This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Diego De Colombres, founding general partner of Dissent Capital. Diego shares his journey from equity research to launching a specialized crypto fund of funds. The discussion also explores the importance of backing emerging managers, building concentrated portfolios in a volatile market, and the evolving strategies required for success in crypto venture capital. Key takeaways include the value of specialization over generalization...
Aug 13, 2025•43 min•Ep. 69
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Brian O'Neil, a veteran CIO with over four decades of investment experience, who provides a candid overview of the current venture capital landscape. Brian discusses the challenges facing venture capital, including excessive funding, prolonged private company lifecycles, and the shift from growth-at-all-costs to profitability. He also emphasizes the importance of diversification, understanding investment portfolios, and the need f...
Aug 06, 2025•36 min•Ep. 68
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Wendy’s Origin Story and Entry into Allocator World (1:17) Early Lessons as an Allocator (3:59) Gravitating Toward Private Assets (6:39) Founding Ivy Invest: The Problem and Vision (8:06) Trends and Tailwinds in Asset Management (11:01) Challenges Bridging Institutions and Individuals (13:55) Bridging Institutional and Individual Experiences (16:47) Is Retail Capital a New Institutional Staple? (19:58) Why Early-Stage Venture “Math Still Works” (...
Jul 30, 2025•41 min•Ep. 67
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Jon Wolkin, Managing Director of Deloitte Ventures. Jon shares his journey from investment banking to corporate venture, highlighting Deloitte's $150 million fund strategy that balances direct and fund investments across key technology verticals like AI, future of work, and health tech. The discussion reveals critical insights into corporate venture capital, emphasizing the importance of having a clear "North Star" strategy, under...
Jul 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 66
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Quincy Brown, Managing Director at FEG Investment Advisors. With 29 years of experience, Quincy discusses how his firm serves mission-driven organizations by integrating responsive investing strategies, focusing on diverse and emerging managers, and balancing financial performance with social impact. Key topics include the evolution of ESG investing, technology's role in creating new investment opportunities, and the importance of...
Jul 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 65
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Farhan Lalji and Dario de Wet, Co-Founders of LTV Capital. During the conversation, Farhan and Dario discuss their unique approach to investing in emerging fund managers. They share insights into evaluating new venture capital funds, emphasizing the importance of understanding a manager's "why," network strength, and hustle factor. The conversation also explores the challenges of venture capital scaling, the potential of managers ...
Jul 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 64
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa sit down with Clare McLaughlin, Partner at TLI Bedrock. Clare shares her unexpected path from art history and professional harpist to VC, along with her distinctive lens on early-stage investing in sectors like material science, defense, and deep tech. She highlights the importance of founder execution, financial storytelling, and aligning investments with personal values. The episode also explores the evolving role of family offices and ...
Jul 02, 2025•54 min•Ep. 63
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Brian Brackeen, Managing Partner at Lightship Capital. Brian shares his unconventional journey from tech founder to venture capital allocator. He discusses his vision for democratizing venture capital by investing in overlooked regions like the Midwest and challenging traditional investment biases, and emphasizes the importance of founder-focused investing, leveraging AI in fund management, and creating opportunities beyond coasta...
Jun 25, 2025•46 min•Ep. 62
This week on Swimming with Allocators , Earnest and Alexa welcome Evan Finkel and Charlotte Palmer from Integra Global Advisors. Evan and Charlotte discuss their approach to venture capital investing, focusing on emerging managers while also sharing insights into evaluating new fund managers, emphasizing the importance of transparency, unique investment theses, and consistent communication. The conversation also covers challenges in the current VC landscape, including the competitive fundraising...
Jun 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 61
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Current IPO Drought Discussion (1:12) Assessing Venture Capital Allocations (4:01) AGM Season Insights (9:17) Leveraging AGMs for Impact (12:47) Debate on LP Due Diligence Frameworks (15:27) Democratization of VC Access (20:32) Hamilton Lane Product Introduction (21:54) Emerging Manager Programs Challenges (24:25) Vanguard's Private Equity Recommendation (26:39) Technological and Economic Shifts (28:12) Climate Fund Investment Discussion (33:12) ...
May 28, 2025•39 min•Ep. 60
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Introduction of Guests (0:13) Raudline’s Journey to Allocator (1:18) Kevin's Non-Traditional Path (2:37) Lessons from the Allocator Perspective (4:03) Balancing Process and Creativity (9:54) Raudline’s Firm Inspiration (11:15) Kevin's Firm Motivation (13:57) Building Founder Relationships (19:10) Embracing Discomfort for Growth (24:04) Changes in LP Expectations (30:28) Growth Through Discomfort (34:31) Characteristics of a Good Investor (37:30) ...
