SWA’s Best of 2025 (Part 2)

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest wraps up the “Best of” moments of the year for the podcast. These moments feature insightful conversations with leading voices in venture capital and fund management. Topics include the challenges LPs face in today’s market, strategies for selecting and supporting emerging fund managers, evolving industry trends in fintech, crypto, and AI, and the critical importance of transparency, humility, and strong client relationships. Key takeaways highlight the necessity for a compelling thesis, expert communication, and adaptability in a hyper-competitive market, providing actionable lessons for both established players and new entrants in the venture ecosystem. Don’t miss the top moments from the show this year! 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Season Highlights and the Best Of Countdown (0:34)

• Reflections on Venture Capital Lessons and Year-End Energy (3:45)

• Laura Thompson and Her Impact on LP Transparency (7:37)

• Challenges of Fund Underwriting and the Importance of Reference Work (11:21)

• Trends in Fintech, AI, Crypto, and Their Effect on Manager Selection (15:12)

• How to Approach Reserves and Portfolio Construction (18:55)

• The Difficulties and Opportunities for Emerging Managers Today (22:41)

• Capital Formation Insights With Guest Megan Reynolds (26:25)

• Why Client Experience Is as Important as Fund Performance (30:10)

• Industry Institutionalization, Reporting, and Relationship Trends (33:57)

• The Evolving Retail LP Market and the Future of Venture Access (37:41)

• What Makes Great Emerging Managers and Fund Builders Stand Out (41:25)

• Lessons Learned, Teamwork in Investing, and Season Wrap-Up (45:12)

Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. 

The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices