LP View: Breaking Bias to Drive Returns w/ Joanna Kuang, Illumen Capital

“We believe an inclusive and optimal asset management industry will be the cornerstone of an equal and equitable future.” - Illumen Capital

While organizations explore ways to embody diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), authenticity and clear, measurable outcomes are essential for effectiveness. 

This week, we're joined by Joanna Kuang, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Impact at Illumen Capital. We delve into the significance of impact investing and strategies to ensure tangible efforts are made to drive meaningful change in venture, in our society.

TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS

0:00 - Intro

02:18 - Joanna’s backstory as the daughter of immigrants; living experience in Mississippi Delta that drove her to join Illumen Capital

04:02 - Genesis of Illumen Capital as a fund of funds

05:42 - Study alongside Stanford SPARQ: Race influences professional investors’ financial judgments (2019)

09:16 - Diversity efforts in venture today; DEI policies

13:10 - Quantitative data to drive accountability; best practices to remove biases in pitching and diligence processes

18:06 - Illumen Capital’s stand under the backdrop of many anti-DEI laws

21:19 - Diversity drives performance: investment strategies and performance measurements

24:41 - Established and emerging managers as the next key strategy for Illumen Capital

28:18 - Portfolio construction as a fund of funds and ticket sizes

30:42 - The winning factors versus common mistakes in diverse fund managers; impact washing

32:47 - Looking ahead 2024 private market; advice for fund managers

35:38 - Billion Dollar Questions

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About Illumen Capital

Illumen Capital is an impact fund of funds addressing systemic inequity by reducing racial and gender bias in investing.

Working closely with the world’s leading social psychologists at Stanford SPARQ, they combine investment capital with evidence-based tools and training designed to reduce implicit racial and gender bias in order to unlock latent return and multiply impact.

More about Illumen Capital: https://www.illumencapital.com

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