E11: Neil Datta, The Forbes Family Trust's Approach to VC | Is there Alpha in Due Diligence?

David Weisburd sits down with Neil Datta, Managing Director of Optima Asset Management managing the wealth of some of the world’s most important people (including the late Queen Elizabeth II).

We're proudly sponsored by AngelList, visit https://www.angellist.com/tlp if you’re ready to level up your startup or fund.

(0:00) Introduction to Neil Datta and Optima Asset Management (1:07) Neil Datta's background and role at Optima (2:13) Due diligence and evaluating management companies (4:54) Venture capital skepticism and infrastructure issues (7:25) Diligence differences: public vs. private markets (9:43) Access, flywheel effect, and endowment strategies in VC (14:22) Understanding venture capital as an alternative asset class (16:06) Sponsor: AngelList (17:24) Portfolio diversification and lessons from past crises (20:27) Diversification strategies within venture capital stages (21:39) Bullish sectors and opportunities in biotech venture (24:00) Insights on the human genome project and early stage biotech (25:21) Emerging general partners and fundraising transparency (28:13) LP expectations, scrutiny, and liquidity strategies (32:24) Anticipating SEC guidelines and their impact on the industry (33:30) Managing LP relationships and venture capital fee structures (37:04) Optima's STAR program and final thoughts (39:39) Podcast outro