How I Invest with David Weisburd cover image

How I Invest with David Weisburd

E118: Loyola University's $1.2 Billion Edge

Dec 6, 2024
Michael Kakenmaster, the Director of Investments at Loyola University Chicago, shares his expertise in managing university endowments, focusing on private markets and hedge fund strategies. He dives into the intricacies of helicopter leasing as a unique investment opportunity and discusses the changing landscape of venture capital. Kakenmaster emphasizes the traits of effective investment committee members and strategic fund allocation, while highlighting the importance of due diligence in navigating today's complex investment environment.
21:19

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the impact of fund size and strategy is essential for venture capitalists to successfully allocate capital across different investments.
  • Investing in niche markets like helicopter leasing can yield attractive risk-adjusted returns by identifying unique strategies and conducting thorough due diligence.

Deep dives

The Importance of Fund Size and Strategy in Venture Capital

Understanding the implications of fund size and strategy is crucial for venture capitalists. A smaller fund of $50 million might target a limited number of companies, affecting ownership targets and follow-on strategies, while a larger fund of $100 million would require a different approach to capital allocation, including larger lead checks into subsequent rounds. Raising larger amounts necessitates a clear understanding of how to approach various stages of investment, and the skills needed can differ significantly based on the fund's size. Therefore, recognizing the nuances in managing different fund sizes and investment strategies is essential for successful venture capital investment.

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