Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Ian Charles, founding partner at Arctos Partners, shares his insights on private equity's evolving landscape. With a focus on institutional investment in major North American sports leagues, he discusses the competitive dynamics between General Partners and Limited Partners. Ian highlights the importance of data-driven insights for strategic positioning and the challenges smaller firms face. He also delves into the intersection of private equity and sports ownership, showcasing how innovative investment strategies can create win-win scenarios for both sectors.

Ian Charles and Doc O’Connor, co-founders of Arctos Sports Partners, discuss their groundbreaking approach to investing in minority stakes of professional sports teams. They dive into the lucrative investment landscape, spotlighting their recent success with MLB and NBA franchises. The duo shares insights on due diligence, the significance of 'coopetition' in ownership, and transformative trends like sports betting. They also reflect on personal growth, habits that foster success, and the importance of relationships in their careers.

Anthony Pompliano, an entrepreneur and media creator with a massive following of DIY investors, shares his insights on building influence and capital. He discusses his competitive spirit, leadership lessons from Facebook, and how to monetize a social media audience through investing. Pomp also reflects on the importance of writing, transforming simple letters to his children into valuable life lessons in his book. He highlights the impact of influential mentors and emphasizes the significance of embracing life’s possibilities with optimism.

Mitchell Green, founder and managing partner of Lead Edge Capital, discusses the innovative strategies of his growth equity firm, which invests in tech-enabled businesses. He shares how they leverage a vast network of over 700 LPs to connect portfolio companies with valuable resources. The conversation covers his journey through finance, the significance of strategic networking, and the rigorous diligence process for early-stage investments. Green also highlights the vibrant culture at Lead Edge, emphasizing passion for work and the importance of gratitude.

Private equity fund flows are experiencing significant challenges. The supply-demand imbalance since 2019 is explored, revealing how rapid fundraising and slowed exits are affecting investors. The discussion highlights the critical need for portfolio rebalancing and the search for new capital sources. Predictions for a return to normalcy in 2025 are debated, with a consensus suggesting that the market is not quite ready for that shift.

Join John Reynolds, Jonathan Farber, and J McLane from Lime Rock Capital as they share the breathtaking journey of CrownRock, which transformed a $96.5 million investment into a $12.5 billion sale. They discuss innovations in vertical and horizontal drilling, key threats to the business, and the critical 'forever hold' mindset that fueled incredible capital growth. The conversation also touches on navigating crises like the global financial crash and the 2020 pandemic, along with the strategic choices that led to CrownRock's historic acquisition by Occidental Petroleum.

Mark Sullivan and Roberto Isch are Partners at Wellington Management, with Mark leading the Hedge Fund Group and Roberto focusing on risk and portfolio management. They delve into the evolution of hedge fund strategies at Wellington, highlighting the shift to a structured, market-neutral approach. The duo emphasizes talent acquisition and the importance of collaboration in driving performance. They discuss navigating risks in capital allocation and leveraging market volatility for active management opportunities, while also sharing personal insights on mentorship and defining success.

Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand and a bestselling author focused on helping businesses clarify their messages. In this discussion, he shares his insights on effective storytelling, emphasizing the seven key elements that resonate with customers. Miller introduces storybrand.ai, a tool that crafts taglines in mere minutes, demonstrating the power of concise messaging. He also highlights the importance of positioning customers as heroes in narratives, fostering trust through consistent communication, and the vital role of empathy in building strong brand connections.

Ron Biscardi, CEO and founder of iConnections, joins Katie O'Reilly to discuss optimizing the conference experience. They highlight strategies for effective budgeting and maximizing value at industry events like Global Alts and Davos. The conversation emphasizes the importance of genuine relationship-building over immediate sales, as well as the evolving dynamics of fundraising, particularly in regions like the Middle East. Additionally, they share insights on defining success metrics and forming valuable partnerships for future conferences.

Scott Bessent, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Key Square Group, is a seasoned global macro investor with a 40-year track record, including a notable tenure at Soros Fund Management. In this conversation, he reflects on his nomination for Secretary of Treasury and its potential impact on the economy. Bessent shares insights on navigating investment landscapes, discusses pivotal life experiences and mentorship, and explores the historic currency trade against the British pound. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and long-term relationships in both finance and life.