How I Invest with David Weisburd

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.

Rip Reeves, CEO of Institutional Investor and former CIO of AEGIS, shares valuable insights from his 40-year career in investment management. He discusses his unconventional journey from Salomon Brothers to leading a major investment platform. Rip emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships in finance, the flexible nature of endowment portfolio allocation, and the resurgence of fixed income. He also reveals how casual conversations can influence managerial evaluations and the evolving dynamics between investors and fund managers.

John Trammell, a seasoned institutional investor leading investments for the Episcopal Diocese of New York, dives into the changing landscape of endowment investing. He discusses why top universities are offloading assets in secondary markets and how this helps manage underperforming investments. Trammell argues that a concentration strategy has fueled great fortunes, while highlighting the critical role of liquidity today. He also examines Bitcoin's emerging role in portfolios and the importance of building conviction to navigate market challenges.

Aaron Jacobson, a partner at NEA with a rich background in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, dives into the feasibility of Elon Musk's prediction of 10 billion humanoid robots by 2040. He discusses the significant technological hurdles that need to be overcome and contrasts the potential of consumer versus industrial robots. Jacobson also sheds light on the escalating cyber threats expected in the next five years, the importance of penetration testing, and how AI can revolutionize cybersecurity, making this conversation a treasure trove for tech enthusiasts and investors.

In this engaging discussion, Arjun Sethi, Co-Founder and Chairman of Tribe Capital and Co-CEO of Kraken, delves into the future of venture capital and crypto. He shares insights on investing in "N-of-1" companies and the critical differences that set them apart from market leaders. Arjun also discusses how traditional funding stages are evolving, the impact of tokenized equities on capital markets, and his bold predictions for humanoid robotics in defense. His unique perspective on using data-driven strategies reshapes the investment landscape.

Michael Loeb, founder and CEO of Loeb.nyc, shares his journey of resilience after being fired from Time Inc., sparking his path to innovative entrepreneurship. He reveals how he redefined subscription services and co-founded Priceline, one of the first online travel platforms. Loeb discusses the essential role of trust and adaptability in startups and cautions against the dangers of pattern-matching in venture capital. With humor and insight, he illustrates why successful entrepreneurs often thrive in uncertainty and embraces the unique challenges of the AI era.

Sasha Pieterse, actress and co-founder of Hippie Water, shares her journey from Hollywood to the beverage industry. She reveals how her personal health led her to create a hemp-derived THC drink, now in over 140 stores. The discussion dives into why Gen Z is turning away from alcohol, the stigma surrounding cannabis, and the challenges of being a celebrity founder. Sasha also emphasizes the importance of authenticity, strong leadership, and the balance between acting, entrepreneurship, and motherhood in her multifaceted career.

Brett Palmer, President of the Small Business Investor Alliance, advocates for unique capital structures in private markets, while David Demeter manages Davidson College’s endowment and focuses on diverse investments. They delve into the power of Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), which have outperformed benchmarks by ~4% net IRR. The podcast highlights how SBICs can raise up to $175M with low refinancing risk, making them a pivotal tool for growth in the lower middle market, while also tackling the challenging landscape for small businesses in the U.S.