The Insight by Oaktree Capital
30 Years of Oaktree
May 6, 2025
The co-founders reflect on the origins and growth of their firm over three decades. They share humorous stories about the initial naming and financing inspired by light-hearted dinner conversations. Pivotal moments in creating a distressed debt fund highlight personal philosophies on work-life balance. Insights into their $10 million start and the unexpected success without a strict profit plan reveal the importance of company culture. They reminisce about their teamwork, lasting relationships, and the journey ahead, comparing it to savoring a meal at a favorite restaurant.
22:03
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Quick takeaways
- The inception of Oaktree was sparked by a pivotal meeting that united the founders around a shared vision for distressed debt investing.
- The firm's enduring success hinges on its unwavering investment philosophy, strong company culture, and commitment to internal talent development.
Deep dives
Founding Story and Initial Motivation
The origins of the firm stem from a chance meeting initiated by Bruce, who had the idea of creating a distressed debt fund after his experience with high-yield bonds. He reached out to Howard, who he believed was the best person for this venture, leading to a pivotal lunch where the idea was pitched and met with enthusiasm. Sheldon was subsequently brought on board, reinforcing the team's foundation with his extensive experience. This collaboration marked the beginning of their journey, focusing on leveraging their collective expertise in high-yield and distressed markets.
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