Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Dive into the fascinating world of bottled water with insights on Blue Triton Brands, formerly part of Nestle. Discover how key players like Poland Spring and Deer Park dominate the market. The conversation also unpacks the private equity carve-out that reshaped the industry. Curious about who really owns your favorite water brands? Tune in to explore ownership trends and gain a fresh perspective on the bottled water landscape.

Beezer Clarkson, a respected investor at Sapphire Ventures, Chris Douvos of Ahoy Capital, and Joelle Kayden from Accolade Partners dive into the current state of venture capital. They explore the challenges facing venture capitalists post-market selloff, discuss funding discipline, and the impact of fresh entrants on strategies. The trio also highlights future opportunities, especially in the blockchain sector, and shares insights on navigating seed stage valuations and the importance of seasoned management in these turbulent times.

Joelle Kayden, Founder and Managing Partner of Accolade Partners, brings nearly 20 years of tech investment banking experience to the discussion. She reflects on navigating the venture capital landscape, from launching Accolade during the dot-com bubble to evolving strategies over the years. Joelle shares her insights on winning in venture capital, the necessity of building strong cultures, and the importance of diversity in investment. She also highlights the challenges of current market valuations and the therapeutic benefits of hobbies like fly fishing.

Beezer Clarkson, Managing Director at Sapphire Ventures, shares her wealth of knowledge about early-stage venture investing. She discusses the unique relationship Sapphire has with SAP and the intricacies of Series A investments. Beezer delves into the challenges of filter through numerous fund opportunities, the due diligence process, and the significance of companies staying private longer. She also introduces #OpenLP, a platform she created to amplify the voices of VC limited partners, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the venture capital landscape.

Chris Douvos, Managing Director at Venture Investment Associates and author of the Super LP blog, shares his fascinating journey from strategy consulting to venture capital. He discusses the evolving landscape of venture investing, highlighting key trends and the importance of relationship management. Douvos emphasizes the challenges of negotiating fees in a competitive market and advocates for focused portfolios over diversification. With insights on innovation and the human elements of investing, he provides a unique perspective on navigating the venture capital world.

Dan Ivascyn, Group-CIO of PIMCO with 25 years at the firm, discusses the dynamic landscape of fixed income markets. He shares insights on adapting investment strategies amidst economic changes, highlighting the importance of risk management. Ivascyn emphasizes building trust in leadership, especially during transition periods. The conversation touches on opportunities in the current bond market, while also blending personal passions like skiing with professional wisdom, offering advice for newcomers in the finance world.

Delve into the fascinating world of private equity with a spotlight on Fenway Sports Group. Explore their impressive portfolio, including the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC. Hear insights from Arctos founder Ian Charles and FSG’s President Sam Kennedy as they discuss the impact of strategic investments in sports franchises. Uncover the dynamics of ownership and the stories behind high-stakes deals. This engaging conversation sets the stage for a season rich with business intrigue and sports passion.

José E. Feliciano, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clearlake Capital Group, shares insights from managing over $75 billion in assets. He discusses his journey from banking to private equity, the challenges of flexible investment strategies, and the operational dynamics within his firm. Insights into innovative investments, such as Chelsea Football Club, highlight the parallels between sports and technology sectors. José also delves into the significance of transparency in investment processes and the evolving landscape of capital management.

Brian Philpot, President and CEO of AgAmerica, shares his 24 years of experience in agricultural finance and the urgent need to support farmers. He discusses how AgAmerica originated $2 billion in loans and highlights the shift from traditional banks to innovative lending solutions. Topics include the future of farming amid declining farmland, the challenges of food security, and the importance of technology in agriculture. Philpot also emphasizes building strong relationships with farmers and addressing recruitment challenges in the financial sector.

Marshall Boyd, Co-President and CIO at Interstate Equities Corporation, shares insights from his journey in real estate investing. He discusses transforming a family-run business into an institutional powerhouse focused on multi-family apartments. Topics include innovative sourcing strategies, the critical role of location, and detailed asset management. Boyd recounts an intriguing deal in Encinitas, highlighting operational challenges. He emphasizes adaptation in the dynamic market and shares lessons on grit and leadership, intertwining personal philosophy with professional success.