Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

David Abrams, Founding Partner of Velocity Capital Management, shares his journey from distressed investing to sports ecosystem investing. He delves into the formation of Velocity, emphasizing partnerships with founders in sports and media. Abrams discusses the strategic revitalization of the X Games, illustrating the importance of innovation in engaging younger audiences. He also reflects on the diligence process for non-control investments and how relationships shape success in altering investment landscapes. Personal insights reveal his resilience and passion for mentorship.

Colin Campbell, a Partner at Bain Capital, dives deep into the world of environmental markets, being an early mover in the space. He shares his investment thesis and explores carbon credits' role in climate transition, as highlighted by industry leaders like Tom Steyer. The conversation uncovers the mechanics of compliance and voluntary markets, discussing their evolving dynamics and opportunities for investors. Colin also reflects on his journey from law to investment, emphasizing lessons learned from mentors and the complex landscape of sustainable finance.

Dive into the remarkable turnaround of TaylorMade, highlighting its challenges and strategic improvements. A representative from KPS shares insights on how the company navigated a broken process and revitalized its brand. Perfect for golf enthusiasts looking for inspiration this season!

Bill Orum, a Partner at Capricorn Investment Group and veteran of mission-aligned investing, shares insights from his two-decade journey at the firm. He discusses innovative investment strategies focused on climate solutions and the importance of sustainable funding approaches. The conversation dives into the challenges of supporting emerging impact managers and explores the potential of distressed investing in clean technology. Orum also highlights the significance of empathy in finance and balances his professional insights with personal passions like hockey.

Tom Steyer, founder of Farallon Capital Management and climate activist, shares his journey from Wall Street to advocating for climate solutions. He discusses the urgency of investing in renewables and innovative technologies like battery storage and nuclear fusion. Steyer reflects on his presidential run, emphasizing the moral responsibility of addressing climate change and systemic reform. He highlights the importance of capital allocation in combating environmental challenges and the need for a proactive approach to sustainable investing.

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.