

Making Billions: The Private Equity Podcast for Fund Managers, Alternative Asset Managers, and Venture Capital Investors
Ryan Miller
Thanks for listening to another episode of Making Billions with Ryan Miller: The Private Equity Podcast for Fund Managers, Startup Founders, and Venture Capital Investors. This show covers topics connecting you to some of the best investment funds that won in their industry—from making money and motivation to alternative investments, fund managers, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, capital raisers, money mavericks, and industry titans. If you want to start a business, understand investment funds that won the game, and how the top 0.01% made it, then this show will give you the answers!
Episodes
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Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
Inside the AI Gold Rush: Who Wins, Who Gets Wiped Out
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"The AI Gold Rush is here, redefining the venture capital landscape. Billions of dollars are flowing, startup valuations are soaring, and the traditional power dynamics of early-stage investing are being upended. In this explosive episode, host Ryan Miller sits down with Maria Palma, General Partner at Freestyle VC, one of the most disciplined and forward-thinking firms in the industry, specializing in seed-stage and early-stage technology investments. Discover the frameworks Freestyle VC uses to spot defensible AI plays before the market recognizes them. This is a must-watch for fund managers, angel investors, and startup founders looking to understand the new rules of raising capital.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/X: https://x.com/_MakingBillionsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Maria Palma, General Partner at Freestyle VC, one of the most disciplined and forward thinking firms in early stage investing. Maria is at the epicenter of the shift, leading freestyle's charge into the heart of AI's infrastructure backing the unseen technologies that power the nexSupport the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Nov 10, 2025 • 17min
The Secret Sauce Behind Billion Dollar Funds
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"How do the world's best fund managers turn every dollar into six, year after year, even when the markets are collapsing? It is not luck or insider tips. They use a repeatable, systematic, almost scientific playbook to build their wealth and sustain extraordinary long-term returns.In this deep-dive episode of Making Billions, host Ryan Miller pulls back the velvet rope on elite fund management to expose the three powerful levers that differentiate billion-dollar funds from average investors. Learn how to stop being a gambler reacting to market noise and start building a high-conviction, risk-first investment machine that compounds consistent, small wins into massive wealth.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/X: https://x.com/_MakingBillionsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE HOST]: Ryan is a recovering CFO turned angel investor in technology and energy.Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Nov 3, 2025 • 32min
Is Modern Portfolio Theory Broken? SynthEquity Revolutionizes Portfolios
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"In this critical episode of Making Billions, host Ryan Miller and alternative asset manager Larry Kriesmer challenge the core tenets of Modern Portfolio Theory. Larry argues that traditional diversification is broken because supposedly uncorrelated assets become correlated during a market crisis (like 2000 or 2008), leaving investors exposed to unlimited loss.This interview is essential for investors, fund managers, and financial advisors who must deal with clients in the "Zone of Freaking Out" (ZOFO) during a market decline. Larry explains how his risk off strategy and upfront disclosure keep clients calm, allowing their investments long enough time to perform and achieve long term average returns. The discussion also covers the future of SynthEquity (MRP 2.0) and the possibility of creating products that use leveraged options for even higher potential return against a small, defined drawdown.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/X: https://x.com/_MakingBillionsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Larry Kriesmer is the Chief Investment Strategist at Measured Risk Portfolios (MRP) and the founder of the SynthEquity (Synthetic Equity) investment strategy. With over 20 years of experience in finance and asset management, he is known for creating the SNTH ETF—an innovative alternative Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Oct 27, 2025 • 8min
Why Private Equity CEOs Fail and How to Destroy Them All in 100 Days
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"Here is the truth: most Private Equity CEOs fail within their first 18 months. It is not a test of intelligence; it is a test of speed to value and execution. The first 100 days are the make-or-break period where a new CEO proves their fitness, secures board alignment, and lays the foundation for exponential value creation. If you are stepping into a PE-backed CEO role, hesitation costs money—literally, as capital is always compounding. Your job is to survive your first three months and thrive.In this essential CEO survival guide, Ryan Miller, breaks down the exact 100 Day Playbook used by top PE operating partners and successful portfolio company executives. Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/X: https://x.com/_MakingBillionsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE HOST]: Ryan Miller is a recovering CFO turned angel investor in technology and energy.Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Oct 20, 2025 • 47min
Venture Capital is Broken: The Evergreen Solution No One's Talking About