May 14, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 59
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Justin's Journey into Finance (1:11) Changes in Investment Management (4:59) Institutionalization of RIAs (7:47) Overview of AWM Capital's Services (11:22) Athletes as Clients (15:16) Engaging Athletes as LPs (16:21) Educating Clients on Private Markets (20:19) Regulatory Shifts in Venture Funds (24:23) Insider Segment: Emerging Managers and Diverse Perspectives (27:38) Complex Fund Agreements (31:02) Venture Capital Strategy Insights (33:11) Evo...
Apr 30, 2025•57 min•Ep. 58
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Differences Between Canada and the US (1:17) Canadian Ecosystem Growth (3:32) LP Network Composition (4:36) Gap in Corporate Investment (8:12) Paula's Journey at BDC Capital (10:54) Government Support for VC (14:05) Advice for Attracting Capital (18:56) Venture Ecosystem Growth in Canada (22:08) Insider Segment: Evolving Role of Legal Counsel (24:57) Impact of Legal Partnership (29:01) Measuring Success in Ecosystem Building (30:34) The Camel Met...
Apr 16, 2025•48 min•Ep. 57
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Laura's Journey to Allocator (1:05) Differentiators of Sapphire Partners (6:35) Advice for New Allocators (9:54) Shifts in Manager Selection Focus (11:41) Understanding the Underwriting Process (14:57) Balancing Emerging and Established Managers (16:09) Characteristics of Successful Emerging Managers (18:04) The Importance of Fund Size and Strategy (20:11) Insider Segment: Trends in Venture Structures (27:11) Consolidation of Relationships in Fun...
Apr 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 56
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Lockwood's Background and Journey (0:46) Vincimus Capital Overview (2:09) Democratization of Private Markets (3:51) Transition to Private Equity (4:52) Influence of Shackleton's Endurance (7:43) Current Market Opportunities (8:40) Criteria for Ideal Clients (14:26) Opportunities in Larger Investments (17:09) Slow Dating in Manager Selection (20:26) Evaluating Deal Opportunities (22:07) Insider Segment: SVB's Approach to Innovation (26:10) Diversi...
Mar 19, 2025•49 min•Ep. 55
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Ian’s Journey in Wealth Management (0:41) Founding Westfuller Advisors (5:05) Challenges in Early Days (10:36) Current Differentiation and Pitch (12:18) Long-term Strategic Asset Allocation Model (14:37) Ownership Lens Focus (16:57) Advocacy for Due Diligence (18:16) Economic Mobility and Career Decisions (22:32) Insider Segmeng: Catalyst 2045 Initiative Overview (25:59) Investment Focus Areas (28:32) Challenges in Supporting Underrepresented Fou...
Mar 05, 2025•51 min•Ep. 54
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Meghan's Background and Journey (1:18) Capital Formation Insights (7:39) Lessons from Goldman Sachs (9:05) Advice for Emerging Managers (11:11) Importance of Client Experience (17:00) The Competitive Landscape of Venture Capital (19:14) Changing GP and LP Relationships (23:29) Creativity in Investor Relationships (28:19) Insider Segment: Florida’s Diverse Venture Ecosystem (31:10) Challenges and Opportunities in Florida Startups (35:40) Talent Ac...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 53
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Samir’s Background and Journey (0:31) Founding Allocate (1:09) Emerging Managers Focus (4:26) Market Cycles and Investment Strategies (8:11) Current Market Trends (12:22) Illiquidity in Venture Capital (14:04) Misconceptions About Venture Capital (16:05) Direct Investments vs. Fund of Funds (19:51) Operational Needs of Wealth Advisors (22:13) Building Infrastructure for Investment (24:16) Insider Segment: Nico Toro of Silicon Valley Bank (27:00...
Feb 05, 2025•54 min•Ep. 52
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Insider Segment: SVB’s Role in the Innovation Economy (1:14) Challenges for Emerging Managers (4:31) Global Innovation and Connectivity (6:15) SVB's Offerings Beyond Financing (8:41) Treasury Services and Liquidity Solutions (10:59) Ertan Can’s Background and Journey into VC (13:45) The Birth of Multiple Capital (17:41) Pan-European Portfolio Strategy (20:38) Investment Jurisdictions and Structures (24:06) Opportunities for US Investors (28:27) E...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 51
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Reflections on Season 2 (0:45) Discussion on Industry Changes (2:18) Concerns Over Capital Allocation (6:05) Emerging Trends in Allocator Careers (8:18) Co-Investments Trend (10:23) Challenges of Co-Investing (12:43) Allocator Self-Awareness in Co-Investing (17:52) Debate on Valuation Processes (19:02) Challenges of Fundraising (22:00) Impact of AI on the Industry (23:21) Targeting the Right LPs (25:02) Predictions for 2025 (29:51) Future Guests ...
Dec 04, 2024•41 min•Ep. 50
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Bob’s Background and the Best and Worst of Running a Coffee Shop (0:11) Transition to Nonprofit Work (1:59) Formative Experiences in Finance (3:47) Transforming Nathan Cummings Foundation (5:43) Shifting Organizational Culture (7:36) Convincing Skeptics of Impact Investing (11:53) Defining Impact Investing (15:03) Mission-Aligned Investing Toolkit (16:28) Insider Segment: AI Solutions for Today’s Financial Institutions (18:43) Custom AI Solutions...
