Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Summary
Episode: Hims & Hers, Palantir, & Bitcoin: I have FOMO
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Scott Becker delves into the pressing sentiments of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) within the investment landscape, focusing on three major players: Palantir, Hims & Hers, and Bitcoin. This episode provides valuable insights into Becker's investment experiences, the performance of these assets, and the emotional journey tied to investment decisions.
Understanding FOMO in the Investment Context
Becker opens the discussion by defining FOMO, a term prevalent among younger investors, encapsulating the anxiety of missing lucrative investment opportunities. He sets the stage for analyzing three specific investments that have recently triggered his own feelings of FOMO.
"FOMO, of course, is the commonly used phrase, I think by the younger generation that means fear of missing out."
[00:15]
Palantir: A Solid Investment with Manageable FOMO
Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company co-founded by Peter Thiel, stands as the first focal point of Becker's analysis. As an investor, Scott shares his confidence in Palantir's performance, despite initial fears of missing out on early gains.
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Investment Background: Becker mentions their past investment in Palantir, highlighting his admiration for Peter Thiel and the company's innovative approach.
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Performance Metrics: Palantir has surged by 96% year-to-date, following a robust performance in the previous year.
"God bless that they're up 96% year to date after a great year last year."
[01:10]
- Personal Sentiment: While Becker acknowledges a slight FOMO regarding Palantir, he doesn't express significant regret, indicating satisfaction with their investment timing.
"I've got some fear that I missed out early on it, but not that much."
[00:45]
Hims & Hers: Telemedicine’s Rapid Ascent and Becker’s FOMO
The second investment under scrutiny is Hims & Hers, a company specializing in telemedicine and compounding drugs. Becker expresses a heightened sense of FOMO concerning this asset.
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Business Model: Hims & Hers offers telehealth services, providing accessible healthcare solutions through online platforms.
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Impressive Growth: The company has seen a substantial increase of 112% year-to-date, signaling strong market performance and investor confidence.
"Hims and hers, compounding drugs, telemedicine, etc. Etc. etc. it's up again, 112% year to date."
[02:00]
- Emotional Impact: Unlike Palantir, Becker feels a more profound sense of missing out with Hims & Hers, indicating missed opportunities for greater returns.
"My FOMO today really relates more to Hims and hers and to Bitcoin."
[02:50]
Bitcoin: The Rollercoaster of Cryptocurrency Investment
Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, encapsulates the most intense FOMO experience for Becker, marked by volatility and significant financial implications.
- Initial Investment: Becker invested in a Bitcoin ETF after discussions with his law school colleague, Anthony Scaramucci.
"I bought a Bitcoin ETF a year or two ago after having conversation with the law school colleague Anthony Scaramucci."
[03:10]
- Market Volatility: The value of Bitcoin plummeted from $100,000 to approximately $25,000-$30,000, leading Becker to liquidate his position and realize a tax loss.
"But okay, I got it, I'll buy into. Then crashed. My investment went from 100,000 to about 25 or 30,000. I sold it and took the tax loss."
[03:30]
- Rebound Regret: Bitcoin's rebound to $120,000 left Becker reflecting on his decision to sell, recognizing the missed opportunity for substantial gains.
"Little did I know that that would rebound like crazy insanely and be one of the best performing assets of the last year. It's now back up to 120,000."
[04:00]
- Lessons Learned: This experience underscores the unpredictable nature of cryptocurrency investments and the emotional toll of high volatility on investor psychology.
Conclusion: Embracing FOMO and Moving Forward
In wrapping up, Becker acknowledges the inevitable presence of FOMO in investment strategies. He reflects on the balance between seizing opportunities and managing emotional responses to market fluctuations.
"I don't know exactly what my would have been worth now, but a lot more than 100,000. I took the tax loss. It is what it is. But my FOMO today really relates more to Hims and hers and to Bitcoin."
[04:30]
Becker emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the need to stay engaged with market trends to mitigate feelings of FOMO. His candid recounting of missed opportunities serves as a valuable lesson for investors navigating the complexities of private equity and the ever-evolving business landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Diversification and Timing: Investing across different sectors like data analytics, telemedicine, and cryptocurrency can yield significant returns but requires timely decision-making.
- Emotional Management: Managing emotions such as FOMO is crucial for maintaining a balanced investment portfolio.
- Market Volatility: High-volatility assets like Bitcoin present both opportunities and risks, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before significant investment moves.
For listeners seeking to understand the dynamics of FOMO in investment decisions and gain insights from Becker's personal experiences, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of thriving business sectors and the psychological factors influencing investment strategies.
