Navigating Private Equity: Strategies and Challenges

Donald Zilkha, founder of Zilkha Investments joins Other People’s Money to discuss how his deep-rooted DNA in banking and deal making has evolved into an investment strategy focused on deep research and engagement with management to affect change without upsetting the apple cart. He discusses how this strategy has evolved from single name SPVs to the commingled strategy he has today, case studies like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and why this classical style resonates with investors.

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:34 The Birth of Modern Banking in the Middle East

10:27 Evolution from Venture, to SPVs, to Drawdown, to Vanilla Equity

19:09 Engagement vs. Activism

27:17 Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs Case Study

33:05 Take Private Opportunities

35:55 Investing in a "Classical" Style

38:43 Talking About Process Instead of Positions

45:02 Value Investing in Tech and Old-Line Businesses

50:05 Team Continuity & Incentives

54:18 Marketing After 10+ Years