E149: From $0 to $1B in 3 Years: Fin Capital's Meteoric Rise in Fintech Investing

In this episode of How I Invest, Billy Libby, Co-Founder and CEO of Upper90, discusses how his firm is redefining venture capital through a hybrid investment model that combines equity and credit. He shares how Upper90 empowers founders to scale without excessive dilution and offers insights into navigating today’s venture landscape. Billy’s approach to alternative financing provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

In this episode of How I Invest, Aaron Hodari, Managing Director at Schechter, delves into the world of wealth management and alternative investments. He shares how his firm navigates market uncertainties, crafts resilient portfolios, and uncovers unique opportunities for high-net-worth clients. Aaron's insights provide valuable lessons for investors seeking to optimize their financial strategies.

In this episode of How I Invest, Logan Allin, Managing Partner and Founder of Fin Capital, shares how his firm uses AI-powered predictive models to evaluate startups. We explore how AI can assess founder DNA, predict billion-dollar outcomes, and transform the venture capital landscape. Logan also highlights the surprising traits that lead to startup success, the advantages of repeat founders, and what the future holds for fintech. This conversation offers valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of AI and venture capital.

In this episode of How I Invest, I speak with Brendon Parry, Head of Private Markets, Deputy CIO, and Managing Director at TIFF Investment Management. Brendon shares insights on TIFF’s mission to serve nonprofit institutions through tailored investment solutions. He discusses the importance of private market investments, the legacy of leaders like David Swensen, and how TIFF partners with foundations to achieve long-term financial goals. Tune in for actionable strategies and valuable perspectives from a seasoned investment professional.

In this episode of How I Invest, I dive deep into a conversation with Charlotte Zhang of Inatai Foundation. Charlotte shares her approach to managing a $2.4 billion private investment program, the importance of market inefficiencies, and how she strategically builds GP relationships. We explore how Inatai identifies top managers, why LPs are increasingly interested in fundless sponsors, and what makes a great investment philosophy. Whether you're an LP, VC, or just curious about institutional investing, this episode is packed with insights on capital allocation, conviction-based investing, and long-term partnership building.

In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Matt Fitzpatrick, CEO of Invisible Technologies and former head of McKinsey’s QuantumBlack Labs. Matt shares his deep insights on enterprise AI adoption, model fine-tuning, and the challenges businesses face when integrating AI into their workflows. We explore why only 8% of AI models make it to production, how enterprises can overcome friction points, and the future of AI-powered enterprise solutions. If you’re curious about the intersection of AI and business strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of How I Invest, I interview Robert Cherun, an expert in search funds and small-cap investing. Robert shares his journey from launching his own search fund to building and exiting a highly successful business. We dive into the fundamentals of search funds, the economics of acquiring and scaling small businesses, and the key traits that make a successful searcher.

In this special solo episode of How I Invest, I break down one of the most powerful forces in investing: compounding. Over the course of 142 episodes, I’ve discovered that the best investors all leverage compounding—not just in their portfolios but in every aspect of their business. From relationships and reputation to proprietary information and top talent, compounding creates exponential advantages in a hyper-competitive market.

In this episode of How I Invest, I interview Scott van den Berg, an expert in celebrity-founded brands and the managing partner of Hotstar VC. Scott shares deep insights into how celebrities are leveraging their platforms to build billion-dollar businesses and why some partnerships thrive while others fail. We discuss the shift in celebrity investments, the rise of creator-led brands, and key lessons from success stories like Ryan Reynolds' Mint Mobile, Kim Kardashian's Skims, and George Clooney's Casamigos.

In this episode of How I Invest, I have a conversation with Scott Chan, Chief Investment Officer of CalSTRS, to explore how he oversees a staggering $350 billion in assets. Scott shares insights on CalSTRS’ collaborative investment model, their approach to private and public markets, and why they aim to be the "global partner of choice." We also discuss the importance of structural alpha, liquidity management, and identifying long-term supply-demand imbalances.