The Lifestyle Investor - Investing, Passive Income, Wealth

255: From Building & Exiting Companies to Investing in Billionaire-Backed Strategies with Chris Van Dusen

Sep 11, 2025

In this conversation with Chris Van Dusen, a serial entrepreneur and Senior Equity Partner at SoCo Capital, he dives into the intriguing world of private equity and cryptocurrency. Chris shares critical lessons on the mindset shift needed for entrepreneurs to succeed as investors. He reveals how billionaires allocate their wealth and the hidden strategies behind family offices. The discussion also covers the complexities of investing in real estate and sports, providing insights on building generational wealth through diverse investment approaches.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

From Job Loss To Serial Founder

Chris became an entrepreneur out of necessity after a job restructure left him unemployed in 2009.
He co-founded several companies (marketing, CBD, liquor, beauty) and sold multiple businesses, learning from failures along the way.

INSIGHT

Luck And Asymmetrical Advantage

Luck and timing play an underappreciated role in startup success alongside skill and effort.
Chris focuses on roles where he has an asymmetrical advantage, especially revenue and growth expertise.

ADVICE

Try Fast, Follow Data, Kill Quickly

Try ideas quickly, follow the data, and fail fast when needed.
Shut down ventures with excessive education chasms or resource needs instead of prolonging sunk costs.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Today, I’m joined by Chris Van Dusen—serial entrepreneur turned Senior Equity Partner at SoCo Capital. Chris built and sold multiple companies, including one of the world’s largest CBD brands, before stepping into the world of private equity and alternative investments.

We break down the critical differences between building businesses and investing in them, why luck and timing matter more than people are willing to admit, and how successful family offices and billionaires are acquiring and allocating their wealth.

Chris also shares insider lessons on venture capital, private equity, private credit, and even pro sports investing—and how entrepreneurs can apply the same playbook to build generational wealth and financial freedom.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1.) Why most entrepreneurs struggle as investors—and the mindset shift you must make to avoid costly mistakes.

2.) The real wealth allocation strategies of billionaires and family offices—and how you can use the same playbook.

3.) How to evaluate opportunities across venture, private equity, private credit, and alternative assets to build lasting financial freedom.

Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/255

Tax Strategy Masterclass

If you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/tax

Strategy Session

For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultation

The Lifestyle Investor Insider

Join The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insider

Rate & Review

If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.

Connect with Justin Donald

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.