For many years, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies were regarded as little more than a nerdy curiosity by the financial world. But with the rise of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the process of cryptocurrencies becoming a recognized asset class has begun.

One person at the forefront of this transformation is Ari Paul. Previously a portfolio manager at the University of Chicago’s $8 billion endowment, he recently left to start the cryptocurrency hedge fund BlockTower Capital. He joined us for an insightful conversation about one of the biggest trends in the industry.

Topics covered in this episode:

Ari’s background as a portfolio manager at the University of Chicago
The difficulties of investing in cryptocurrency for a large endowment
Why he started the cryptocurrency hedge fund BlockTower Capital
How to construct a cryptocurrency portfolio
The hedge fund vs the VC model in the cryptocurrency space
Why cryptocurrencies represent an exceptional investment opportunity
The operational complexities of running a crypto hedge fund
Why an avalanche of institutional money is entering the blockchain space

Episode links:

This episode is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain and Meher Roy. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/202

Ari Paul: BlockTower Capital and the Cryptocurrency Opportunity