Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Tom Lenehan, the CIO at the Wallace Foundation, discusses his pivotal role in guiding $2 billion to foster equity in education. He shares his transition from deputy CIO to CIO and the challenges of managing during COVID. The conversation delves into asset allocation priorities, including his perspectives on China, inflation, and the balance between ethical investment and profitability. Tom reflects on navigating team dynamics and governance while preparing for future risks, blending personal insights with strategic investment philosophy.

Tom Lenehan, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Rockefeller University, shares insights from managing a $2B endowment at an institution focused on biomedical research. He discusses the unique investment strategies that balance growth with risk management. Tom reflects on his upbringing in Cleveland and early career challenges in finance. He dives into the nuances of venture capital, emphasizing relationship-building and adaptive strategies. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience in achieving success.

Sebastian Mallaby, a renowned expert in venture capital and a Paul A. Volcker senior fellow for international economics, shares insights from his latest book, exploring the venture industry's evolution and its profound impact on innovation. He discusses the crucial roles of mentorship and networking in fostering startup success, and reveals challenges like the industry's gender gap. Mallaby also reflects on the lessons from his writing journey and emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal passions for deeper fulfillment in work.

Steve Papa, the innovative Founder and CEO of Endeca, shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights from two decades in tech. He discusses the transformative story of Endeca and his ventures with companies like Toast. Steve highlights the importance of talent evaluation, resilience during challenges, and the differences between venture ecosystems in Boston and Silicon Valley. Additionally, he reflects on lessons learned from entrepreneurial mistakes, emphasizing communication skills as a cornerstone for success. It's an engaging look into the world where venture capital meets entrepreneurship.

Kathy Xu, the Founding Partner of Capital Today, shares her journey from a small town in Sichuan to becoming a venture capital powerhouse in China. She discusses how her firm's evergreen fund structure provides long-term benefits for investments and the vital role of government policies in shaping the market. Kathy highlights her strategies for identifying promising companies and founders, and the intense competition within the Chinese venture landscape. Her insights into entrepreneurial innovation illuminate the exciting future of investment in China.

Chris Heller, Co-Founder of Cordillera Investment Partners, shares insights on investing in unique, non-correlated assets. He discusses the burgeoning market of whiskey aging and how it parallels other commodities. Heller also dives into unconventional investments like alligator farming and spectrum for 5G technology, highlighting the need for specialized knowledge. With a focus on disciplined risk management and portfolio construction, the conversation emphasizes navigating the complexities of these 'weird alternatives,' all while balancing life and family.

Renata Quintini and Roseanne Wincek, co-founders of Renegade Partners, dive into their transformative journey from established names in venture capital to launching their own firm. They reveal insights on the dynamics of creating a spin-out, the importance of partnership, and their unique stage-focused investment strategy. The duo discusses the fierce competition for talent in the sector and shares how decision theories enhance their investment practices. They also touch on personal passions, blending their professional insights with relatable life experiences.

Kelsey Chase, Founder and President of Aumni, transitioned from a corporate attorney to a pioneer in venture capital analytics. He dives deep into how Aumni helps investors track complex deal terms and the transformative impact of data in private markets. Kelsey discusses trends in venture financing, challenges in navigating funding stages, and the importance of legal infrastructures. He also shares personal insights, including his love for outdoor winter sports and the daily habits that keep him grounded in a fast-paced industry.

Arjun Sethi, Co-founder and CEO of Tribe Capital, shares insights from his journey as an entrepreneur turned venture capitalist. He discusses innovative investment strategies that leverage product and data science to identify promising startups. Arjun highlights the importance of navigating the intersection of technology and venture capital, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. He also reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, the significance of engaging with customers, and the evolving challenges within the venture capital landscape.

James Aitken, Founder of Aitken Advisors and a macroeconomic guru, shares his insights on the market ramifications of the Ukraine crisis. He discusses how geopolitical events are shifting investor focus from inflation to risk tolerance, complicating decision-making for long-term investors. Aitken dives into the friction within financial systems, the tumult in energy markets versus ESG goals, and the repercussions of financial sanctions. Expect engaging thoughts on cryptocurrencies, reserve currencies, and the strategic adjustments needed in investment portfolios.