Ron Biscardi is the Co‑Founder & CEO of iConnections, a fintech platform reshaping global capital introduction. With 25+ years in the alternative investment space, Ron has facilitated 36,000+ LP/GP meetings since launching iConnections in April 2020. He previously co-founded a boutique seeding firm, deploying over $600M in capital via 20+ deals.
From a philanthropic start—with Funds4Food raising $1.9M in 2020 targeting pandemic relief—to anchoring flagship “Global Alts Miami” events, Ron discusses the strategy of building trust, technology, and community in capital formation.
Highlights:
- From charity event to $50M+ platform in five years
- How 17 crypto managers booked 800+ LP meetings
- The one thing top fundraisers do that others don’t
- Why LP behavior is a better signal than mandates
- The GP playbook for getting 50+ meetings at Miami
- Building a capital platform without raising VC
- What GPs get wrong about post-conference follow-up
- How iConnections is using AI to match funds to allocators
- Why Asia may soon outpace the U.S. in alternatives
- The surprising ROI of dinners, concerts, and long games
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Guest Bio:
Ron Biscardi is the Co-Founder and CEO of iConnections, the leading capital introduction platform for the alternative investment industry. Since launching the company in 2020, Ron has helped scale iConnections from a philanthropic idea during COVID into a global platform facilitating over 36,000 LP/GP meetings and powering flagship events like Global Alts Miami, New York, and Singapore. Under his leadership, iConnections has grown to over $50 million in annual revenue—all without venture funding—and is now used by major industry partners including SALT, CNBC, Forbes, and AIMA. Prior to iConnections, Ron co-founded a boutique seeding firm that deployed over $600 million across more than 20 deals. He’s also the driving force behind iConnections’ charitable initiatives, which have raised over $2.5 million for causes including food insecurity, mental health, and support for Ukraine. Ron holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and has spent over 25 years in the alternative investment industry.
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Stay Connected:
X / Twitter:
David Weisburd: @dweisburd
LinkedIn:
David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/
Ron Biscardi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-biscardi-79063/
Links
iConnections: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconnections-llc/
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Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.
(0:00) Episode preview
(1:21) Rahul's approach to adding value to LPs and marketing strategies
(7:14) Evolutionary biology, human behavior, and the mission of iConnections
(10:35) Founding iConnections and community building
(14:22) Compounding benefits of long-term strategies in investing
(20:38) Customer feedback, product extensions, and content creation at events
(25:24) Leveraging podcast studios for educational value at iConnections events
(28:01) Enhancing LP education through meetings
(32:41) Relationship building with significant investors
(34:31) Effective strategies for GPs to maximize conference opportunities
(39:39) Maintaining relationships after conferences
(42:45) Impact of AI on manager selection and event planning
(47:20) Data partnerships and opportunities
(49:16) Addressing misconceptions about iConnections
(53:27) Preview of upcoming iConnections events
(56:49) Strategies for raising capital across different geographies
(59:01) Commitment to expanding into new markets
(1:00:44) The role of personal interactions in successful networking
(1:02:42) Cultivating friendships to enhance business growth
(1:02:58) Closing remarks
How I Invest with David Weisburd