Funds that Won

Fund Launch
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Aug 20, 2025 • 22min

Southview Timberland: Scaling a Fund from Dirt, Trees, and Vision: Ep 60

In this episode of Funds That Won, we sit down with John Bernard of Southview Timberland Investments to uncover how a fund manager turned entrepreneur built a timberland fund in one of the most overlooked asset classes. John shares his journey from Wall Street to launching Southview, the unique economics of timber investing, and how biological growth provides consistent returns regardless of market conditions. We explore land appreciation, harvesting strategies, and the challenges of scaling a fund in such a relationship-driven industry. John also opens up about fundraising lessons, managing risk, and what it really takes to grow a billion-dollar fund in a niche market.
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Sep 4, 2024 • 39min

Alt St: Making High Finance Accessible To All | Ep 59

You can sign up for free at www.altst.org/?sl=podcast
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Aug 21, 2024 • 34min

The Future of Private Equity Seeding | Peter Birk | Catalyst Partners | Ep 58

In this episode of "Funds That Won," I sit down with Peter Birk from Catalyst Partners, a subsidiary of Moelis Asset Management, focused on seeding new and emerging private equity managers. Peter discusses the strategy behind Catalyst Partners, which includes backing debut private equity funds with sizable checks ranging from $50 to $100 million. He shares insights into how they support managers through first-close capital and revenue share arrangements, and the importance of talent and grit in building a successful asset management firm. The conversation offers a deep dive into the world of private equity seeding and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
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Aug 14, 2024 • 48min

A Venture Fund That Invests In Arizona Based Entrepreneurs | AZ-VC | Jack Selby | Ep 57

In this episode of "Funds That Won," Lincoln interviews Jack Selby from AZ-VC, a venture fund focused on supporting Arizona-based entrepreneurs. Jack shares the challenges Arizona startups face in securing Series A funding locally and how AZ-VC aims to fill that gap by leveraging his extensive network from his PayPal days. They discuss the current state of the venture capital market, the importance of timing, and how Jack's deep commitment to Arizona's tech ecosystem drives the fund's strategy. Jack also reflects on the personal motivations and experiences that led him to launch AZ-VC.
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Aug 7, 2024 • 60min

A $750 Million Fund That Invests In Emerging Food Brands | Andrew Smith | Savory Fund | Ep 56

Join Andrew Smith, Founder of Savory Fund, as he delves into the exciting world of food investments. With a focus on emerging brands, he discusses how Savory helps small businesses grow with both capital and operational support. Andrew reveals strategies for scaling restaurants and highlights the unique cash flow dynamics of food ventures compared to tech. Discover the fascinating journey of turning a tech entrepreneur into a restaurateur, plus the innovative rise of brands like Liquid Death that are shaking up the beverage scene.
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Jul 31, 2024 • 40min

Investing In Industrial Real Estate | Smart Asset Capital | Brock Mogensen | Episode 55

In this episode of "Funds That Won," I sit down with Brock Mogensen from Smart Asset Capital to discuss the inception and growth of their company. Brock shares how Smart Asset Capital evolved from a property management and brokerage firm into a syndication and private equity business, leveraging existing infrastructure to scale quickly. He delves into their strategic focus on industrial real estate, highlighting the opportunities and returns in this sector. Brock also explains their decision to shift from syndication deals to launching their first fund, aiming to diversify investor risk and capitalize on multiple deals simultaneously.
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Jul 24, 2024 • 41min

Using Both Funds and Syndications To Build a Multi-Family Empire | Bow Tie Capital | Brent Mott | Ep 54

In this episode of "Funds That Won," I sit down with Brent Mott of Bow Tie Capital, a firm specializing in commercial real estate syndications and funds. Brent shares insights into Bow Tie Capital’s unique approach, including their focus on raising funds from non-accredited investors and their diverse portfolio spanning self-storage, medical office buildings, and affordable housing developments. He also discusses the firm's ambitious goal of managing a billion dollars in assets by the end of the decade. Tune in to hear Brent's inspiring journey from leaving his corporate job to controlling nearly $200 million in assets and his vision for the future of Bow Tie Capital.
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Jul 17, 2024 • 53min

A Venture Fund Solving America's Most Acute Problems | Narya | Colin Greenspon | Ep 53

In this episode of "Funds That Won," Colin Greenspon from Narya discusses his venture capital firm's unique focus on funding companies addressing critical societal issues like GDP growth, improving American lives, and protecting sovereignty. He explains how Narya prioritizes investments in industrial sectors such as agriculture, energy, and defense, often in overlooked regions like Ohio and Illinois. Colin shares insights into their strategic partnerships, including co-founders JD Vance and Peter Thiel, and their concentrated investment strategy. Highlighting successful investments like a gene therapy company and a faith-based app, he demonstrates Narya's commitment to impactful, long-term investments. Colin also offers advice for emerging fund managers, emphasizing the importance of a clear thesis, a strong network, and genuine conviction in their choices.
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Jul 11, 2024 • 17min

Behind The Scenes of a $420 Billion Hidden Empire | Ares Capital Management | Ep 52

Dive into the hidden empire of a major asset manager specializing in private credit, with over $428 billion in assets. Discover its impressive growth since its founding in 1997 and how it adapted to public trading. Explore the strategic advantages of large firms versus emerging managers in the private credit market. Plus, unpack the controversies surrounding their COVID-19 loan handling, revealing both their strengths and challenges in maintaining a leading position.
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Jul 3, 2024 • 42min

Leveraging Capital To Help Immigrant Founders | Nitin Pachisia | Unshackled Ventures | Ep 51

In this episode of Funds That Won, I sit down with Nitin Pachisia from Unshackled Ventures, a fund focused on supporting immigrant founders by managing their immigration processes. The Unshackled team consists of immigrant founders that understand the stress of navigating visas, government agencies, and the intense start-up atmosphere. Nitin explains their unique approach of investing in founder potential rather than business plans, emphasizing early-stage investments. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining a disciplined investment thesis and following intuition in venture capital.

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