Swimming with Allocators

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:The Venture Landscape (0:23)Investing in Venture (3:18)The Evolution of Venture (5:16)Rise of Key-Nodes (8:38)Challenges and Opportunities for Key-Nodes (12:36)Criteria for Micro VCs (18:35)Selecting and Supporting Venture Capitalists (18:51)Examples of Successful Fund Managers (25:14)Misconceptions in Working with Organizations (27:38)Insider Segment: The Role of Technology in AltAssets (31:25)The syndicate vs fund structure (36:08)Misconceptions about venture capital (37:26)Selecting and evaluating early stage funds (39:32)Challenges in selecting venture capital managers (41:44)Novel strategies and considerations in venture capital (44:31)Hype cycles and emerging trends in venture capital (45:54)Connecting with Frank and Morgan Creek Capital (48:20)Final thoughts and takeaways (49:57)Morgan Creek Capital Management, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser founded with a vision of offering institutional and family office investors the same forward-looking strategies that made the large university endowments its leadership had previously managed so successful: integrating alternative investments into traditional equity and fixed income portfolios. Morgan Creek provides a customized outsourced investment office to clients in need of a targeted solution, as well as discretionary strategies to assist clients in building investment programs based on the University Endowment Model. Many members of our senior investment team have a fiduciary pedigree, having previously worked at some of the top university endowment programs in the country (Notre Dame, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and Stanford), and with this experience of allocating capital across all asset classes, the firm has built a global network with access to what we believe to be top-tier investment managers.Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Sarah's background in innovation and corporate partnerships (1:02)Challenges with Corporate Partners and Innovation (5:06)Strategic Corporate LPs and their Sustainability (7:23)Recognizing a Different Business Model (9:54)Insider Segment: The Role of SPVs and Opportunity Funds (15:56)Venture studio landscape (17:57)Advantages of company creation (19:12)Criteria for Selecting Fund Managers (22:09)Backed funds and their qualities (23:56)Mistakes in company creation (26:37)Gender disparities in company creation (32:09)Benchmarking founder worth (35:11)Early exits and company creation (36:02)High potential asset class (38:27)Final thoughts and takeaways (39:14)Vault Fund was founded in 2021 and invests exclusively in company creation entities (“company creators”), otherwise known as venture studios. Vault defines a company creator as an entity that serves as the founder or co-founder across their portfolio. Investing in this space since 2015, the leaders of Vault Fund strongly believe that company creation funds have business model advantages to scale innovation and build high quality, resilient companies that create portfolio level alpha more efficiently. Learn more at www.vaultfund.com. Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Nate Leung from Sapphire Partners dives into VC partnerships, fund evaluation, and market trends. Discusses the impact of liquidity on secondaries, the importance of long-term relationships, and the outlook on the venture landscape. Insights on assessing managers and increasing specialization in allocators

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Avanish’s background and experience in venture (1:16)Diligence and Relationship Building (3:21)Allocation and Time Horizon (5:32)Insider Segment: Exploring the Canopy Platform with John Lang (8:17)Investment Comfort and Expertise (15:23)LP Investments in Venture Capital (18:47)Venture Partner Role (20:18)Portfolio Construction and Investment Philosophy (23:51)Trends in AI and Cybersecurity (26:40)International Market Opportunities (29:51)Bullish on Venture Capital and Macro Events (32:11)Final thoughts and takeaways (35:38)Avanish Sahai is a former technology executive with experiences in product, marketing, and ecosystems. He has held leadership positions at both early-stage and established companies including Oracle, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Google Cloud. Avanish has served on the boards of tech companies HubSpot, Birdie.ai, and Scribe, as well as of nonprofits World Affairs and BayBrazil. Born in India, raised in Brazil, Avanish is a venture partner at Synapse Ventures, a corporate Brazilian Fund of Funds. Canopy is a fintech company on a mission to democratize access to private investments. We believe early access to world-changing projects should not be limited to the ultra-wealthy. By automating the process of private investment with a technology-first approach, we are building a future where investing in alternative assets is simple and streamlined for both managers and individual investors alike. Learn more at www.heycanopy.com/. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:David’s background and journey to founding Top Tier (1:38)Confidence in Fund to Fund Strategy (6:35)Technology Consumption and Venture Capital (11:53)Insight into the Secondary Market (15:22)Private Equity Secondary Space (17:23)Investing in Emerging Managers (22:33)Seed Investing and Portfolio Construction (25:42)Understanding Underlying Portfolios (29:18)Generalist vs. Specialist Strategies (31:11)The technology stack reinvention (00:34:41)Venture capital and exciting changes (35:42)Insider Segment: SVB's commitment and offerings (40:29)Advice for emerging managers (41:19)Venture capital allocation and duration (45:06)Minority-based managers and diversity (47:28)Connecting with Top Tier (52:29)Top Tier Capital Partners is a venture capital specialist managing niche-focused funds of funds, secondaries, and co-investment strategies. We make primary and secondary investments in venture capital funds and co-invest in select portfolio companies. Our team creates diverse portfolios that are built to spot emerging trends early and to deliver optimal venture returns. Learn more at ttcp.com.Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.comSwimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Sam’s journey into VC (1:33)Underwriting for financials and human beings (4:04)Value add and vision for the firm (7:54)Opportunity in non-trendy categories (12:09)Lessons from Climate 10 (13:17)Insider segment: State of markets for the innovation economy (15:39)Venture Ecosystem Model (19:23)Underwriting and Conviction Building (21:54)Advice for Allocators (24:09)LP's Management Process (26:43)Predictions for the Venture Asset Class (29:31)US Managers and International Markets (32:47)Final thoughts and takeaways (33:39)Sam Sadowsky is a Partner at Twelve Hundred, an early-stage investment platform investing in fund managers and founders building companies shaping the future of humanity. The long-term vision of Twelve Hundred is to be a systemic value creator by becoming a leader at partnering from the Seed stage towards regional, global and planetary impact.Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.comSwimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Illumen Capital's Approach (0:48)Research on Biases in Investment Process (1:23)Influence of Historical Figures (3:37)Previous Experiences Shaping Approach (5:39)Illumen Capital's Strategy (7:19)Challenges and Recommendations for Managers (10:07)Personal Stories and Motivations (14:02)Criteria for New Managers (16:36)Learning from Fund One to Fund Two (20:27)Bias reduction and systemic inequality in investing (21:01)Challenges and opportunities for overlooked asset managers (25:49)Insider segment: Future of venture and market trends (29:06)Venture landscape and impact of interest rates (37:13)The systemic inequality in investing (42:47)Final thoughts and takeaways (44:58)Illumen Capital is a Black-owned and led manager dedicated to achieving racial and gender equity across investing. Illumen Capital invests in venture, growth, and private equity funds, and then works closely with fund managers to install a set of strategies and tools designed to reduce racial and gender bias in the hiring, investment, and company support processes. This research-informed bias reduction program – supported by a strategic relationship with Stanford SPARQ - empowers fund managers to expand their investable landscape and better support entrepreneurs who have historically been overlooked and underestimated.Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.comSwimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Renata’s journey into investing (1:21)Impact of Previous Experiences on Renata's Role (4:22)Pivotal Ventures' Unique Approach (7:56)Relevance in Current Market (10:34)Market Trends and Venture Trends (11:54)Innovative Approaches in VC (15:17)Challenges for Women in Fundraising (18:26)Women-led funds facing challenges (19:14)Supporting fund managers (21:12)Tracking data points for managers (22:58)Misconceptions about impact investing (24:51)Remaining open-minded and evolving (26:30)Final thoughts and takeaways (28:02)Founded by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal Ventures accelerates social progress in the United States by removing barriers that hold people back. Pivotal Ventures expands opportunity and accelerates equality in the United States through high-impact investments, partnerships, and advocacy. We focus on areas where social progress has stalled—and where we can have the biggest impact. Like Melinda, we’re clear-eyed about the stubborn problems our country faces. But we also see those problems as potential turning­­ points in our nation’s story. Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible—especially when we seize the moment together. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial and private banking to individuals and companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at svb.comSwimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Discussing the Changes in 2023 and Lessons Learned (0:02)Mapping LP Slots and Strategic Time Spending (4:22)Momentous Changes in the Venture Capital Asset Class (7:55)Uncovering Unspoken Messages from Allocators (9:17)Venture Capital Predictions for 2024 (12:21)Expectations for Seed and Pre-Seed Investors in 2024 (17:24)The counter to VC and America (21:10)Consolidation in the VC ecosystem (22:58)Managing a zombie fund (24:34)The rise of consumer investors (28:50)Vertical applications for AI (33:55)VC firms reopening funds (37:41)Questions allocators should ask VCs (40:18)Expansion and Experience (41:13)Generational Change (42:12)Emerging Managers and DQ's (44:08)Diversity in Venture Capital (45:55)Progress and Challenges (48:17)Final thoughts and takeaways (48:44)Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Chris’ Journey to VC (1:49)The Vision for Micro VC (4:50)Perspective on Finding Good Firms (6:36)The journey in venture capital (7:31)Changes in micro VC strategy (8:24)Finding differentiation in investments (11:07)The Intimate Nature of Venture Capital (15:18)Understanding Behavioral Footprint in Venture Capital (16:11)The Struggles of Entrepreneurs in VC (17:21)The challenges of diligence and developing relationships (25:42)The principal-agent problem in financial markets (29:40)Insider Segment: Law firms and changing services for GPs (30:37)The future of venture (32:30)Venture as a business of heartbreak (37:42)Finding the Balance (38:59)Considering Alternative Paths (40:41)Ahoy Capital is a boutique fund manager specializing in early-stage venture capital funds and start-ups, actively seeking exceptional opportunities in the application of emerging disruptive technologies. With a legacy in pioneering the micro-VC investing movement, Ahoy Capital's experienced team navigates the dynamic innovation landscape, offering investors access to unique opportunities. Renowned for their engagement and helpful partnership approach, the team's decades of experience guide a conviction-based and concentrated portfolio strategy, aiming to maximize returns with appropriate diversification. Committed to making their investors better investors, Ahoy Capital stands at the forefront of innovation in the entrepreneurial finance space.Gunderson Dettmer is a law firm specializing in providing legal services to the startup and venture capital communities. With a primary focus on technology and life sciences sectors, the firm is known for its expertise in guiding emerging companies through various stages of growth, from formation to financing and beyond. Gunderson Dettmer's comprehensive legal support includes advice on corporate governance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital transactions, making it a trusted partner for innovative enterprises navigating the complex legal landscape. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com.The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.