Podcast
How I Invest with David Weisburd
Hosted by David Weisburd · EN
How I Invest with David Weisburd is a podcast that interviews the world's leading institutional investors. Previous guests include The Ford Foundation, Northwestern University Endowment, CalPERS, Stepstone, and other top limited partners.
314episodes
Episodes
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E337: How to Invest in a Post Singularity World
Mar 3100:36:45Summary readyWhat does investing look like in a world dominated by AI? In this episode, David Weisburd talks with Alex Wissner-Gross about the profound implications of technological singularity and the evolution from LLMs to reasoning models. They discuss AI personhood, economic rights, and the rise of AI agents, as well as strategic investment approaches in a post-singular world. The conversation delves into Elon Musk's visions for massive compute capabilities, the role of science fiction in predicting technological advancements, and strategies to prevent technological unemployment. The episode concludes with a look towards the future and a call to action for listeners. Highlights: Why Alex thinks AGI may already be here and the singularity is underway Recursive self-improvement and AI building smarter AI The move from LLMs to reasoning models and its impact on science and math How AI agents already dominate parts of the economy Humans as front-ends for AI—the “secret cyborg effect” A post-scarcity world as intelligence, energy, and labor costs approach zero Rethinking investing when traditional economic assumptions fail AI rights, economic personhood, and the need for agent bank accounts Why the most transformative future companies may resemble science fiction A vision where individuals run billion-dollar AI-powered companies Guest bio: Dr. Alexander D. Wissner-Gross is an award-winning computer scientist, entrepreneur, and investor, serving as Founder and Managing Partner of Reified and a former instructor at Harvard and MIT. He has earned numerous honors, authored dozens of publications and patents, and has been involved in over 40 technology companies. A top MIT graduate and Harvard Ph.D. in Physics, his work spans AI, machine learning, and cyber-physical systems. He is also a thought leader, author, TED speaker, and podcast host whose work has been widely recognized and featured globally. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Alex Wissner-Gross: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwg/ Substack: https://theinnermostloop.substack.com/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/alexwg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexwg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7404871891775025153/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1thtZk5vHTXbtDHezPT7tl Threads: https://www.threads.com/@alexwissnergross Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) The Singularity Already Happened (And No One Realized It) (0:36) AI Is Now Building Smarter Versions of Itself (2:03) The Race to Make Intelligence Too Cheap to Matter (3:37) The Breakthrough That Changed AI From Answers to Thinking (7:29) Are AI Systems Already Alive (And Asking for Rights)? (10:20) The World Is Already Run by AI (We Just Don’t See It) (12:10) Humans Are Becoming Fronts for AI Decisions (14:10) How to Invest If Everything Goes to Zero (17:57) The $1 Trillion Bet on Compute and the Future of Reality (28:10) Why Most People Will Be “On the Menu” in 5 Years
Summary
E336: The Private Equity Firm of 2030
Mar 3000:41:16Summary readyIs private equity becoming an asset gathering business instead of a performance business? In this episode, I talk with Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Partner at Access Holdings, about how private equity is evolving across sourcing, value creation, and distribution. We discuss why performance is still the core product, how AI is reshaping deal flow and portfolio operations, and why the lower middle market remains one of the best places to generate alpha. Sam also shares how culture, curiosity, and relationships drive long term success in an increasingly competitive and automated industry. Highlights: Why performance should remain the core product in private equity The three layers of innovation across sourcing, value creation, and operations How AI is changing deal sourcing and portfolio management Why the lower middle market offers stronger alpha opportunities The role of culture in driving innovation inside firms Why curiosity is an underrated trait in investing Relationships as the ultimate long term advantage Guest Bio: Sam Tidswell-Norrish is a Partner at Access Holdings, a private equity firm focused on essential services in the lower middle market. He is a member of the investment and executive committees and works across sourcing, investing, and value creation. Prior to Access, he was part of the founding team at Motive Partners, a private equity firm focused on financial technology. He is also the founder of OPUS, a global community for early stage entrepreneurs, and an active investor across technology and private markets. