Conversations with Tyler Gaurav Kapadia on New York City, Investing, and Contemporary Art
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Dec 10, 2025 
Gaurav Kapadia, an investor and founder of XN, provides insight into his unique investment philosophy focused on long-term, concentrated bets. He discusses the surprising growth of Queens without new infrastructure and critiques NYC's political identity, while sharing thoughts on underrated boroughs and the quirkiest parts of the city. Gaurav connects his art collecting to sharper investment judgment, highlights influential contemporary artists, and foresees AI's escalating role in both investing and enhancing museum experiences.
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Density Drove Queens' Growth
- Queens grew economically by densifying around existing transit hubs rather than massive new infrastructure.
- Increasing housing density remains the single best lever to improve Flushing and similar NYC neighborhoods.
Raised Collecting Rent In A House-Hack
- Gaurav's parents house-hacked a two-family into a four-family, and he watched the family move up floors as wealth grew.
- He served as de facto landlord collecting rent and negotiating late payments as a child.
Fix Primary Timing To Improve Mayoral Races
- Change primary timing and consider open primaries to attract stronger mayoral candidates and increase turnout.
- Make primaries fall on a normal even-year cycle to reduce low-turnout upsets.
