Swimming with Allocators
Earnest Sweat, Alexa Binns
Dive deep into the world of investment with "Swimming with Allocators," hosted by Earnest Sweat and Alexa Binns. This podcast brings you into the nuanced discussions of asset allocation, portfolio management, and financial strategies through the eyes of seasoned investors and industry leaders. Whether you're a budding investor or a professional looking to refine your strategies, Earnest and Alexa provide insightful, actionable advice that demystifies complex financial concepts and market dynamics. Each episode of "Swimming with Allocators" is crafted to enhance your understanding of investment processes and how top allocators navigate today's economic landscape. The hosts bring a wealth of experience and a knack for breaking down intricate topics into digestible, engaging content. Join them as they explore different investment philosophies, discuss trends shaping the financial world, and interview experts who share their seasoned perspectives on creating lasting wealth and optimizing portfolio performance.
Episodes
QED Chronicles: Lessons Learned from a Top VC for Selecting New Managers with Alex Edelson
Alex Edelson shares his journey from COO at QED Investors to founding Slipstream Investors, focusing on early-stage venture capital funds. He discusses the challenges and strategies of scaling venture firms, the importance of identifying and supporting emerging managers, and the characteristics of successful VC funds. The conversation delves into the dynamics between GPs and LPs, emphasizing the value of responsiveness, transparency, and strategic support. Edelson also highlights the critical role of understanding fund mechanics, like co-investments and portfolio construction, to optimize venture capital investments.
Expanding Your Investment Strategy to Include Venture Capital with Kate Nevin
In this informative episode of "Swimming with Allocators," hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat delve into the transformative journey of venture capital investments with Kate Nevin, portfolio manager at TSW two Capital Advisors. Nevin shares her extensive experience and the evolution of her family's investment firm, which transitioned from a wood stove business into a successful investment entity. This episode provides a thorough examination of the strategies and philosophies driving current investment trends, particularly in supporting diversity and women in venture capital. Listeners gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of fund management and the benefits of integrating venture capital into their investment strategies, especially in today's dynamic market landscape.
The Strategy for Selecting Top Co-Investments as a Limited Partner with Josh Porter
In this insightful episode of "Swimming with Allocators," hosts Alexa Benz and Ernest Sweat engage with Josh Porter, who shares his extensive experience in venture capital, particularly in managing co-investments as a limited partner. The discussion delves into the unique dynamics of the LA venture ecosystem, the evolution of investment opportunities in smaller funds, and the intricacies of forming lasting partnerships in the venture capital world. Porter elaborates on the strategic approach of Firstlook Partners in identifying and supporting emerging managers with funds under $50 million, emphasizing the importance of institutional-grade partnerships and tailored co-investment strategies to navigate the complexities of venture capital investments effectively.
How Should Fund Managers Approach Pension Plans in Private Market Investing? Featuring Edward Comerford
In this episode of "Swimming with Allocators," hosts Earnest Sweat and Alexa Benz delve into the nuances of pension plan investments in private markets with Edward Comerford, Director at San Francisco Employees Retirement System. They discuss the long-term strategies and the role of venture capital as a growth driver in pension portfolios, emphasizing the need for consistency and long-term commitment in venture investments. Edward shares insights on balancing risk and return, the importance of investing with a mission, and the unique considerations when managing pension plan investments, such as regulatory compliance and the public nature of funds.
Private Detective to Private Investments: Life Lessons from Caprock's Chris Schelling
In this enlightening episode, hosts Earnest Sweat and Alexa Benz explore the multifaceted career of Chris Schelling, who brings a psychological perspective to investment strategies. Schelling discusses his transition from institutional roles to a more agile position at Caprock, a firm managing over $8 billion in assets with a significant stake in private markets. He highlights the appeal of venture capital, its challenges, and the nuances of investment in alternative asset classes. Throughout the conversation, Schelling shares his expertise on behavioral finance, emphasizing its critical role in investment decisions and market behavior. His insights extend beyond finance, touching on the dynamics of family offices and the strategic advantages of private investments.
Continuous Improvement: How to 10x Your LP and VC Processes with Jason Calacanis
In this revealing episode of "Swimming with Allocators," hosts Ernest Sweat and Alexa Binns engage with veteran investor Jason Calacanis to explore the intricacies of VC and LP investments. Calacanis shares his journey and the lessons learned from both successes and missteps in the venture world. He discusses his initial foray into the VC space, his approach to evaluating and selecting funds, and his experiences with public equities. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of deal flow, decision-making processes, and strategies for doubling down on winning investments. Calacanis emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire investment lifecycle, and how his personal experiences have shaped his current practices.
Start, Bench, or Cut: Which Emerging Manager Archetype Do You Want on Your Team?
In this lively discussion, hosts Alexa Benz and Ernest Sweat engage in a "Start, Bench, or Cut" game, analyzing various types of fund managers through a venture capital lens. The episode dissects key strategies for emerging managers and provides insights into the due diligence processes used by institutional investors. They discuss the challenges new fund managers face, especially around scaling and maintaining investor relationships over successive funds. Through engaging debates and listener questions, the hosts provide a comprehensive look at the intricacies of venture capital fund management, offering both tactical advice and broader strategic insights for both allocators and fund managers.