Ep.58: From Allocator to Investor: A CIO’s Take on the Future of Private Capital - Mark Shoberg - Partner/CIO - Capital Creek Partners
Feb 18, 2025
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Mark Shoberg, Partner and CIO at Capital Creek Partners, shares insights from his diverse career in investment management. He discusses the common misconceptions about allocators and dives into his experiences at UTIMCO and Stanford Management Company. The conversation also explores the critical role of alternative investments, manager selection strategies, and forecasts potential opportunities in 2025, particularly in U.S. businesses and aerospace, amidst changing economic landscapes. Mark emphasizes building relationships and transparency in investment partnerships.
Mark Shoberg emphasizes the importance of understanding investment decision-making processes and the roles team members play in execution.
He advocates for customized investment strategies that align with the unique objectives and risk tolerances of family offices and private companies.
The podcast highlights the significance of alternative investments in portfolio diversification, particularly in managing risk and enhancing returns.
Deep dives
Investment Decision-Making Process
The podcast emphasizes the vital role of understanding an organization's investment decision-making processes. Effective investment involves analyzing execution, organizational dynamics, and the contributions of various team members. Value is created through smart purchasing choices, maintaining investments, and executing exits. All these components must be triangulated to determine the repeatability and success of the investment strategies employed by successful organizations.
Mark Sjoberg's Background and Journey
Mark Sjoberg, the partner and CIO at Capital Creek, shares insights about his career trajectory leading to his current role. He reflects on a non-linear path shaped by various experiences that enhanced his understanding of finance and investment. His educational foundation, beginning at Vanderbilt and later at Stanford, provided him with valuable insights into investment management. This diverse journey illustrates the benefits of exploring multiple avenues before settling into a defined career path.
Building Customized Investment Strategies
The podcast discusses the importance of developing customized investment strategies tailored to the specific needs of family offices and private investment companies. Each investment portfolio is unique, considering factors like objectives, distribution needs, and risk tolerance. This bespoke approach ensures that clients receive tailored asset allocation frameworks and continuous evaluation of their portfolios. By emphasizing customization, Capital Creek aims to provide optimal investment solutions that resonate with individual client goals.
The Role of Alternatives in Portfolios
The discussion explores the significance of alternatives in portfolio construction, underscoring their benefits for diversification and risk management. Alternatives, such as private equity, venture capital, and real estate, can lower volatility and enhance returns when selected wisely. While public markets may offer high returns in certain periods, the leading of alternatives can provide smoother performance due to their lagging nature. This aspect highlights the dynamic interplay between public and alternative investments in achieving long-term financial goals.
Challenges and Opportunities in Today's Market
Mark provides an insightful overview of the current investment landscape, touching on critical factors like interest rates and inflation. He anticipates challenges ahead but also recognizes opportunities in sectors such as lower middle-market businesses and real estate. By focusing on long-term financial health, the potential for onshoring and increased demand in aerospace and defense is also highlighted. Understanding these trends will be pivotal in guiding investment strategies as the market evolves.
Mark was a managing director with Stanford Management Company and UTIMCO before joining Capital Creek. Mark’s extensive pre-investment experience provided him with broad operating exposure to several industries, including technology, oil & gas, real estate, and consulting. Mark has served as a guest lecturer for Stanford University and the University of Notre Dame. Mark holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Engineering from Vanderbilt University.