How I Invest with David Weisburd

John Skjervem, Chief Investment Officer at Utah Retirement Systems, oversees over $50 billion in assets and is known for his innovative governance strategies. He discusses how URS’s closed-door meetings enhance decision-making and return outcomes. Transparency can hinder investment performance, he argues, detailing URS’s unique approach. Skjervem also delves into the fund's heavy allocation to private equity and venture capital, and the strategic importance of direct investments in energy as a hedge against inflation, highlighting lessons learned from the 2008 crisis.

Join Constantine Karides, Lead Partner at Reed Smith, as he sheds light on the legal landscape of startups and venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a lawyer who acts as a strategic partner, offering not just legal advice but also valuable industry connections. Learn about the impact of a lawyer’s internal influence within their firm on client outcomes. Constantine discusses the transformative role of AI in legal practices and shares lessons from his own experiences in navigating legal investment strategies.

Mel Williams, Co-Founder and General Partner at TrueBridge Capital Partners, shares insights from his extensive experience in venture capital. He explains TrueBridge's influential role with Forbes on the Midas List and the significance of disciplined fund manager ranking. The conversation dives into their unique fund-of-funds strategies, including core, seed, and blockchain investments. Mel also touches on best practices for scaling venture funds and how strong GP relationships provide a competitive edge, especially in navigating the volatility of blockchain markets.

Henry Ward, CEO of Carta, shares his journey in reshaping private market infrastructure. He discusses how Carta transitioned from cap table management to software solutions for fund administration. The conversation highlights the critical role of innovation for scaling businesses and his focus on using AI to enhance customer experiences rather than cutting jobs. Additionally, he reflects on the 'Carta cartel,' where former employees are launching new ventures with his support. Ward emphasizes the future roadmap for automated fund administration by 2030 and the expanding role of private equity.

Lorenzo Thione, Managing Director at Gaingels and a serial entrepreneur, shares his insights on diversity in venture capital and the democratization of investments. He discusses the significance of enabling smaller contributions and offers strategies for high-net-worth investors on portfolio diversification. Lorenzo reveals lessons learned from passing on Uber's seed round and emphasizes the importance of personal connections in angel investing. He also explores the evolution of AI and the potential it holds for shaping the future of innovation.

Nichole Wischoff, Founder and Managing Partner of Wischoff Ventures, shares her journey in raising a $50 million fund in just two months. She discusses innovative fundraising strategies, including leveraging social media for deal sourcing, and the importance of authenticity in brand building. Nichole emphasizes the value of community and collaboration among emerging fund managers, as well as overcoming challenges with institutional LPs. Her insights into navigating discomfort on social media reveal how it can enhance credibility and foster vital relationships in the VC world.

Join Nick Shekerdemian, founding partner of The Venture Collective and former Thiel Fellow, as he dives into the world of deep tech and venture capital. He shares insights on his transformative journey from Oxford to entrepreneurship, revealing how thesis-driven investing can propel meaningful innovation. Nick discusses the complexities of seed-stage investments, the significance of transparency with founders, and the potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare and bio-defense. Explore the future of transformative technologies and the challenges in scaling visionary ideas.

In a riveting discussion, Marcie Frost, CEO of CalPERS and a seasoned public service advocate, unfolds her mission to secure the financial future of over 2 million Californians. She shares insights on integrating climate change risks into investment strategies, backed by a bold $100 billion sustainable investment initiative. Marcie highlights the importance of transparency, innovation, and building a trustworthy culture within pension fund management. She delves into the vital roles of governance and stakeholder engagement, all while navigating the complexities of a $502.9 billion portfolio.

In a captivating conversation, Ken Smythe, founder of Next Round Capital, shares his insights on navigating the intricacies of startup investments and the importance of spotting executive transitions from big companies to emerging ventures. He discusses the rapid evolution of AI technology and its potential for sustainable business models. The talk also delves into how startups are challenging established defense contractors with innovative solutions. With a background in hedge funds, Ken provides valuable perspectives on diversification and the future of thematic investing.

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.