Phil Cummins (StepStone Group): A generational opportunity with the world’s largest secondaries manager

In this episode, our Brisbane-based Partner, Ryan Loehr, speaks with Phil Cummins, Managing Director of Stepstone Group. They discuss the challenges that most private investors have in venture and growth equity, particularly around diversification of fund underlying, vintage, and manager. Access to top-quartile managers is generally reserved to the largest institutions, are often significantly oversubscribed.  Phil provides an overview of the Stepstone Group Platform; key business and industry advisors that help it evaluate opportunities; the importance of longstanding relationships and exploring a genuine information advantage to drive performance outcomes. Also, the benefits of new structures, such as open-ended or ‘evergreen’ vehicles vs. more traditional capital-called closed-end structures.

Before joining Stepstone, Phil was a venture partner at Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Prior to that, Phil spent 13 years with QIC Global Private Equity, where he played a pivotal role in leading their private equity program. His career also includes significant roles at BT Alex. Brown, Deutsche Bank, and Thomas Weisel Partners in San Francisco. Phil holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a Chartered Financial Analyst, as well as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Stepstone manages over $176B on behalf of a diverse range of clientele that includes institutional investors, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.