Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Dennis Lynch, Head of Counterpoint Global, brings his impressive experience managing over $100 billion in assets to the conversation. He discusses his unique approach to building strong research teams and how misclassified companies present major investment opportunities. Lynch emphasizes the significance of adaptability in his strategies over the years, touching on the power of time arbitrage and the influence of long-term perspectives, especially drawing lessons from Amazon's investment philosophy.

Henrique Dubugras, co-founder and CEO of Brex, shares insights on transforming B2B financial services. He details Brex's evolution from a credit card for startups to a comprehensive finance platform, highlighting the complexities of building a central financial account. The conversation highlights differences between the entrepreneurial landscapes of Brazil and the U.S. Moreover, Henrique discusses his long-term vision for Brex and how it shapes decision-making, emphasizing the need for innovation in a rapidly changing market.

Justin Fishner-Wolfson, co-founder of 137 Ventures, shares insights from his journey in venture capital, particularly in liquidity solutions for private companies. He discusses the intriguing information asymmetry between public and private markets and the growing importance of secondary markets for tech firms. The conversation highlights the evolving business valuations influenced by data, examines the rise of fractionalized infrastructure, and emphasizes the need for informed decision-making in investment strategies.

Peter Reinhardt, co-founder and CEO of Segment, shares insights from guiding a leading customer data platform after its acquisition by Twilio. He discusses the transformation of Segment from an educational tool to a vital business solution, emphasizing the importance of meeting customers where they are. The conversation covers the often-overlooked value of revenue operations, strategic sales approaches, and the evolving landscape of customer data privacy. Reinhardt's candid reflections on entrepreneurship provide a rich learning experience for builders and leaders alike.

Brent Beshore, who leads Permanent Equity Fund, shares invaluable insights gained from navigating the post-COVID economy. He delves into the resilience of the market, shaped by government actions, and discusses the surprising boom in the pool market amid pandemic home improvements. Brent also highlights the importance of adaptability in deal-making, emphasizing trust and creativity over mere financial bids. With a focus on effective executive compensation and the challenges in small business private equity, his perspectives on inflation impact are particularly enlightening.

In this conversation, Jeremy Cai, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Italic, shares insights on disrupting traditional retail by connecting consumers directly with manufacturers, cutting costs significantly. He delves into the evolving role of manufacturers in supply chains and how emotional and rational decisions influence consumer choices. Jeremy discusses the challenges of competing with established brands and the aspiration of creating an 'everything store,' emphasizing the importance of innovation and kindness in entrepreneurship.

Eli Dourado, an economist and senior research fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity, dives deep into the alarming stagnation of labor productivity. He reveals innovative technologies in biotech, alternative energy, and space that hold promise for reversing this trend. Dourado discusses the critical role of total factor productivity while examining the barriers to progress. The conversation also highlights cutting-edge developments, including mRNA and CRISPR, and their implications for future economic growth and societal advancement.

James Reinhart, founder and CEO of thredUP, dives into the unique model of his online thrift marketplace, focusing on in-house processing of clothing. He discusses the transformation from negative margins to robust unit economics and how automation reshapes warehousing. Reinhart emphasizes the urgency for sustainable practices in fashion, advocating for a circular economy. With a blend of optimism and innovation, he shares insights on technology's role in driving positive change in the retail landscape while sharing personal reflections on resilience and support.

In this discussion, Andrew Sugrue, co-founder of Avenir Growth Capital, shares insights from his journey in investment. He emphasizes the importance of identifying businesses with sustainable advantages and leveraging technology for growth. The conversation touches on notable portfolio companies like SavageXFenty, highlighting their focus on inclusivity and community-driven narratives. Sugrue also explores the shift to direct-to-consumer models and the evolving dynamics of the lingerie industry, providing valuable lessons for investors looking to adapt to modern market demands.

Alyssa Ravasio, co-founder and CEO of Hipcamp, shares her journey of bootstrapping a platform for discovering camping trips. She discusses transforming fragmented outdoor information into a cohesive digital experience and the importance of creating not just great but magical camping adventures. Alyssa also reflects on the challenges of maintaining quality in a growing marketplace, emphasizing community and conservation, and recounts a touching story about the impact of kindness on her journey. Get ready to be inspired to head outdoors!