Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry

Steve Rattner, Chairman and CEO of Willett Advisors and former journalist, shares his unique journey from the New York Times to investment banking and government service. He discusses the complexities of managing Michael Bloomberg’s family office, emphasizing team building and a nuanced approach to investments in private equity and hedge funds. Rattner offers insights into navigating emerging markets like China, the challenges of corporate stewardship, and the impact of political polarization on investment strategies. Personal anecdotes add a reflective touch to his investment philosophy.

Matt Miller, Managing Director of Grey Rock Investment Partners and co-founder, discusses his journey in the energy sector and the transition of Grey Rock from traditional oil and gas to a focus on renewables. He shares insights on identifying niche opportunities within the energy landscape, especially related to carbon capture technologies. The conversation also touches on the balance between financial returns and environmental goals, the complexities of fundraising in renewables, and valuable life lessons on perseverance and mentorship.

In this engaging discussion, Kristof Gleich, President and CIO of Harbor Capital Advisors, shares his journey from physics to finance, detailing a dramatic business turnaround by pivoting to active ETFs. He reflects on cultural differences between Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan that shaped his leadership style. Gleich dives into the evolution of active ETFs post-SEC rule changes, emphasizing innovative strategies in a competitive market. He also touches on the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning, and the exciting future of alternative investments within ETFs.

Dan Ariely, a renowned behavioral economist and professor at Duke University, discusses the interplay between human capital and corporate success. He shares insights on how employee treatment affects performance, highlighting gender differences and the impact of ESG standards. Ariely emphasizes the importance of continuously refreshing data on human capital, especially post-COVID. His innovative approaches suggest that understanding collective motivation can drive better market returns. Additionally, he reflects on personal growth and valuable lessons learned during the pandemic.

Stephen Nesbitt, CEO and CIO of Cliffwater, shares his remarkable journey in the investment consulting world. He discusses the evolution of his firm, focusing on alternative investments, and his successful pivot to managing private credit assets for RIAs. The conversation dives into the complexities of launching interval funds, innovative fund structures, and the immense growth of a flagship fund targeting the RIA market. Nesbitt emphasizes the importance of relationships and adaptability in navigating today’s investment landscape.

In this insightful discussion, David Salem draws on over 40 years of institutional investing experience, having served as the founding president and CIO of TIFF. He delves into the intricacies of manager selection, risk management, and decision-making within investment committees. Salem also shares his views on global markets, particularly China and Japan, and explores emerging trends in private equity and digital assets. His unique insights illuminate the pressures institutional investors face and the principles that guide successful investment strategies.

Rahul Moodgal, a partner at Parvus Asset Management and co-founder of Capital Allocators Summits, discusses his journey from teacher to master fundraiser. He shares insights on navigating capital-raising in a challenging environment and emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over mere technical skills. The launch of Capital Allocators University aims to equip investor relations professionals with essential skills. Additionally, he highlights the significance of structured philanthropy frameworks and personal growth lessons that resonate throughout his career.

Rahul Moodgal, a seasoned fundraiser with 20 years of experience, has raised an astonishing $60 billion across investment strategies and non-profits. In this discussion, he shares invaluable lessons on capital raising, emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust in client relationships. He explores evolving fee structures and modern marketing strategies while reflecting on both successes and failures in a fluctuating market. Moodgal also contrasts the nuances between fundraising for investment firms and charities, revealing the power of storytelling in engaging donors.

Join Toby Rodes, Co-Founder of Kaname Capital and a specialist in small-cap Japanese equities, as he dives into the vibrant landscape of Japanese markets. Discover why now is a prime moment for investing in Japan, the evolution of its corporate governance, and the role of private equity in this changing environment. Toby shares insights from his unique journey, blending his love for Japanese culture with financial expertise, and highlights innovative strategies for uncovering value in a market often seen as undervalued.

Mike Maples Jr., partner at Floodgate and a celebrated venture capitalist, has backed early-stage giants like Twitter and Lyft. In this engaging discussion, he reveals his journey into venture capital and the insights that inspired his book, "Pattern Breakers." The conversation dives into his transformative concept of 'inflections' that disrupt markets, the importance of founder-future fit, and how curiosity can unlock innovation. With anecdotes from his experiences, Mike highlights strategies for identifying successful startups and the journey from rejection to adoption in the tech landscape.