Investment Fund Secrets S2

In this deep-dive solo episode, Bridger Pennington takes you inside the mechanics of private equity funds—how they’re structured, how they operate, and what actually drives returns behind the scenes. Stripping away the jargon, Bridger breaks down:The engine of PE: how general partners deploy capital, create value, and engineer exits that produce outsized gains.Incentives that matter: the real role of management fees, carried interest, and fund economics—and why misaligned incentives can break a deal before it starts.Deal flow dynamics: where great PE deals originate, why most people never see them, and how top managers build pipelines that stay full.Risk in disguise: the hidden assumptions inside a PE fund model and how to stress-test a strategy before raising a single dollar.Why LPs love PE: the performance patterns, cash flow profiles, and structural advantages that make private equity a cornerstone of major investor portfolios.Whether you’re exploring private equity for the first time or leveling up your technical understanding, this episode gives you a clear, practical look at how PE funds actually work under the hood.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/how-to-leadSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

In this high-impact solo episode, Bridger Pennington breaks down the core principles behind the Fund Launch Formula—Bridger’s proven framework for helping normal people launch and scale investment funds without Wall Street pedigrees or giant networks. Bridger dives into:The 2026 advantage: why market cycles, regulation shifts, and capital flows are making this one of the best windows in a decade to start a fund.The three-part formula: how great fund managers build a world-class strategy, attract the right capital, and create repeatable systems that scale.The “Credibility Gap”: the real reason most first-time fund managers fail to raise money—and how to close that gap with a few targeted actions.Leverage without legacy: how to use partnerships, platforms, and modern tools to compete with firms that traditionally required 20 years of track record.Momentum mechanics: how small wins compound early, and why the first 90 days of building your fund determine everything that follows.If you’re planning to launch a fund in 2026—or even considering it—this episode gives you the roadmap, mindset, and strategy to start with confidence and execute like a professional.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/how-to-leadSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

In this focused solo episode, Bridger Pennington breaks down the most overlooked part of launching a fund: validating your idea before you spend months building the wrong thing. Pulling from real conversations with emerging managers and seasoned operators, Bridger unpacks:Vision vs. reality: how to stress-test your fund idea against actual market demand instead of wishful thinking.Avoiding “founder fog”: why early conviction can trick you into chasing deals that don’t fit your thesis — and how to recalibrate fast.LP psychology 101: the questions investors care about far more than your pitch deck, and how to position your idea so it resonates.Market proof without millions: simple ways to validate a niche, a strategy, or a target asset class using traction signals anyone can gather.The clarity multiplier: how a validated idea turns your fund vision into a roadmap, helping you recruit partners, attract LPs, and build momentum with confidence.Whether you’re refining your first concept or pressure-testing a new strategy, this episode gives you the tools to make sure your fund idea isn’t just exciting — it’s viable.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/how-to-leadSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

In this candid solo episode, Bridger Pennington pulls back the curtain on what entrepreneurship looks like when a founder is juggling six simultaneous fronts—employees, customers, investors, banks, regulators, and family—while sometimes going months without a personal paycheck. Bridger explores:Day-zero uncertainty versus 100-hour weeks: why the unknown is tougher than the grind and how “ignorance debt” means failure never truly resets anyone to zero.Success shockwaves at home: the uncomfortable truth behind friends and relatives saying, “You’ve changed,” and why that reaction is normal for entrepreneurs.The eat-last mentality: how leaders keep everyone else paid first and still show up with energy and conviction.The spiral-staircase effect: fighting the same battles at ever-higher stakes because personal growth always precedes business growth.Starting before life gets crowded: AI and low start-up costs have removed most excuses—waiting only makes the leap harder.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/how-to-leadSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

What story am I telling myself about my own life? In this episode, I break down the three core mental frames—victim, survivor, and hero—that I see at the heart of every self-help book, therapy session, or motivational seminar. I share a story from John D. Rockefeller’s youth that completely changed the way I look at my own journey. I get personal about some of the hardest moments I’ve faced, and I explain why choosing the “hero” frame isn’t about pretending life is easy—it’s about deciding to win, no matter where I start. I’ll walk you through how self-talk has shaped my life, why I think the myth of equal outcomes holds people back, and even how the way I describe my spouse or my past has helped me reshape my future. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wanted to rewrite your own story, this episode is for you—I’m sharing what’s actually worked for me.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/just-winSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

This is the side of fund management nobody talks about.I’ve run funds through 76% growth quarters... and through bloodbath months where everything crashes. In this episode, I open up about what it's really like behind the scenes — managing millions, navigating volatility, and putting your reputation on the line every day.If you're building a fund, thinking about launching one, or just want the raw, unfiltered truth from someone who's deep in the game... this one’s for you.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/reality-running-fundsSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

Here’s your update on the Trump tariffs hitting April 2nd. I’m breaking down which countries are getting hit, how these tariffs work, and what to expect from the market this week. We're talking India, Europe, China, Canada, Mexico, Turkey—what their tariffs are, how Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will hit back, and what the game plan is from here.Trump's calling it "Liberation Day" for America, saying the U.S. is done getting ripped off. I'm diving into the numbers, the history behind these tariffs, and why I think most countries are going to fold fast. Could this trigger a market rally? Let's talk about it.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/trump-tariff-updateSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

This episode was recorded live with an audience of fund managers, operators, and capital raisers asking real-time questions—and getting real answers. We dive into how to underwrite your own deals and other funds, how to spot asymmetrical risk, and how to break down worst, base, and best case scenarios.You’ll hear a live analysis of a startup deal, how to structure your team (fund manager, investor, capital raiser), and the pros and cons of rev share vs equity when incentivizing operators.We also unpack fund structure strategies, including how to blend small investors with institutions using parallel LPs—and why your first checks matter more than you think.If you're serious about launching or scaling your fund, this is one you don't want to miss.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/answering-questions-liveSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

In this episode, Bridger breaks down a critical mistake most fund managers (and businesses) make—going a mile wide on features instead of an inch deep on solving the one problem that truly matters. Inspired by insights from Y Combinator, Peter Thiel, and his own experience running Black Card, he uncovers why focusing on solving a singular, core issue creates raving fans, builds stronger businesses, and ultimately leads to greater success.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training:https://fundlaunch.click/the-one-problemSign up to watch the free training and discover how to launch a fund. Stop leaving carry on the table doing one-off deals. Your track record deserves a fund.All Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com

Today, we break down building your real estate investment fund thesis. We've helped incubate and launch over 300 funds through fund launch and over half of those have been real estate. We break down what you need to do to stand out from the competition and create a clear, concise thesis.Want to launch a fund? Click to watch a free training: https://fundlaunch.click/fix-your-thesisAll Information Shared Are The Sole Thoughts and Opinions Of The Author. Do Not Take Any Information As Legal Or Financial Advice. You Should Seek A Certified Accountant And A Professional Legal Team Before Taking Any Further Action.‍*Results may vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to market conditions, investor demand, and investment strategy. While our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch a fund, we cannot guarantee any specific results or outcomes. Your success will depend on your own efforts, diligence, and ability to execute on the strategies and techniques that you decide to pursue. We make no representation or warranty that you will achieve any particular level of success or earnings, and you accept the risk that the results may differ from those described in our materials.****We are not selling or soliciting a security in any way, shape, or form. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice.fundlaunch.com