Acquired Altimeter (with Brad Gerstner)
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Mar 15, 2022 
Brad Gerstner, the Founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, shares insights on how his firm shifted the landscape of investing by successfully combining hedge fund and venture capital strategies. He discusses the evolution of Altimeter from a modest $3M fund to managing nearly $15B and its investments in tech giants like Snowflake and Facebook. Gerstner reflects on the changing dynamics of entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and the role of AI in modern investing. His perspective on the future of venture capital and democratizing investment opportunities is both enlightening and thought-provoking.
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Father's Entrepreneurial Struggle
- Brad Gerstner's father, inspired by his values, started a competing auto parts business after a disagreement with an acquirer.
- Despite his efforts, the business failed due to external factors, highlighting the true nature of risk.
Political Detour
- Gerstner initially considered a political career, even serving as Deputy Secretary of State in Indiana.
- However, he ultimately decided against it due to his aversion to fundraising, a trait that ironically shaped his future career.
NLG and the Rise of Online Travel
- Gerstner co-founded NLG, an online travel company that aimed to build the infrastructure for selling vacation packages and cruises.
- NLG was acquired by USA Networks (later IAC) in a deal involving Expedia, showcasing Gerstner's early success in the travel industry.