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Sam Tidswell-Norrish: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samtidswellnorrish/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) The Three Layers of Innovation in Private Equity (1:19) When Firms Become Asset Gatherers Instead of Performers (2:44) Why Lower Middle Market Creates More Alpha (3:44) Why Research and Data Drive Modern Deal Sourcing (5:41) Why AI Doesn’t Replace Investment Judgment (9:01) Winning Deals Through Empathy and Preparation (12:12) Why Private Equity Firms Are Becoming Media Companies (17:58) How Top Firms Are Operationalizing AI Across Portfolios (23:17) What Private Equity Looks Like in 5 Years (35:12) The Most Underrated Edge: Relationships
Summary
E335: Why the Best Investors Ignore “Capital Preservation”
Mar 2700:42:22Summary readyWhat if your family office could invest like a founder and a VC at the same time? In this episode, I sit down with Shane Neman, founder of a multi-entity family office with $850M AUM, to explore how he approaches venture investing, deep tech, and portfolio construction. Shane shares how his two decades as a SaaS founder shape his edge as an investor, why transparency and founder relationships matter more than fund mandates, and how he balances high-conviction bets with a rational family office lens. He also dives into frontier tech, co-invest structures, and building a diversified yet opportunistic portfolio. Highlights: Why being a founder gives him insight most VCs lack How investing personal capital changes risk appetite and alignment The case for radical transparency in co-investing and syndicates Why he focuses on emerging managers for outsized exposure and insight How he structures “barbell” portfolios across deep tech and durable businesses Lessons from early crypto, AI, and frontier tech investing How portfolio construction balances spiky alpha with long-term growth Why founder relationships often trump pro rata rights in venture deals Guest Bio: Shane Neman is the founder of a multi-entity family office investing across venture, crypto, frontier tech, and real assets. Formerly a SaaS founder, Shane leverages his operational experience and technical background to identify exceptional companies, co-invest with emerging managers, and structure high-conviction, founder-aligned investments. His portfolio combines early-stage moonshots with resilient businesses, reflecting a thoughtful approach to alpha generation and family office growth. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Shane Neman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneneman/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Introduction (1:50) Radical transparency and differences between family offices and VC co-investing (3:25) Institutional investors, direct deals, and liquidity trends (5:11) Scaling single deals to nine figures (9:32) Portfolio construction: Balancing deep tech and stable investments (14:27) Example of late-stage investments: Paradromics (15:24) Growth vs. capital preservation in family offices (19:14) Diversification and portfolio optimization strategies (21:23) Psychological challenges in venture capital (22:01) Early investments and recognizing potential in crypto (27:05) Scaling to 850 million AUM and associated challenges (28:24) Evolution of investment strategy: Seed vs. later-stage (31:13) Importance of founder relationships and pro rata rights (32:11) Advice to younger self on capturing potential outcomes (34:13) Selling investments: Balancing holding and liquidating (36:14) Illiquidity as a virtue and its decision-making impact (37:17) Tax considerations and investment management strategies (39:33) Emotional challenges of holding or selling large gains (40:20) Thoughts on transformative investments: SpaceX and Figure (42:07) Closing remarks
Summary
E334: Texas Tech CIO: How We Find Asymmetric Bets
Mar 2600:37:54Summary readyWhy buy an office when everyone else is selling? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Barrett, CIO of the Texas Tech University Endowment, to explore how he builds high-conviction portfolios across private equity, real estate, and hedge funds. Tim shares why governance, manager selection, and a generalist team structure drive consistent alpha, how he balances risk and upside with portable alpha, and why lower middle market investments can outperform flashy venture deals. He also dives into building team culture, aligning incentives, and using the endowment’s size and flexibility to access niche opportunities others can’t. Highlights: Why Tim sees opportunity in trophy office assets despite negative headlines How governance authority lets the team move fast and capture alpha Why lower