Lara Banks
Investment professional at Makena Capital Management with experience evaluating fund managers and conducting due diligence on return drivers; discusses lessons from missed investments and the importance of repeatable return drivers.
Top 3 podcasts with Lara Banks
Ranked by the Snipd community
13 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 36min
491. How AI Reshapes LP Allocation Strategy, The Convergence of Venture and Buyout, and Permanent Shifts to Liquidity (Lara Banks)
Lara Banks, a leader at Makena Capital Management, dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital and private equity. She highlights how AI is reshaping LP allocation strategies and the convergence between venture and buyout firms. Lara discusses the significance of secondary markets as a new liquidity force and the increasing importance of strategic relationships in underwriting investments. She emphasizes the need for adaptability and community connection in navigating today's dynamic investment environments.
4 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 8min
Investor Stories 451: Why I Passed: Moving Too Slowly, Misreading Return Drivers, and Passing on Lyft (Banks, Tananbaum, Cohen)
Lara Banks, an investment professional at Makena Capital, reflects on missed opportunities due to rapid deal flow and unclear return drivers. Jim Tananbaum, founder of Foresite Capital, shares his regret over passing on BridgeBio, emphasizing the significance of timing and founder quality. David Cohen, co-founder of Techstars, recounts his experience passing on Zimride (later Lyft), revealing a shift in focus from ideas to the strength of teams and market belief. Together, they provide valuable insights on the intricacies of venture investing.
Nov 13, 2025 • 6min
Investor Stories 440. The Questions That Expose True Alignment, How Founders Test Investors, and Why the Hard Ones Matter Most (Wang, Banks, Cohen)
Casber Wang from Sapphire Ventures, Lara Banks of Makena Capital, and David Cohen, co-founder of Techstars, share critical insights into investor-founder dynamics. Wang stresses the importance of aligning expectations by posing tough questions about responses to setbacks. Banks discusses how she scrutinizes fund managers and evaluates long-term success criteria. Cohen emphasizes the necessity for founders to connect with investors who have faced challenges, highlighting personal stability as a crucial factor in ensuring effective management.
