Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Ian Charles and Doc O’Connor, co-founders of Arctos Sports Partners, discuss their impressive journey in acquiring minority stakes in professional sports teams. They share insights on the evolution of sports ownership and how media revenues have transformed franchises into valuable assets. The duo emphasizes the importance of credibility and unique investment strategies in this growing market. They also delve into personal stories, highlighting the influence of their fathers and their daily habits, which fuel their success in the competitive world of sports investments.

In this discussion, Will Cook, a portfolio manager at Sunriver Management and former Ziff Brothers Investments specialist, shares insights on long-short equity investing. He explains the critical traits for effective short selling and the importance of thorough research. Together with Ben Cooper from Cardano Group, they explore the appeal of underfollowed mid and small-cap stocks, evolving investment strategies, and the challenges and opportunities in today’s market, including how to identify potential short-selling targets.

Chas Cocke, founder of LB Partners and former co-founder of Investure, shares his unique journey from allocator to direct stock picker. He reflects on transformative lessons learned at UVIMCO and emphasizes the key traits of successful investors, particularly in identifying hidden growth like in MoneyGram. Cocke discusses his innovative digital infrastructure index, BYTE, and explores the balance between confidence and humility in investment strategies, along with personal insights on trust and the perception of time.

In this engaging conversation, Brian Higgins, the co-founder of King Street Capital, shares insights from his extensive experience managing a $20 billion hedge fund. He discusses innovative investment strategies and the importance of firm culture. Brian reveals how King Street adapted successfully to market disruptions following March 2020, transforming challenges into opportunities. He also emphasizes the value of building trust with investors and the significance of a resilient, diverse team in achieving long-term investment success.

Todd Boehly, Co-founder and CEO of Eldridge, shares insights from leading a multi-billion dollar holding company with diverse investments. He reflects on his beginnings in structured credit and his strategic approach to asset management. The conversation touches on the challenges of negotiating media deals, the role of technology in investment innovation, and the importance of flexibility in sourcing unique opportunities. Todd also delves into the growth of Eldridge and his philosophy on capital allocation and leadership.

In this engaging conversation, Kyle Samani and Tushar Jain, co-founders of Multicoin Capital, share their journey from crypto hobbyists to leading investors. They discuss the evolution of Evanston Capital's approach to cryptocurrency and the meticulous diligence behind selecting managers. The duo highlights lessons in risk-taking and adaptability, and the importance of a strong partnership in investment decision-making. They also explore blockchain's future, emphasizing transformative technology’s potential impact on finance and society.

Richard Tedlow, a former Harvard Business School professor and author of "The Emergence of Charismatic Business Leadership," discusses the evolution of charismatic leadership in American business. He reflects on his transition from academia to Apple University, exploring how technology has transformed CEO roles. Tedlow delves into the traits of charismatic leaders, using examples like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, while also addressing the potential downsides of charisma. He provides insights on personal habits and valuable life lessons, making it a captivating listen.

Himanshu Gulati, Founder and CIO of Antara Capital, shares his insights on event-driven hedge funds. He discusses the importance of fundamental analysis, portfolio management, and risk mitigation strategies. Gulati reflects on his journey from Perry Capital to founding Antara, emphasizing humility and hard work. Personal anecdotes highlight his unique investment philosophies and partnerships, including lessons from a collaboration with a sports figure. Craig Bergstrom, CIO at Corbin Capital Partners, guides the conversation, shedding light on effective investment relationships.

Jordi Visser, President & CIO of Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers, dives into a range of thought-provoking topics. He shares insights on the importance of Adaptability Quotient (AQ) in both life and investment strategies. Visser discusses the implications of the 'great resignation' in asset management and explores market dynamics like inflation, blockchain, and mental health. Additionally, he draws fascinating parallels between horseracing and money management, emphasizing risk-reward analysis. His reflections on personal resilience and effective communication offer valuable takeaways for professionals.

Jordi Visser, President & CIO of Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers, dives deep into the world of innovative investment processes. He shares insights from his decade at Morgan Stanley and discusses the importance of data visualization in risk management. Topics include improving portfolio manager performance, the evolving landscape of hedge funds, and opportunities in biotech and healthcare. Visser also addresses the challenges of analytics in non-equity markets and the implications of high corporate leverage in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.