E124: Is Venture Capital Entirely Based on Luck? University of Chicago and Oxford Study

In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Alifia Doriwala, Co-CIO and Managing Director at RockCreek, a multi-asset and OCIO solutions firm managing $16 billion in assets. Alifia delves into RockCreek’s unique approach to managing customized portfolios for endowments, foundations, and pensions. She shares her perspectives on navigating public and private markets, the evolving role of hedge funds, and the outlook for IPOs and M&A activity in 2025. This conversation is packed with insights for asset managers, institutional investors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of market trends and investment strategies.

In this episode of the How I Invest Podcast, I interview David Clark, CIO of Vencap, to discuss the venture capital landscape. We discuss assumptions about small vs. large venture funds, unpack survivorship bias in performance data, and explore the power law dynamics in early-stage and growth funds. David Clark shares Vencap's strategy for identifying top-performing managers, insights on fund size limits, and the implications of political and economic shifts on venture capital. A must-listen for investors seeking a data-driven perspective on navigating the venture ecosystem.

In this episode of How I Invest, I connect with Gregor von dem Knesebeck, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Future Partners. Gregor shares the story of building a successful fund-of-funds focused on venture capital, emphasizing brand building, portfolio construction, and navigating the unique challenges of venture investing as a family office. This episode provides insights into venture capital portfolio strategies, the power law of returns, and best practices for fund allocation. A valuable listen for emerging fund managers, family offices, and anyone exploring fund-of-funds strategies.

In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Elizabeth Browne, Managing Director and Co-Head, Sponsor Solutions Group & Elevate at GCM Grosvenor. Elizabeth shares her deep expertise in GP seeding—a niche yet growing area in private equity—covering topics such as structuring deals, the challenges of building institutional-grade asset management firms, and how to identify and support future industry leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the nuances of private equity, the intersection of investing and firm-building, and the future of the seeding market.

In this episode of How I Invest, David Weisburd speaks with Ron Diamond, a renowned expert in the family office space and the founder of Diamond Wealth. Together, they explore the transformative role family offices are playing in private markets, the impending $84 trillion wealth transfer, and the challenges of professionalizing family office operations. Ron also shares his insights on governance, structural alpha, and strategies for raising grounded, ambitious children in wealthy families. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of family offices and their potential to disrupt private equity and venture capital.

In this episode of How I Invest, David Weisburd is joined by Teddy Gold, the Founder and CEO of 3i, a membership-based platform that connects elite investors. Teddy discusses key insights into private equity, venture capital, and niche investing strategies. He shares his experiences with scaling asset management, navigating the complexities of private credit, and the power of leveraging networks to uncover investment opportunities. A must-listen for those interested in the intersection of high-level investment strategies and the value of relationship-driven networks.

Najada Kumbuli, Vice President, Head of Investments at Visa Foundation sits down with David Weisburd to discuss what makes a first-time fund manager a breakout success, why storytelling matters in impact investing, and why this is the most challenging fundraising market since 2001.

In this episode of How I Invest, we’re joined by Michael Kakenmaster, Director of Investments at Loyola University Chicago. Michael shares his journey and expertise in managing university endowment portfolios, with a focus on private markets and hedge fund strategies. He offers valuable insights on how to build sustainable, diversified portfolios and the strategies that have led to success in his role. We also discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital and how institutions like Loyola are adapting to market changes.

Hansen Ringer, Managing Director at Sepio Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the asset class that delivers equity-like returns without the market risk, what distressed credit reveals about market cycles and investor behavior, and what happens when stocks and bonds move together.

Victor Mayer, Managing Director, Head of Private Wealth at Pantheon sits down with David Weisburd to discuss why top GPs are rushing to evergreen funds, how Pantheon balances small-cap potential and large-cap stability, and the benefits of Pantheon’s no-cost co-investment deals.