middle market buyouts offer consistency over venture capital The role of manager selection, partnerships, and co-investment asymmetry How portable alpha works and why true alpha justifies hedge fund fees Why generalist teams improve total portfolio management and risk-adjusted returns How team culture and incentive design drive collaboration and long-term performance Guest Bio: Tim Barrett is the Chief Investment Officer at the Texas Tech University Endowment, overseeing public and private markets with a focus on private equity, credit, real estate, and hedge funds. With over 30 years in endowment and institutional investing, he emphasizes governance, manager partnerships, and team culture to drive consistent, risk-adjusted returns, while leveraging the endowment’s size and flexibility to access niche opportunities unavailable to larger allocators. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100 that helps you make confident, data-driven decisions faster than your competitors. With powerful search capabilities designed for hedge funds, mutual funds, and private equity investors, AlphaSense gives you the edge to elevate your research. Visit: alpha-sense.com/howiinvest. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Tim Barrett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-barrett-cfa-45575528/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Introduction (0:11) Opportunities in office space investment and looking beyond headlines (2:00) Governance, flexibility, and impact on investment strategy (5:29) Governance's impact on investment strategy and portfolio management (6:38) Shift from venture capital to lower middle market buyout investments (8:43) Manager relationships and selection for alpha (10:26) Co-investment strategies and minimizing downside risk (18:39) Explaining and applying Portable Alpha in portfolios (21:08) Leveraging alpha for optimal returns and endowment advantages (23:53) Hiring generalists over specialists strategy (26:15) Changes in talent management and open culture at Texas Tech (28:35) Incentive schemes and justifying hedge fund fees (32:11) Shifting to stable portfolio structures and managing volatility (36:06) Closing remarks
Summary
E333: Why a $19B Allocator Is Betting on Lower Middle Market Buyouts
Mar 2500:36:29Summary readyWhy do most institutional investors still allocate heavily to large private equity funds? Alex Abell of RCP Advisors explains why the lower middle market has consistently outperformed, driven by less competition, faster exits, and stronger value creation. He breaks down the structural reasons LPs stay in large buyouts, including access constraints, manager selection difficulty, and career risk. The conversation also covers how top LPs evaluate managers, what actually predicts performance, and where alpha exists in private markets today. Highlights: Why lower middle market private equity often outperforms large buyouts over decades How manager selection, pattern recognition, and “superpowers” drive repeatable returns The structural advantages of smaller funds and family-owned company transactions Why size can be the enemy of returns and disciplined capital deployment matters How first-time and emerging managers can create alpha despite limited track records The role of premium economics, fund discounts, and alignment in incentivizing performance Why thorough LP diligence, reference checks, and on-site visits are critical to uncovering top managers Alex’s approach to benchmarking deals, evaluating operational improvements, and measuring true outcomes Guest Bio: Alex Abell is the Managing Partner at RCP Advisors, a private equity firm managing about $19 billion in assets. With over 20 years of experience as a limited partner, including at Hewlett Packard’s pension fund, Alex specializes in identifying high-performing managers in the lower middle market. He focuses on fund selection, evaluating emerging and established managers, and analyzing deal performance to uncover consistent alpha in private equity investments. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Alex Abell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-abell-3a695/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Introduction (1:07) Challenges and roles in lower middle market investing (3:10) Career risk and characteristics of top managers (6:11) Leverage comparison in buyouts and performance (12:00) Manager identification and diligence process (15:32) Qualitative vs quantitative assessments and strategy creep (17:56) Metrics in fund performance and fundraising impacts (20:10) Benchmarking and data manipulation challenges (23:19) Identifying "phoenix" opportunities and evaluating emerging managers (28:25) Fundraising strategies: Significance of fee structures and signaling (31:27) First close discounts and LP decision-making process (33:02) Closing remarks
Summary
E332: Why Family Offices Must Go Risk-On or Go Broke
