E83: Tax Benefits of Investing in Venture Capital w/ Michael Schulman
Aug 6, 2024
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Michael Schulman, Chief Investment Officer at Running Point Capital, shares his insights on the venture capital landscape. He discusses the importance of careful manager selection and the risks and benefits of investing with spinout managers. Schulman emphasizes the need for strong relationships with General Partners and delves into tax strategies before liquidity events. He also highlights the critical balance of quantitative and qualitative skills necessary for effective wealth management and successful investment communication.
Venture capital investments require patience and long-term planning, especially to leverage tax benefits like those from Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS).
Selecting the right venture capital manager involves thorough due diligence, focusing on expertise, track record, and qualitative assessments to align with investment goals.
Deep dives
The Nature of Venture Capital
Venture capital combines elements of investment and psychology, characterized by excitement and the need for patience. Investors often expect returns over an extended timeframe, typically ranging from five to twenty years, which can be challenging due to shorter attention spans. While family offices might manage much of their wealth in illiquid assets, they still need to take calculated risks with a preference for early-stage ventures due to potential tax benefits. Understanding the implications of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows strategic planning regarding tax savings from capital gains tax when gains are realized.
Investment Strategy for Family Offices
For families without short-term liquidity needs, a balanced investment portfolio may allocate 20-40% to private investments and the rest to public assets for liquidity. This strategy enables families to harness cash flow from private investments like real estate and private equity while still preserving access to liquid assets. Family offices often examine their entire financial landscape, including wealth tied up in businesses and properties, guiding their choices in private versus public investments. Ultimately, integrating both asset classes aligns with their long-term financial goals and changing market conditions.
Manager Selection and Due Diligence
Choosing the right manager for venture capital investments entails a deep diligence process focused on intelligence, niche expertise, and established systems. Trustworthy referrals and a documented track record can signal effective management, yet understanding how a manager makes investment decisions adds another layer of scrutiny. Engaging with potential managers frequently and leaping into reference checks early in the process enhance the evaluation procedure. Ultimately, balancing qualitative factors with thorough analysis of past performance helps ensure that the selected managers align with the family office's investment objectives.
Michael Ashley Schulman, Chief Investment Officer at Running Point Capital, sits down with David Weisburd to discuss Michael’s views on venture capital, manager selection across private asset classes, and risks/benefits of investing in spinout managers.
(0:00) Episode Preview
(1:31) Overview of Running Point Capital
(3:36) Venture Capital Strategy, Challenges, and Metrics
(6:08) Managing Capital Calls and Accessing Top VC Funds
(10:06) Manager Selection Across Private Asset Classes
(14:47) Follow & Subscribe to The 10X Capital Podcast
(15:07) Risks and Benefits of Investing in Spinout Managers
(17:36) Michael’s Personal Career Insights
(20:04) Pre-Liquidity Tax Strategies
(20:59) Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
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