How I Invest with David Weisburd

James Langer is the Chief Executive and Investment Officer at Redmont Wealth Advisors, specializing in small-cap value investing. He discusses why small-cap stocks are outperforming large caps, driven by market dynamics and historical trends. Langer highlights the complexity of implementing these strategies in institutional portfolios and the advantages of active management versus indexing. He also explores the critical role of governance in enhancing shareholder value and offers insights on effective portfolio analysis tools for investors.

Chris Dion, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Brockenbrough, shares insights from managing over $4 billion in assets. He discusses why small buyout funds often outperform larger ones, emphasizing the critical role of deal leaders. Chris explains the importance of a client-first approach and how operational focus enhances returns in shifting economic conditions. The conversation also covers the evolution of investment strategies, highlighting the growing interest in small buyouts and the benefits of tailored management practices.

Christopher Zook, Founder and CIO of CAZ Investments, shares insights on scaling his firm to over $8B in assets. He discusses the hidden costs of keeping the wrong team members and common cultural pitfalls CEOs face. Zook emphasizes the importance of fostering a high-performance culture through structured onboarding and continuous learning. He also examines the evolving dynamics of sports investments, highlighting the shifts towards private equity, and the growing accessibility of investment opportunities for everyone.

Jake Paul, co-founder of Betr and a boxing sensation, alongside Joey Levy, a sports gaming expert, reveals their ambitious vision for revolutionizing sports betting. They discuss the significance of self-belief and how psychedelics have impacted their professional growth. The duo dives into their unique marketing strategies and the importance of user experience in tapping into the casual sports fan market. They also share insights on achieving a $100 billion valuation while balancing equal ownership and partnership dynamics within their fast-growing company.

Dean Duchak, Chief Investment Officer at KFF, shares insights from his 13 years at the foundation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in endowments. He discusses the delicate art of balancing thematic investing, particularly in healthcare and AI, with diversification strategies. Duchak also highlights the critical role of fostering relationships with venture capital partners to stay ahead of market trends. His perspective on the challenges and opportunities of managing a $700 million endowment offers valuable guidance for institutional investors.

David Sawyer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner at Legacy Knight, shares insights from his journey in the multi-family office sector. He discusses the common pitfalls investors encounter in GP stakes and explains why middle-market GP stakes are set to outpace traditional investments this year. David emphasizes the competitive edge smaller firms have in serving high-net-worth clients and explores the crucial role that investment bankers play in navigating GP stakes transactions. Dive into the evolving landscape of portfolio construction and the promising avenues for high-net-worth investors.

Ben Challgren, Principal at Top Tier Capital Partners, offers insights from managing around $8 billion in assets. He discusses what defines a top-performing fund and the critical role of local managers in European ventures. Listeners learn strategies for scouting winning startups and the complexities of the secondary venture market. Challgren emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between fund managers and investors, highlighting the balance of risk and reward in navigating this competitive landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Charles Hudson, Managing Partner at Precursor Ventures, shares insights on nurturing first-time fund managers and crafting innovative investment strategies. He challenges traditional views on startup founders, asserting that experience can come in various forms. The importance of effective pitching and relationship-building with limited partners is emphasized, alongside the complexities of venture capital at the pre-seed stage. Hudson also discusses the evolving landscape and the need for adaptability in navigating these challenges.

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.