E86: Investing $20+ Billion for Nonprofit Institutions - Michael Miller
Aug 15, 2024
auto_awesome
Michael Miller, CIO at Crewcial Partners, discusses the intricacies of investing for nonprofit institutions. He dives into portfolio construction, emphasizing the balance between liquidity and returns. Insights on navigating asset classes during downturns and the importance of trust between Limited and General Partners are shared. Miller also touches on the impact of political engagement in venture capital and the role of resilience in making long-term investment decisions. His unique perspective sheds light on the challenges and strategies required in the nonprofit investment landscape.
Nonprofit institutions focus on achieving long-term capital growth while managing liquidity and meeting annual distribution requirements effectively.
Counter-cyclical investing in 'out-of-favor' asset classes can enhance returns and support nonprofit missions during market downturns.
Deep dives
Investment Allocation Strategies
A well-structured investment portfolio typically begins with bonds and cash at the foundation, ensuring sufficient liquidity. Following this base, public stocks provide a balance between potential returns and liquidity, though they are generally expected to yield lower returns compared to private equity. Public equity can be a dependable source of micro-level liquidity, especially when diversifying across different sectors. Private equity, while focused on maximizing returns, presents the challenge of illiquidity, necessitating careful management of liquidity needs.
The Role of Private Equity in Nonprofits
For nonprofit organizations, the aim is to achieve long-term capital growth while meeting yearly distribution requirements, typically around 5%. The necessary overall return expectation rises above 8% to accommodate distributions and inflation adjustments. Venture capital, growth equity, and buyouts serve different purposes in a nonprofit's portfolio, focused on enhancing returns and supporting the organization's mission. Therefore, a sound strategy hinges on understanding the liquidity risks associated with private equity while fulfilling the distribution goals.
Navigating Market Cycles and Investment Strategies
The cyclical nature of the market impacts the performance of growth equity, making it less favored during downturns. Counter-cyclical investing is suggested as an effective strategy, emphasizing the potential of 'out-of-favor' assets during turbulent times. Historical trends, such as venture capital gaining traction post the financial crisis, highlight the importance of patience and strategic entry into less popular asset classes. Moreover, understanding the distinctions between temporary market issues and enduring problems is critical for long-term decision-making.
Client Relationships and Portfolio Management
Building strong relationships with general partners (GPs) is crucial, as trust and transparency significantly influence fundraising success in institutional investment. Advisors must communicate efficiently, often leveraging their impressive client base to attract top-tier managers. Access to capital should not solely depend on returns but also on a genuine partnership where clients and managers align on values and transparency. This collaborative ethos enhances the likelihood of favorable outcomes and strengthens trust in a competitive landscape.
Michael Miller, CIO at Crewcial Partners, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss how nonprofit institutions invest, how they think about portfolio construction, and how they manage liquidity.
(0:00) Episode preview
(1:14) Overview of Crewcial Partners
(2:18) Portfolio breakdown across private assets
(3:23) Investing in asset classes when they’re out of favor
(4:41) Managing portfolio liquidity
(6:42) Optimization of private and public equity exposure
(7:33) Role of fixed income in the portfolio
(8:44) Diversification strategies of top LPs
(10:00) Investing discretionary and nondiscretionary assets
(11:12) Embracing inefficiency
(13:25) Securing GP allocations
(15:22) Manager selection
(17:27) Understanding LP psychology and priorities
(19:01) Political activism in VC
(22:25) Fund distributions and liquidity
(24:44) Investment committee dynamics at nonprofits
(27:20) Follow & subscribe to the 10X Capital Podcast
(27:41) Managing fund investment concentration risks
(30:07) Pros & cons of spinouts
(31:59) Advantages to investing in funds early
(34:45) The importance of non-conformity for high returns
(35:55) Closing thoughts
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode