How I Invest with David Weisburd

Scott Richland, the Chief Investment Officer at Caltech, shares insights about managing a $4.6 billion endowment. He discusses the importance of strategy discipline in asset management and how they select direct investments. The conversation touches on Caltech's unique access to top venture funds and the balance between risk and stability in institutional investments. Richland highlights strategies for managing market dynamics and emphasizes the value of emotional resilience. He also reflects on fostering a team atmosphere that celebrates successes and learns from failures.

Kunal Sood, Managing Director at Pantheon, shares insights from his firm managing $67 billion in assets. He discusses how U.S. investors can tap into India's vibrant venture capital and private equity scene. Kunal highlights key trends shaping India's unicorn ecosystem and the impact of regional demographics on investment opportunities. The conversation also touches on the importance of local relationships and infrastructure advancements in India, alongside potential strategies for investing in other emerging markets like Japan and Australia.

Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of Serhant and star of *Million Dollar Listing New York*, discusses how his Netflix show *Owning Manhattan* revolutionized his real estate business. He shares insights on transforming a brokerage into a 'sales as a service' model, emphasizing culture and technology's roles in enhancing productivity. Serhant introduces the 'thousand minute rule' for better time management, while also reflecting on personal branding and resilience in overcoming business challenges.

Justinas Milašauskas, Investment Manager at Willgrow, sheds light on the intricacies of single-family office investments. He discusses the risks and rewards of investing in spinouts, revealing how seasoned professionals seek independence. The conversation highlights the importance of quick decision-making and strong manager relationships in navigating the fragmented venture capital market. Justinas also shares key insights on portfolio diversification, ticket sizing, and the unique strategies necessary for both bear and bull markets.

Alex Hormozi, an entrepreneur and founder of Acquisition.com, shares his inspiring journey of building a $150 million net worth. He discusses losing his fortune twice, showcasing the resilience required to bounce back. Hormozi emphasizes strategic risk-taking, the importance of customer retention, and how to master demand in business. He also dives into leveraging social media for growth and the dynamics of effective team management, all while highlighting the significance of value creation and collaboration in successful enterprises.

Francesca Cornelli, Dean of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, shares her expertise in private equity and business education. She discusses the impact of CEO turnover in private equity and shares case studies highlighting unique board decision-making. Francesca emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence over traditional metrics in fostering collaboration amidst competition. The conversation also covers mentorship's role in private equity and the growing collaboration between academia and industry to enhance educational practices.

Mark Shoberg, CIO & Partner at Capital Creek Partners and a veteran of top endowments like University of Texas and Stanford, shares insights on institutional investing. He discusses the optimal size for endowments and strategies for crafting the perfect investment platform. Mark emphasizes the significance of strong partnerships and team dynamics in managing investments. He also explores market timing, portfolio construction, and the challenges presented by national debt, offering wisdom on adapting strategies for both large endowments and family offices.

Travis Shore, the CIO at the University of Illinois Foundation, and David Weisburd, an expert in strategic adaptations for CIOs, engage in an insightful discussion on navigating investment landscapes. They tackle the importance of adapting to market cycles and the avoidance of herd behavior, while emphasizing the role of rigorous debate in decision-making. Key strategies to manage risk and liquidity during financial crises are highlighted, alongside the evolution of the endowment's investment philosophy and the value of developing institutional knowledge.

Albert Azout, Managing Partner at Level Ventures, teams up with David Weisburd, a seasoned venture capital professional, to uncover the secrets of identifying top-tier fund managers. They discuss the importance of data in analyzing fund performance and spotting promising founders early. The conversation also touches on the flywheel effect in investment networks, strategies for successful portfolio construction, and the nuanced balance between quantitative and qualitative insights in venture capital. It's a masterclass in leveraging social capital for optimal investment opportunities.

Rob Rahbari, Senior Investment Officer and Assistant Treasurer at the University of Rochester, joins expert David Weisburd to dive into institutional investing. They discuss the untapped potential of diverse fund managers and the necessity of inclusion in investment strategies. Insights on macro factors affecting investments, the importance of nurturing relationships with investment partners, and strategic portfolio construction are shared. They also emphasize the role of community impact through innovative programs and diversity in manager selection.