How I Invest with David Weisburd

Matt Foran, co-founder and president of StoicLane, discusses the innovative world of holding companies, focused on real estate and small business acquisitions. He shares insights on how StoicLane has successfully acquired 71 companies with a unique seller-friendly approach. Matt emphasizes the long-term advantages of permanent capital and the importance of transparency in building trust. The conversation also delves into leveraging AI for operational efficiency and the competitive edge of holding companies over traditional private equity in fostering sustainable growth.

Abe Finkelstein dives into the art of building a resilient venture firm, sharing insights on navigating turbulent markets. He discusses the journey of Vintage Investment Partners, from its inception to managing over $3 billion. The conversation highlights how to evaluate managers across various market landscapes and the importance of cultivating trust with limited partners. Finkelstein also shares his thoughts on emerging fields like gaming and crypto, along with Israel's burgeoning startup scene and his decision to relocate there.

Amy Rubinstein, CEO of Clear Investment Group, shares her journey from novice to real estate leader, focusing on distressed C-class multifamily properties. She discusses the surprising resilience of C-class housing, especially during inflation, and how her firm creates value by stabilizing mismanaged assets. Amy explains her self-taught path to success, her philosophy on impact investing, and the strategic vision for a comprehensive investment platform. Listeners gain insights into team management, the intricacies of institutional fundraising, and the critical importance of adaptability in real estate.

Discover how a mattress startup skyrocketed to $100M in its first year through innovative direct-to-consumer strategies. The conversation dives into the essentials of leading during hypergrowth and navigating challenges, especially going public just before the pandemic. Explore the concept of the 'electron economy' and why it’s crucial for climate innovation. Gain insights into evaluating startup founders and the importance of portfolio construction in venture capital.

Ron Biscardi shares insights on transforming a charitable initiative into a $50M platform in just five years. He reveals how technology and community trust play key roles in capital formation. Discover the secrets behind organizing 800+ LP meetings with crypto managers and why LP behavior signals trends better than investment mandates. Biscardi emphasizes the importance of effective follow-up post-conference and discusses iConnections' innovative use of AI for fund allocation. Plus, he predicts that Asia may soon lead in alternative investments.

Tyler Sosin, a Board Partner at Menlo Ventures and now the founder of Villain Capital, shares his insights on investing in tech-driven businesses. He discusses the importance of durable customer relationships and misconceptions around Total Addressable Market (TAM). A strong advocate for vertical software, Tyler emphasizes the value of niche markets and the balance between aggressive growth and sensible compounding. He reflects on past investments like Flywire and Carta, drawing lessons on founder resilience and strategic growth approaches.

T.C. Wilson, CIO of The Doctors Company, shares insights from over 35 years in investment management. He discusses the unique investment strategies for insurance firms, especially how surplus is treated like an endowment portfolio. T.C. emphasizes the importance of portfolio construction over manager selection, innovative asset management techniques, and the value of evergreen structures. He also highlights his cautious stance on large-cap private equity and the lessons of extreme ownership in leadership, providing a compelling guide for both seasoned and aspiring investors.

Patrick Miller, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, shares his journey into venture capital, ignited by a pivotal meeting with a Florida VC. He discusses how LPs can add value beyond just capital, the significance of fund size, and why emerging managers are key differentiators. With a barbell investment strategy, Patrick highlights how AI is reshaping capital dynamics. He reveals insights on what makes small funds outperform their larger counterparts and offers valuable advice he'd give his younger self, making this a must-listen for aspiring investors.

Michael Marvelli, Deputy CIO of the UCLA Investment Company, leads their private markets strategy. In a fascinating discussion, he reveals insights on building investment teams from scratch and UCLA's focus on lesser-known private equity managers. Marvelli shares his unique perspective from previous roles, highlighting the importance of downside protection and strategic pacing. He also explores what makes a successful allocator and offers advice for aspiring private equity professionals eyeing the lower middle market.

David Berry, a powerhouse in biotech and co-founder of Averin, dives into his journey from scientist to investor. He shares insights on scaling health companies, emphasizing the importance of culture and perseverance. Berry explains how to spot the potential for unicorns in their early stages and what makes a great founding team. He delves into the transformative promise of AI in healthcare and the future of personalized medicine, particularly in tackling Alzheimer's. Discover the secrets behind his success and the role of innovation in healthcare.