Nov 27, 2024•44 min•Ep. 49
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: The Story of the Ford Foundation (1:05) Development of Mission Investment Criteria (4:08) Results of the Investment Strategy (7:21) Complexity of Impact Investing (10:16) Importance of Long-Term Perspective (12:57) Learning and Adapting in Impact Investing (17:08) Quality Jobs Impact Investing (21:41) Insider Segment: AI-Driven Solutions for VC Funds and Portfolios (24:09) Successful Engagements and Outcomes (27:55) AI Integration in Business Str...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 48
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sarah's Background and Career Journey (0:18) Importance of Capital Allocation (5:09) Investment Philosophy (8:30) Manager Selection Framework (9:41) Framework Adaptability (12:54) Team-Based Decision Making (15:51) Investment Edge and Sustainability (16:43) Insider Segment: Enhancing Fund Thesis Through Custom AI Solutions (18:14) Impact of AI on VC Firms (21:03) The Role of Discipline in Fund Management (23:10) Importance of Mentorship in the In...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 47
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Christina's Accidental Career Path (0:51) Entry Into Hedge Funds (2:43) Storytelling in Venture Capital (3:22) Market Research Importance (5:54) Lessons from Bridgewater (7:55) Consulting at FBG (11:28) Education's Role in Consulting (13:03) Client Needs for Reliable Data (15:32) Understanding Venture Goals (17:39) DPI vs. IRR Narrative (18:43) Insider Segment: Custom AI Model Training (21:10) Data Security Risks (26:11) Cost-Effectiveness of Cus...
Nov 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 46
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Grady Becoming a Limited Partner (0:52) Networking and Mentorship (3:14) Understanding LP Dynamics (5:29) Job Satisfaction Among LPs (9:03) Understanding Corporate Innovation Needs (13:57) Connecting Startups with Limited Partners (15:22) Value Addition in Fund Manager Selection (18:30) Local Corporate LPs vs. State Money (20:22) Outside-In Investment Approach (22:51) Insider Segment: Implementing AI in VC and Portfolio Companies (24:14) The Impo...
Oct 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 45
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Darren's Background and Career Journey (1:09) Thesis on Private Markets (5:11) History and Focus of Provenio Capital (6:42) Investment Structuring for Clients (10:22) Investment Process for New Managers (13:44) Current Interests in VC Managers (15:08) Building Relationships with VC Fund Managers (16:28) Understanding Venture in Portfolio Context (18:26) Insider Segment: Setting Institutional-Grade Back Offices (19:13) Operational Diligence in Fun...
Oct 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 44
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sean’s Background and Journey in VC (1:07) First Deal Learning Experience (3:22) Conviction in Allocating (5:08) User-Friendly LP Approach (7:35) Openness to Manager Relationships (11:19) Overview of Gresham Partners (12:14) Strategy on Smaller Investments (14:10) Macro Trends Influencing Venture Strategy (15:57) Influence of Families on Investment Strategy (19:52) Capital Pool Structure (22:00) Insider Segment: Best Practices for Emerging Manage...
Oct 16, 2024•51 min•Ep. 43
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Anurag’s Background and Experiences in VC (1:05) Understanding Venture Capital Dynamics (2:26) The Importance of Transparency (5:33) Expectations of Returns (9:06) Emerging Manager Trends (11:30) Family Offices and Investment Strategies (12:49) Exploring Emerging Geographies (15:56) The Importance of Risk in Venture (17:53) Learning from Allocators (22:56) Insider Segment: Trends in Fund Structures (25:48) The Role of Fund Administrators (29:22) ...
Oct 09, 2024•53 min•Ep. 42
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Lisha's Background and Journey in VC (1:44) Inspiration for Equity Charge (2:38) Angel Investing Data (4:36) Access to Venture Capital (6:02) Role of LP Investing (9:32) Advice for First-Time LPs (11:07) Valuing Early Backers (15:04) Economic Opportunity Fund at PayPal Ventures (16:14) Team Collaboration and Initiative (17:24) Advice for Other Organizations (20:00) Insider Segment: How Adoro Provides Scalable Solutions for VC Firms (21:09) Naming...
Oct 02, 2024•44 min•Ep. 41
Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Bradley's Background and Journey in Politics and VC (1:08) Regulatory Challenges in VC (3:18) Understanding Political Dynamics (4:18) Investment Strategies in Regulated Industries (6:00) Importance of Local Politics (9:33) California AI Bill Overview (11:25) Political Implications of the AI Bill (13:17) AI in Government Processes (16:08) Impact of AI on Legal Marketplaces (18:51) Sector-Specific Growth in GovTech (20:38) Political Influence on Te...
Sep 25, 2024•39 min•Ep. 40
