Ep. 103 Exploring First-Time Funds with Fred Malloy, Managing Director of Harken Capital

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Fred Malloy, Managing Director of Harken Capital. 

Fred Malloy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Harken Capital, has over 15 years of experience in private equity and raising funds I through III. In this episode, he walks us through his background at Harken Capital and everything about first-time funds and emerging managers. Together, they discuss:

• First-Time Funds 
• Fundraising Do’s and Don’ts
• First-Time Funds Fundraising Checklist

...and so much more.

Top Takeaways

• Don’t launch until you're ready. Fred highlights the importance of having a strong team, a solid track record, and a refined strategy in place before launching your first fund. Even if it means delaying by a couple months or even a year, it is better to have a well-defined strategy before launching to ensure your fund’s long-term success.
• Keep the flow of good news. “You’re not going to get the fund raised on today’s news.” Fred emphasizes that securing funding is not based on the current narrative of your firm but on what it looks like 6 months from now. He suggests that following up with continuous good news is crucial for a first-time fund’s success. 
• Build meaningful relationships. Harken Capital has been able to better connect with future partners by sending video updates rather than generic email blasts. Fred shares his successes and emphasizes the importance of putting in that extra effort, even if it requires a bit more work. It’s valuable in breaking through the noise and establishing meaningful connections.