How I Invest with David Weisburd

In this discussion, David Sawyer, CEO of Unlimited.ai, dives into the seismic shift of capital migrating from public to private markets. He highlights that up to $150 trillion is poised to move, primarily due to operational complexities hindering alternatives adoption among family offices and RIAs. Sawyer outlines four key barriers: access, legal/regulatory, reporting, and liquidity. He also explores how AI can revolutionize LP workflows, level the information asymmetry between GPs and smaller investors, and streamline due diligence processes.

Mike Ma, Managing Partner at Sidecut Ventures, shares insights from his journey in venture capital, highlighting the importance of action-oriented self-awareness in founders. He introduces the innovative 30-day 'grind with them' diligence model that prioritizes real-time observation over narratives. Discussing 'earned secrets,' Mike emphasizes the unique advantages of combining market insight with lived experience. He also sheds light on why solo GPs can outperform multi-stage firms by fostering alignment and speed in pre-seed investments.

James E. "Jay" Hughes, Jr. is a renowned family wealth advisor with over 50 years of experience in multi-generational stewardship. He shares captivating insights on how families like the Rothschilds and Fords built enduring legacies. Jay emphasizes that flourishing, not just financial returns, defines true wealth. He cautions against poor trustee choices and illustrates how purpose and philanthropy protect wealth. With a shift in perspective, he explores the importance of asking, 'How can I help?' as a cornerstone for family flourishing.

Brian Miller, Senior Investment Officer at Sacramento County Employees’ Retirement System, shares his expertise in managing a $15B pension fund. He discusses the importance of long-term value investing, emphasizing consistency and avoiding the trap of chasing hot managers. Brian delves into the dynamics of LP capture and the challenges of reallocating during crises. He also highlights the shifting landscape of small-cap value stocks and the strategic role of absolute return strategies in diversifying investment portfolios.

In this discussion, Paul Cohn, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Agility Equity Partners, dives into the booming world of continuation vehicles (CVs) which surged from $7B to $70B in just a decade. He highlights how CVs allow general partners to retain top assets while providing liquidity to limited partners. The conversation explores performance metrics from an HEC Paris study, revealing that single-asset CVs outperform traditional buyouts. Cohn also discusses the rapid rise of independent sponsors in the lower middle market, revealing their significant deal volume and appeal.

Daniel Kimerling, Founder and Managing Partner of Deciens Capital, shares his innovative approach to venture capital focused on long-duration investments in financial services. He discusses how his firm aims for uncorrelated alpha, rejecting the typical venture hamster wheel of markups. Dan delves into his concentrated portfolio strategy targeting 10-15 companies to achieve 5x net returns, all while maintaining radical transparency with LPs. He argues that the future power-law winners will emerge from the next generation of financial institutions, not just apps.

Gregory Brown, Co-CEO of Caprock, shares insights on how ultra-high-net-worth families can strategically navigate private markets. He emphasizes a CFO-first approach to map liquidity and optimize investments. Brown discusses the importance of holding illiquid assets and offers strategies for avoiding forced sales during downturns. He highlights Caprock’s access to top deals like SpaceX and Palantir, and explores tax-efficient strategies like QSBS and Opportunity Zones, showcasing how private investments can drive superior growth.

Geeta Kapadia, Chief Investment Officer at Fordham University, shares her insights on managing a $1B endowment with a small team. She talks about focusing on 30-40 core manager relationships to enhance liquidity while maintaining growth. She emphasizes the importance of passive equities with selective active investments, particularly in emerging markets. Geeta also discusses the strategic use of the Gabelli alumni network and student venture fund to expand sourcing. She highlights the balance of fees and roles in portfolio management like conducting an orchestra.

Join Eric Rosiak, CEO & CIO of Amplify Community Investment Partners, as he reveals the ins and outs of the SBIC program. Discover how to access $175M in low-cost capital without excessive risk! Eric breaks down the eligibility criteria, the allure of the new accrual debenture license for venture funds, and why big investment platforms are diving into SBICs. He also shares tactical advice on structuring agreements to maximize SBIC opportunities, all while highlighting the impressive historical returns and rigorous diligence required to succeed in this space.

Dylan Parker, CEO & Co-Founder of Moment, discusses revolutionizing the bond market, which still lags behind equities in tech adoption. He shares insights from his time at Citadel, highlighting how automation can drastically improve trading efficiency. Parker explains the unique tax advantages of bonds and introduces Moment's platform that allows for rapid portfolio customization. With a focus on serving diverse investors, he emphasizes the transformative potential of smart routing and automation in fixed income trading.