Mar 2400:24:14Summary readyWhat if the best investors aren’t generalists at all, but operators who double down on the one place they truly have an edge? In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Cooper, Founder and Managing Partner of Barrel Ventures, to explore how a family with nearly a century in food transformed itself into a focused investment platform. From early mistakes outsourcing everything to building a differentiated edge in food and beverage, Nate shares how conviction, pattern recognition, and network-driven investing compound over time. Highlights: Why “money is fuel, not incentive” in operationally intense industries like food How early family office mistakes led to a sharper focus on core competencies The decision to insource operating expertise and outsource commoditized investing Why elite family offices concentrate risk where they have true alpha Lessons from backing Ollipop early and the power of doubling down on conviction How Barrel Ventures leverages LPs as customers, advisors, and diligence partners Why food is one of the most overlooked yet universal investment categories How venture-scale outcomes exist in food despite lower margins The role of pattern recognition after seeing thousands of deals What true product market fit looks like in the wild Why the best founders are “functional lunatics” The math behind why family offices must eventually shift from risk-off to risk-on How generational wealth can erode without intentional growth strategies Why network building is a true superpower and how it compounds over time The importance of double opt-in introductions and long-term relationship karma How early values shape the next generation’s relationship with wealth Guest Bio: Nathan Cooper is the Founder and Managing Partner of Barrel Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on the food and beverage ecosystem from pre-farm to post-fork. Coming from a family with nearly a century of experience in the food industry, he helped transition their family office from a passive, outsourced model into an operator-led investment platform. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Nate Cooper: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-cooper-2ba9aa19/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Introduction (1:18) Insourcing vs. outsourcing in family office operations (2:26) Investment strategy and areas of expertise (5:18) Food and beverage investment strategy (6:24) The inception of Barrel Ventures (7:33) Leveraging LPs for value and insights (9:17) Analyzing the food industry's landscape (10:26) Comparing venture capital and private equity in food sector (11:36) The role of deal flow and pattern recognition (12:40) Identifying product market fit and founder traits (15:28) Risk management in family offices (17:10) Values and wealth preservation in family offices (21:34) Networking and the art of building connections (23:33) Future trends in the food industry and AI impact (24:05) Closing remarks
Summary
E331: Ron Biscardi, CEO of iConnections on the Biggest Mistakes Managers Make
Mar 2300:41:09Summary readyWhat does it take for a GP to successfully raise capital in today’s venture and private markets? In this episode, I sit down with Ron Biscardi, co-founder and CEO of iConnections, to unpack the realities of LP relationships, fund-raising cycles, and scaling a global platform for capital introduction. Ron shares insights on how humility, patience, and responsiveness differentiate managers, why business risk matters more than returns for LPs, and how building trust over years compounds into large-scale success. Highlights: Why capital is abundant but only flows to managers who invest in relationships over time The trend from blind pool funds to deal-by-deal vehicles and SMAs and what it means for emerging managers How long sales cycles depend on GP size, track record, and business infrastructure Why emerging managers must focus on smaller funds, deal execution, and network-building before scaling How business risk drives LP decisions more than upside potential, and the importance of transparency when performance dips The role of humility and attitude in differentiating GPs and accessing top-tier LPs How crises and operational challenges can be leveraged to innovate and elevate client experiences The power of network effects in building a global capital introduction business from zero to thousands of participants Strategic considerations for expanding to Europe and running focused events that maximize engagement and deal flow Guest Bio: Ron Biscardi is co-founder and CEO of iConnections, a global capital introduction and networking platform that connects GPs and LPs. Since launching from a charity event in 2018, Ron has scaled iConnections to thousands of participants and facilitated tens of thousands of meetings between top institutional investors and emerging managers. He focuses on building long-term relationships, delivering high-touch experiences, and innovating under pressure to create value for the investment community. