Follow This Private Equity Model and You'll Win (They Turned a $25K Loan Into a $15B AUM Fund)
Jul 29, 2025
Discover the secrets behind transforming a small loan into a $15 billion fund. The focus is on prioritizing human capital over traditional finance, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent. Gain insight into the significance of willpower and purpose in building a successful business. Hear inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and innovative investment strategies that shift the landscape of private equity. Learn how to build platforms before acquisitions to ensure sustainable growth.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Graham's Early Willpower Story
Graham Weaver developed relentless willpower early by writing down goals multiple times daily and pushing himself to wrestle varsity despite intense physical strain.
His early habit of programming his identity with clear goals laid the foundation for his later success in private equity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Goal Persistence and Resilience
Write down your goals multiple times a day and pick one or two to focus on relentlessly.
Be prepared to be misunderstood or mocked while pursuing your vision to achieve extraordinary returns.
insights INSIGHT
Purpose Over Strategy Power
Purpose drives strategy, not the other way around; without clear purpose, firms chase shiny things and burn out.
Alpine's three north stars align culture, performance, and doing good, creating a compound effect in success.
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In this episode of HoldCo Builders, I dive deep into the playbook of one of the most consistently high-performing investors in the world: Graham Weaver, Founder of Alpine Investors.
Alpine isn’t just a private equity firm, it’s a human capital compounding machine that grew from a $25,000 loan to over $15B in AUM, all by betting on people. Graham didn’t win by chasing deals, he won by outbehaving everyone else in the industry.
In this deep dive, I break down: 00:00:00 - Intro: Why Study Graham Weaver 00:02:21 - Lesson 1: Your Business is a Reflection of Your Will 00:04:41 - Sponsor: Scalepath 00:07:58 - Lesson 2: Purpose Over Strategy 00:11:26 - Sponsor: Spacebar Studios 00:15:21 - Lesson 3: Winnable Games 00:22:55 - Lesson 4: Talent as Alpha 00:27:19 - Lesson 5: Building Platforms Before Acquisitions 00:32:36 - Lesson 6: Managing for Long-Term Value 00:37:35 - Lesson 7: Personal Growth as Business Strategy 00:45:30 - Final Reflections and Call to Action
HoldCo Builders