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"In this powerful episode of the Making Billions podcast, host Ryan Miller and guest Michelle Urben dismantle the outdated conventions of traditional venture capital. Michelle argues that the industry is "broken" due to its strict adherence to stage-specific investing and misaligned incentives, which create significant funding gaps. She introduces the innovative Continuum Fund model, which blends early-stage and late-stage investments to balance liquidity and durability for both investors and founders.This episode provides a blueprint for fund managers to build a successful and lasting legacy by aligning purpose and profit.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/X: https://x.com/_MakingBillionsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Michelle Urben is the Managing Partner of Synergos Fund, an investment firm dedicated to reshoring industrial supply chains. With a focus on energy, agriculture, and mining, Synergos aims to back mission-aligned founders building scalable businesses.[THE HOST]: Ryan is a recovering CFO turned angel Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Oct 13, 2025 • 23min
Private Equity Masterclass: How Billionaires Buy Companies 50% Cheaper Than Everyone Else
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"In this first installment of the Making Billions Academy, host Ryan Miller teaches a powerful financial concept used by private equity pros to instantly assess deals: Tobin's Q. This ratio compares a company's market value to its replacement cost, helping investors determine if a business is overvalued or undervalued. You'll learn the simple formula, see practical examples, and discover how this timeless logic can help you avoid overpaying for assets.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/X: https://twitter.com/_MakingBillonsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE HOST]: Ryan is a recovering CFO turned angel investor in technology and energy.Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 22min
10 Black Swans All at Once: How China’s AI Disrupt’s EVERYTHING
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"In this episode, Ryan Miller and renowned venture capitalist Jeremy Kranz explore the future of global investing and fund management. They reveal how emerging markets, particularly China, have outpaced Silicon Valley in real-world AI adoption and commercialization. Jeremy argues that a series of "Black Swans"—like the tokenization of capital markets and advancements in quantum computing—are poised to reshape the financial landscape and create trillion-dollar opportunities hiding in plain sight.This is a must-watch for startup founders, private equity investors, and anyone interested in the future of technology trends and business leadership. Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/_MakingBillonsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Jeremy Kranz created the Bridge Forum and now Sentinel Labs, to assist US startups seeking to go global. With over 25 years of venture investing globally and more than 18 venture investments exited via IPO, founded platforms to connect Silicon Valley to international markets in digital assets & AI he is an expert in supply chain optimization and coined the term "interoperable commerce". [THE HOST]: Ryan is a recovering CFO turned angel investor in technology and energy.Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Sep 29, 2025 • 56min
From Pitch to Profit: Storytelling Strategies for Raising Capital
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"In this episode of Making Billions, I sit down with renowned leadership communication coach Dia Bondi to demystify the art of high-stakes fundraising. Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional pitching. Dia shares her groundbreaking insights on how to secure massive investment by using the "bold ask" and going for a "no." This masterclass in strategic asking reveals why emotional intelligence and powerful storytelling are your most valuable tools, not just the numbers on a spreadsheet. Whether you're a startup founder seeking seed funding or a private equity manager raising a new fund, this conversation provides a blueprint for effective communication & investor relations.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/_MakingBillonsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Dia Bondi is an expert in Leadership Communications, with two decades of experience coaching top CEOs, VC-backed founders, and innovators to speak powerfully and amplify their impact. [THE HOST]: Ryan Miller is an Angel investor, former VP of FinaSupport the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 11min
How Fund Managers Win: Building a $600M World-Class Investment Firm
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"Emotions have no place in deal making, well, that used to be the case before Mark Rampolla proved them all wrong. See, what if I told you that your feelings are actually the most powerful due diligence tool in your toolbox? In the next 60 minutes, I'll reveal how top tier investors like Mark are transforming billions by understanding the psychology behind every investment and how you can do the same. Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/_MakingBillonsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category.[THE HOST]: Ryan Miller is an Angel investor, former VP of Finance, CFO of an insurance company, and the founder of Fund Raise Capital, https://www.fundraisecapital.co where his strategies helped emerging fund managers and deal syndicators to report raising over $1B following his strategies.Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.

Sep 15, 2025 • 33min
Inside PHL Capital: Strategies for Managing $900M+ in AUM
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"You'll fail as a fund manager if you think raising capital is all about the pitch, discover the real secrets to scaling from 600,000 to 900 million, while protecting your reputation and your investors. So if you want to avoid the biggest mistakes in private credit, then this episode is for you.Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/_MakingBillonsWebsite: https://making-billions.com/[THE GUEST]: Steve Ponte brings over 25 years of experience in finance, construction, and real estate development to his role as CEO of PHL Capital Corp.[THE HOST]: Ryan Miller is an Angel investor, former VP of Finance, CFO of an insurance company, and the founder of Fund Raise Capital, https://www.fundraisecapital.co where his strategies helped emerging fund managers and deal syndicators to report raising over $1B following his strategies.Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.