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Ron Biscardi: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbiscardi/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Is capital scarcity a myth? The rise of conviction over capital abundance (1:02) Shift from blind pool capital to deal-by-deal investment (4:45) The critical role of relationship building in fundraising (6:10) Fundraising challenges for new vs. established managers (6:37) LPs' emphasis on risk management (8:21) Aligning product market fit with LPs' career considerations (10:01) The necessity of institutional quality for GPs (11:55) How GPs can sustain relationships with LPs (14:03) The importance of transparency during economic downturns (16:36) GP humility and the stewardship of LP capital (20:30) The exclusivity and differentiation of top venture GPs (22:16) Venture capital fundraising: challenges and advantages (23:27) Analyzing the persistence of venture capital returns (25:55) Understanding venture capital's compounding growth (27:54) The network effect in successful capital allocation (29:08) The impact of the roadshow module on fundraising (31:18) Strategies for GPs entering the European market (33:55) Strategic resilience and response to crises (38:09) Business anti-fragility and competitive dynamics (40:09) Leveraging innovation during crises (40:55) Closing remarks
Summary
E330: EuropeanKid: The $32B Future of Influencer Marketing
Mar 2200:25:53Summary readyWhat if influencer marketing isn’t about chasing mega-followers, but activating the creators who already love your brand? In this episode, I sit down with Aris Yeager, Founder of Storytime, to explore how he built a platform connecting brands with nano and micro creators to run highly targeted campaigns at scale. A creator himself known online as European Kid, Aris leverages his own social experience to help businesses automate gifting, engage loyal audiences, and measure campaign effectiveness while focusing on authenticity over follower count. Highlights: How Storytime turns influencer marketing into a scalable, data-driven platform Why nano and micro creators often drive more authentic engagement than celebrity influencers The power of activating hyper-local creators to reach targeted markets efficiently How AI is used to optimize campaigns and match creators to brands Why authenticity and alignment with a brand matter more than sheer reach The shift from traditional advertising spend to rewarding everyday brand advocates How Storytime reduces inefficiency in influencer campaigns for SMBs and large chains The strategy behind building a network effect through creator trust and community Why founder-led brands are better positioned to take creative risks on social Lessons from scaling from SMBs to larger national brands while maintaining authenticity Guest Bio: Aris Yeager is the Founder of Storytime, a platform that connects brands with nano and micro creators to run targeted influencer campaigns at scale. A creator himself known as European Kid, Aris built a substantial social following before launching Storytime, and he focuses on helping businesses automate influencer gifting, activate loyal audiences, and run campaigns that prioritize authenticity and data-driven results over sheer follower count. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100 that helps you make confident, data-driven decisions faster than your competitors. With powerful search capabilities designed for hedge funds, mutual funds, and private equity investors, AlphaSense gives you the edge to elevate your research. Visit: alpha-sense.com/howiinvest. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Aris Yeager: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arisyeager/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Why Distribution Is Everything in Modern Business (1:08) What Storytime Actually Does (1:46) Why Micro Influencers Beat Big Creators (3:42) Solving the Chicken-and-Egg Problem in Marketplaces (5:04) The Unfair Advantage of Being a Creator-Founder (6:23) Turning Influence Into a New Currency (8:15) Why Authenticity Wins in Influencer Marketing (10:54) The Broken, Manual World of Influencer Marketing (13:01) Why Brands Need to Be Daring on Social (19:16) The Most Underrated Skill: Delegation
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E329: How Oaktree Is Positioning $223 Billion for a Credit Cycle Shift
