E11: Neil Datta, The Forbes Family Trust's Approach to VC | Is there Alpha in Due Diligence?
Sep 26, 2023
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David Weisburd interviews Neil Datta, Managing Director of Optima Asset Management. They discuss the Forbes Family Trust's approach to VC and the potential for alpha in due diligence. They also explore how to signal strength in fundraising and whether LPs should be fee sensitive.
Thorough due diligence and risk assessment are crucial for de-risking investment opportunities.
Transparency and being open to scrutiny are important qualities for emerging managers.
Deep dives
Importance of Diligence and Risk Assessment
Thorough due diligence and risk assessment are crucial for de-risking investment opportunities. The process involves document review, on-site meetings, and analyzing both the investment and operational teams. It is important to assess the investment strategy as well as the management company's infrastructure, software use, and investment process. By diligently vetting opportunities, investors can make informed decisions and select managers who can generate consistent alpha.
The Value of Transparency and Scrutiny
Transparency and being open to scrutiny are important qualities for emerging managers. LPs appreciate candid conversations about both successful and unsuccessful investments, as it provides insights into the manager's thought process and risk management. Being transparent about the firm's investment strategy, practices, and controls helps build trust and establish strong partnerships. LPs value managers who have a strong diligence process, independent administrators, and appropriate institutional infrastructure.
Diversification and Portfolio Construction
Diversification is crucial in constructing portfolios, both in terms of numbers of positions and correlation between them. In equity funds, a diverse portfolio might have around 30 positions, with the top five positions making up 20-30% of the portfolio. Correlation analysis is important in managing risk and ensuring exposure to different sectors and asset classes. LPs look for managers who can identify high-conviction names that outperform the overall portfolio and avoid repetitive allocations.
Venture Capital in Healthcare and Biotech
Healthcare and biotech present exciting opportunities for alpha generation. Breakthroughs in spatial biology and genomics using AI technology offer commercial applications with significant potential. The sector has faced challenges, but investors with patience and appropriate risk tolerance can benefit from opportunities. Allocating investments across venture stages and combining both early-stage and late-stage venture with public exposure allows for capitalizing on forward-looking trends in the healthcare sector.
David Weisburd sits down with Neil Datta, Managing Director of Optima Asset Management managing the wealth of some of the world’s most important people (including the late Queen Elizabeth II). We're proudly sponsored by AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp if you’re ready to level up your startup or fund.
(0:00) Episode Preview
(1:43) Neil’s diverse background
(3:00) Why is Optima a management company?
(4:47) Why Neil is VC-skeptic
(6:35) Diligence and hype
(8:09) Institutional diligence on VC
(12:00) Which stage to invest into venture capital?
(13:15) Portfolio construction for an institutional endowment
(16:06) Sponsor: AngelList
(17:30) Diversification
(18:40) Correlation and lesson from the last crisis
(20:40) Diversification within different stages?
(21:45) Bullish on healthcare
(25:20) LP Advice for Emerging Managers
(28:55) Are top LPs comfortable with losing money in the correct way
(30:35) Balancing reputation with diligence
(32:00) The new SEC guidelines
(33:35) Investors complaining about fund expenses
(36:00) Fees and carry in VC
(37:10) Optima's Star program
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