Dry Powder: The Private Equity Podcast Alone on the Ice w/ Arctos' Ian Charles
Aug 5, 2025
Ian Charles, Managing Partner at Arctos Sports Partners, is a trailblazer in the secondaries market and sports investing. He shares his unique experiences navigating the complexities of innovation in finance. Charles discusses the importance of creativity in uncovering non-traditional opportunities and fostering trust amidst skepticism. He delves into the intricate dynamics of structured vs. unstructured transactions, highlighting how competition drives liquidity and unique investment strategies. His insights draw fascinating parallels between sports and broader investment practices.
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Alaskan Ice Safety Anecdote
- Ian Charles grew up in a small town in Alaska where being alone on the ice was safer than being near others.
- This early experience shaped his preference for exploring untrampled, less crowded opportunities in business.
Starting Cogent Against Doubts
- Ian Charles co-founded Cogent Partners, the very first advisor in the secondaries market, despite widespread skepticism.
- Their data-driven hypothesis proved there was a huge market need for innovation in secondaries.
Courage Drives Innovation
- Be curious and courageous when pursuing innovative ideas, even if others doubt you.
- Creating first-of-its-kind intellectual property in illiquid markets is where abundant alpha can be harvested.