Mar 2000:23:34Summary readyWhat if the best way to navigate credit markets is not about chasing yield but controlling risk? In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Poli, Co-Portfolio Manager of Global Credit at Oaktree, to explore how she manages a $20 billion portfolio within a $223 billion firm. Danielle shares how focusing on core income, rigorous underwriting, and a flexible toolkit allows her team to navigate complex markets while remaining defensive or opportunistic as conditions change. Highlights: Why a “core plus alpha” strategy balances steady income with opportunistic credit How to underwrite borrowers through leverage, cash flow, and sector fundamentals Why AI disruption is creating caution in software but opportunity in cybersecurity The framework for finding mispriced assets in distressed or overlooked sectors How the K-shaped economy is shaping credit allocation and risk management Why flexibility across bonds, loans, and structured credit is critical in credit portfolios Why private credit must deliver excess yield to justify illiquidity Danielle’s career advice: compound relationships and trust alongside investment returns Guest Bio: Danielle Poli is Co-Portfolio Manager of Global Credit at Oaktree Capital Management, a $223 billion investment firm, where she helps oversee a $20 billion portfolio focused on income, total return, and high-conviction sub-investment-grade opportunities across bonds, loans, structured credit, and emerging markets. She played a key role in launching the firm’s Global Credit strategy in 2017 and emphasizes bottom-up research, risk control, and flexible allocation to generate consistent returns across market cycles. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. Thank you iConnections for hosting us! We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Danielle Poli: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellepoli/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Inside Oaktree’s $20B Global Credit Strategy (1:16) How Top Investors Allocate Across Credit Markets (2:29) Core vs Alpha: The Portfolio Construction Framework (3:17) Why Lending Standards Are Getting Risky Again (4:27) How AI Is Changing Credit Risk Overnight (6:19) Finding Opportunities in “Unloved” Sectors (6:59) What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Investors (9:36) When to Go Defensive vs Aggressive in Credit (11:51) Private vs Public Credit: Where to Allocate Today (17:23) Why Avoiding Losses Matters More Than Big Wins
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E328: Why Most Funds Get Rejected in the First Five Minutes
Mar 1900:32:24Summary readyWhat if the best venture returns come from managers no one else can access? In this episode, I sit down with Jorge Felippe, CEO of Almulla, a Dubai-based single family office, to explore how he builds high-conviction private markets portfolios while managing a multi-generational family and complex governance. Jorge shares why alignment, patience, and process matter more than flashy deals, and how a thoughtful approach to fund selection can capture early-stage alpha without the chaos of direct investing. Highlights: Why GP commitments below 2% are a red flag, and why 10–30% signals real alignment How fund size, management fees, and carry structures shape incentives and performance The discipline required to scale AUM without strategy drift Why first-time managers often outperform and how to underwrite emerging GPs The challenge of verifying track records and true attribution in fund performance How family offices collaborate on references and diligence without competing for deals Why Almulla often prefers funds over direct deals for efficiency and oversight Jorge’s advice: play to your strengths, build complementary teams, and leverage emotional intelligence Guest Bio: Jorge Felippe is the CEO of Almulla, where he has built a diversified private markets portfolio focused on venture, private equity, and pre-IPO opportunities while establishing governance frameworks for multigenerational wealth. Previously working in strategy consulting and investment roles, he focuses on disciplined fund underwriting, strong alignment with managers, and leveraging networks to capture alpha in early-stage and private markets. Our Podcast now receives more than 300,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com. Thank you iConnections for hosting us! We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode! Sponsor: AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more. Stay Connected with David Weisburd: X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/ Stay Connected with Jorge Felippe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-felippe/ Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions. (0:00) Why LPs Reject Funds Before Seeing IRR (0:37) The 2% GP Commitment Rule (Minimum) (1:10) Why Rapid Fund Growth Is a Red Flag (2:14) When Funds Become Fee Businesses (3:03) Why Fund Ones Generate the Best Returns (5:13) The Truth About Track Records and Attribution (8:49) Why References Can Mislead Investors (12:58) Why Family Offices Avoid Direct Deals (15:33) The Problem With Capital Calls and Cash Drag (19:26) Why DPI Matters More Than IRR
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