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.

Michael Kakenmaster, the Director of Investments at Loyola University Chicago, shares his expertise in managing university endowments, focusing on private markets and hedge fund strategies. He dives into the intricacies of helicopter leasing as a unique investment opportunity and discusses the changing landscape of venture capital. Kakenmaster emphasizes the traits of effective investment committee members and strategic fund allocation, while highlighting the importance of due diligence in navigating today's complex investment environment.

Hansen Ringer, Managing Director at Sepio Capital, shares his expertise in alternative investments. He discusses how family offices are refining their investment strategies in light of recent market trends. Ringer delves into the unique dynamics between stocks and bonds, especially after the shifts caused by inflation. He also highlights the importance of diversifying beyond traditional portfolios, the current landscape of hedge funds, and the critical role of benchmarking in asset allocation. Tune in for insights on navigating the complex world of investing in the coming years.

Victor Mayer, Managing Director at Pantheon, shares insights from a firm managing nearly $70 billion in assets. He discusses the surge of evergreen funds and their advantages over traditional structures, emphasizing improved access for smaller investors. Victor also delves into the strategic balance between small and large-cap investments, highlights the benefits of no-cost co-investment deals, and examines the complexities of navigating fee structures and adverse selection in capital-raising efforts.

James Langer is the Chief Executive and Investment Officer at Redmont Wealth Advisors, specializing in small-cap value investing. He discusses why small-cap stocks are outperforming large caps, driven by market dynamics and historical trends. Langer highlights the complexity of implementing these strategies in institutional portfolios and the advantages of active management versus indexing. He also explores the critical role of governance in enhancing shareholder value and offers insights on effective portfolio analysis tools for investors.

Chris Dion, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Brockenbrough, shares insights from managing over $4 billion in assets. He discusses why small buyout funds often outperform larger ones, emphasizing the critical role of deal leaders. Chris explains the importance of a client-first approach and how operational focus enhances returns in shifting economic conditions. The conversation also covers the evolution of investment strategies, highlighting the growing interest in small buyouts and the benefits of tailored management practices.

Christopher Zook, Founder and CIO of CAZ Investments, shares insights on scaling his firm to over $8B in assets. He discusses the hidden costs of keeping the wrong team members and common cultural pitfalls CEOs face. Zook emphasizes the importance of fostering a high-performance culture through structured onboarding and continuous learning. He also examines the evolving dynamics of sports investments, highlighting the shifts towards private equity, and the growing accessibility of investment opportunities for everyone.

Jake Paul, co-founder of Betr and a boxing sensation, alongside Joey Levy, a sports gaming expert, reveals their ambitious vision for revolutionizing sports betting. They discuss the significance of self-belief and how psychedelics have impacted their professional growth. The duo dives into their unique marketing strategies and the importance of user experience in tapping into the casual sports fan market. They also share insights on achieving a $100 billion valuation while balancing equal ownership and partnership dynamics within their fast-growing company.

Dean Duchak, Chief Investment Officer at KFF, shares insights from his 13 years at the foundation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in endowments. He discusses the delicate art of balancing thematic investing, particularly in healthcare and AI, with diversification strategies. Duchak also highlights the critical role of fostering relationships with venture capital partners to stay ahead of market trends. His perspective on the challenges and opportunities of managing a $700 million endowment offers valuable guidance for institutional investors.

David Sawyer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner at Legacy Knight, shares insights from his journey in the multi-family office sector. He discusses the common pitfalls investors encounter in GP stakes and explains why middle-market GP stakes are set to outpace traditional investments this year. David emphasizes the competitive edge smaller firms have in serving high-net-worth clients and explores the crucial role that investment bankers play in navigating GP stakes transactions. Dive into the evolving landscape of portfolio construction and the promising avenues for high-net-worth investors.