund managers (31:26) Hummingbird Ventures is a global generalist seed investment fund, investing in outlier founders at the earliest stage of their journey. With a mission to identify and support innovative entrepreneurs, Hummingbird Ventures has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape. The firm is known for its strategic approach to investing, providing not only capital but also valuable expertise and guidance to help startups navigate the challenges of growth and development. Hummingbird Ventures has a diverse portfolio across various sectors and geographies, contributing to the advancement of groundbreaking ideas and technologies in the ever-evolving startup ecosystem. Passthrough turns investor onboarding into a solved problem – it seamlessly manages subscription document distribution, execution, and compliance in minutes. As a leader in fund workflow automation for investors, fund managers, and other fintechs, Passthrough provides an integrated platform solution that makes the subscription document process turnkey for investors with replicable and verifiable identity information built in for future use. In addition to subscription documents, Passthrough also offers a full service KYC/AML product that streamlines collecting information from investors and screening them against sanctions lists so fund managers can remain compliant. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 202333 min

Ep 3The Overlooked Alpha in This Next Decade of Venture with Claude Grunitzky and Adrienne Rees of The Equity Alliance

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Equity Alliance Origin Story (2:22) Starting with a Proof of Concept Fund (4:41) Investment Strategy and Manager Selection (6:23) Platform Management and Supporting Emerging Managers (11:29) The Equity Alliance's Special Sauce (12:58) Tracking Data for Success (14:51) Insider Segment: The Future of Venture Capital (18:04) The reversion to a focus on cash (22:07) Consolidation in the market and potential opportunity (23:57) The pressure on diverse managers and the increase in overall quality (27:03) The challenge for institutional LPs in investing in diverse emerging managers (30:23) The benefits of a fund of funds strategy for institutional LPs (31:32) The importance of authenticity when talking to LPs (33:57) The Equity Alliance was founded in 2021 and invests in exceptional venture capital fund managers and startup founders who are people of color and women. By investing in undercapitalized diverse fund managers and founders, we are unlocking access to superior returns that the rest of the venture market continues to overlook. Our strategy of investing in funds and identifying the standout portfolio companies within those funds offers a risk mitigated return. Passthrough turns investor onboarding into a solved problem – it seamlessly manages subscription document distribution, execution, and compliance in minutes. As a leader in fund workflow automation for investors, fund managers, and other fintechs, Passthrough provides an integrated platform solution that makes the subscription document process turnkey for investors with replicable and verifiable identity information built in for future use. In addition to subscription documents, Passthrough also offers a full service KYC/AML product that streamlines collecting information from investors and screening them against sanctions lists so fund managers can remain compliant. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 202337 min

Ep 2How 2023 Has Reshaped the Landscape for VC Firms with Winter Mead of Coolwater Capital

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The journey in institutional investments (2:04) Perspectives on Venture Captial (3:50) Becoming a coach for emerging managers (5:50) The Manager Accelerator Program (9:18) Functions of a VC Firm (12:42) Insider Insight: Tim Flannery on the need for Electronic Subscription Documents (13:27) Finding investors (16:45) The Evolution of Venture Capital (19:37) Supporting Emerging Managers (22:24) The rise of fund formation (24:38) Shift in market dynamics (26:36) The selection process for managers (33:00) Trends and shifts in the industry (35:19) The mismanagement of portfolio construction and reserves (40:43) The need for increased specialization in fund formation (41:35) The potential rise of specialized venture funds (42:36) Final thoughts and takeaways (45:45) Coolwater Capital focuses on emerging managers and technology investments. The firm has worked with over 240 emerging managers in the last four years by focusing on a model to build, launch and scale emerging fund managers. Passthrough turns investor onboarding into a solved problem – it seamlessly manages subscription document distribution, execution, and compliance in minutes. As a leader in fund workflow automation for investors, fund managers, and other fintechs, Passthrough provides an integrated platform solution that makes the subscription document process turnkey for investors with replicable and verifiable identity information built in for future use. In addition to subscription documents, Passthrough also offers a full service KYC/AML product that streamlines collecting information from investors and screening them against sanctions lists so fund managers can remain compliant. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 202346 min

Ep 1Investing in Change: Making the Case for Investing in Venture Capital Featuring Alifia Doriwala of RockCreek

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The importance of outsourced CIO services (0:24) Common mistakes fund managers make when fundraising (2:02) The future of venture investing and sectors to get disrupted (6:35) The importance of talking to people across different fields (8:36) Managing portfolios with an asset allocation that includes private equity (10:28) Changing views on venture investing among institutional investors (12:59) The importance of understanding fund strategy (16:46) The need for a premium return in private markets (17:20) Vetting managers in the venture space (17:42) Special Segment from Our Industry Expert: Tim Flannery of Passthrough (19:05) The importance of focus in portfolio management (28:12) Challenges for established firms and the importance of succession planning (29:09) Investing in emerging markets and understanding currency impact (32:14) Final thoughts and takeaways (36:12) RockCreek is a global multi-asset investment firm that applies innovation, data, and technology to sustainable investing. With over $15 billion in assets and decades of experience investing in the energy transition, health, mobility, affordable housing, and fintech, RockCreek partners with university endowments, foundations, pension plans, sovereign funds, and family offices to generate long-term value and make business and financial models more inclusive and sustainable. RockCreek’s private markets teams invest in early stage, growth, and late-stage companies, and its Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) and multi-asset class teams invest with leading partners in hard to access opportunities and emerging talent. Passthrough turns investor onboarding into a solved problem – it seamlessly manages subscription document distribution, execution, and compliance in minutes. As a leader in fund workflow automation for investors, fund managers, and other fintechs, Passthrough provides an integrated platform solution that makes the subscription document process turnkey for investors with replicable and verifiable identity information built in for future use. In addition to subscription documents, Passthrough also offers a full service KYC/AML product that streamlines collecting information from investors and screening them against sanctions lists so fund managers can remain compliant. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts by Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. In each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. See you later, Allocator! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 202337 min

Welcome to Swimming with Allocators!

trailer

Swimming with Allocators dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. See you later, Allocator! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 20232 min