E29: Lo Toney, Plexo Capital on How He Raised Capital from Google, the Ford Foundation, Mass Mutual
Jan 2, 2024
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Lo Toney, fund manager and former angel investor at Plexo Capital, discusses his transition to fund management, the importance of patience in early-stage investments, the diligence process for managers, and the strategy behind selecting LPs. They also explore the significance of empathy in startups, the importance of non-performance factors in raising funds, the significance of Distributed to Paid-In Capital for institutional investors, the value of non-consensus viewpoints in venture capital, applying first principle thinking in early-stage startups, building a strong LP base, and Plexo Capital's global perspective.
Factors such as strategy, expertise, and ability to evaluate and win deals are crucial in assessing the potential of young firms.
Plexo Capital spun out with Alphabet as an anchor LP, expanding its focus beyond black GPs to include people of color and women.
Plexo Capital believes in providing flexibility when assessing first time fund managers, considering track record outside traditional methods and positive feedback from other investors and founders.
Deep dives
Evaluating young firms: Looking beyond IRR
When evaluating a young firm, it is important to look beyond the IRR. Factors such as the firm's strategy, expertise, and ability to evaluate and win deals play a crucial role. Understanding the GP's planned investment cadence, check size, and round size provides valuable insights. These considerations can help in assessing the potential of a young firm before the IRR becomes significant.
The journey of Plexo Capital
Plexo Capital started as a partnership with Google Ventures (GV) and made LP commitments in funds led by black general partners (GPs). This experience led to the realization of the potential to build a model that taps into black GPs' unique networks and deal flow. Plexo Capital spun out in 2018 with Alphabet as an anchor LP. The firm expanded its focus beyond black GPs to include people of color and women.
Investing in first time fund managers
Plexo Capital believes in providing flexibility when assessing first time fund managers. The firm looks for potential in fund managers who have a track record outside traditional methods, such as successful angel investors or those with experience in SPVs. They also consider fund managers who have previously done due diligence and show evidence of evaluating and selecting the right deals, along with positive feedback from other investors and founders.
Building long-term LP relationships
Maintaining strong relationships with LPs is essential for long-term success. Plexo Capital recognizes that LPs are customers, and it is important to address their feedback and needs. Regular communication, asking for feedback, and understanding the context of their perspective can help cultivate strong partnerships. While some LPs may not be a perfect fit, careful selection of LPs who align with the firm's mission can bring value beyond just monetary contributions.
The GPX Program: Empowering emerging fund managers
Through its GPX program, Plexo Capital supports emerging fund managers in building successful firms. The program offers video content modules and cohorts that focus on forming, raising, and managing a fund. GPX provides valuable resources to help fund managers navigate the challenges of transitioning from being investors to fund managers. Plexo Capital has invested over $30 million in fund managers who have gone through the GPX program.
David Weisburd interviews Lo Toney about his transition from angel investor to fund manager, his role at Plexo Capital, and his approach to working with founders. They discuss the importance of patience in early-stage investments, the diligence process for managers, and the strategy behind selecting LPs. We’re proudly sponsored by Bidav Insurance Group, visit lux-str.com if you’re ready to level up your insurance plans.
The Limited Partner podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
(0:00) Evaluating young firms and the role of GP
(1:00) Introduction to the guest, Lo Toney and his journey to Plexo Capital
(9:34) Transition from angel investor to fund manager
(11:44) Sponsor: Vidal Insurance Group
(14:58) Importance of delivering DPI and patience in early stages of investment
(20:21) Diligence process for a manager that's on strategy and importance of feedback for GPs
(26:44) Role of a VC and the approach to working with founders
(32:37) Building an LP base: the journey from GV to Alphabet and the strategy behind selecting LPs
(40:27) Managing GP-LP relationships and deciding on future fund inclusion
(45:37) Assessing diversity within venture capital and the impact of fund/check sizes on returns
(48:40) Introduction of GPX: A platform for transitioning investors to fund managers
(54:29) Global perspective and investment scope of Plexo Capital and closing remarks
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