Lawrence Calcano, CEO of iCapital and former Goldman Sachs tech banker, reveals fascinating insights about alternative investments. He discusses the staggering $145 trillion held by retail investors, emphasizing their potential in private markets. Calcano highlights the challenges of democratizing access to these investments while leveraging technology to streamline operations. The conversation touches on high-net-worth trends shifting back to equities, the unique advantages of illiquidity in generating alpha, and the critical need for education among financial advisors.

Felix Ejeckam, Co-founder and CEO of Akash Systems, shares insights on his company’s groundbreaking work in semiconductor cooling using synthetic diamonds. He highlights their recent $68 million CHIPS Act funding, emphasizing its impact on U.S. manufacturing and national security. Felix explains how this innovative technology can improve microchip performance by up to 90% and reveals the massive market potential spanning data centers, satellites, and more. His story of resilience through tough times and strategic adaptation makes for an inspiring listen.

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, brings a wealth of knowledge on Bitcoin and crypto investments. He discusses the strategic importance of a 2–5% Bitcoin allocation for institutional investors, emphasizing its low correlation with traditional assets to enhance returns. Matt highlights the behavioral risks in crypto investing and the cyclical nature of the market. He also envisions Bitcoin as a global settlement currency, exploring its future roles beyond being a mere store of value. A compelling discussion that’s a must-listen for crypto enthusiasts!

Alifia Doriwala, Co-CIO and Managing Director at RockCreek, shares insights on managing $16 billion in assets and the importance of tailored investment solutions. She discusses the potential surge in IPOs and M&A activity in 2025, emphasizing opportunities in biotech and healthcare. Alifia highlights a shift toward active management in public markets and the strategic allocation in private equity and venture capital for institutional investors. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of investment strategies!

Join David Clark, CIO of Vencap, as he shares insights from his data-driven venture capital firm. He challenges the myth that small funds always outperform large ones, exposing survivorship bias in performance data. Discover how Vencap identifies top managers—over 90% of their capital goes to just a handful. Clark dives into the power law dynamics of early-stage and growth funds, revealing that only a small percentage drive returns. He also discusses how political and economic shifts impact investment strategies in the venture landscape.

Gregor von dem Knesebeck, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Blue Future Partners, shares insights into building a successful fund-of-funds that specializes in venture capital. He discusses the importance of brand building and establishing effective LP relationships. Topics include ideal allocation strategies for family offices, including a striking contrast between European and U.S. markets. Gregor also explains the power law of returns in venture investing, emphasizing how a few key investments can drive overall success.

In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Browne, Managing Director at GCM Grosvenor, shares her insights on GP seeding, a critical area in private equity. She highlights the importance of reaching the $300 million capital threshold to attract institutional LPs and the challenges in balancing investment expertise with operational talent. Elizabeth also emphasizes the core attributes of great firm founders—hustle, grit, and sector knowledge—while outlining common pitfalls in structuring seed deals. A must-listen for aspiring asset managers!

In this discussion, Ron Diamond, founder of Diamond Wealth and expert in family offices, dives into the upcoming $84 trillion wealth transfer and its implications for investment. He emphasizes the urgent need for family offices to professionalize to match top firms' expertise. Topics include using innovative structures like private placement life insurance for better tax efficiency and nurturing grounded values in wealthy families to combat entitlement. With family offices transforming the landscape, Ron's insights offer a fresh perspective on investing for the future.

Teddy Gold, the Founder and CEO of 3i, a platform for elite investors, shares insightful perspectives on navigating the private equity and venture capital landscapes. He discusses the challenges of scaling asset management and how smaller, specialized funds can outshine larger institutions by prioritizing innovative strategies. Teddy highlights niche opportunities like aircraft engine investments and the significance of cultivating strong relationships within membership networks to enhance deal sourcing. His experiences illustrate that in investing, bigger isn't always better.

Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at Visa Foundation, shares her expertise in impact investing and fundraising. She discusses the challenges faced by first-time fund managers and the essential role of storytelling in engaging investors. Najada sheds light on navigating new markets, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and the evolving dynamics of venture fundraising. Her insights reveal how strategic communication and understanding investor motivations can lead to successful fundraising in today's complex environment.