Swimming with Allocators

A new episode is coming this week featuring Grady Buchanan of NVNG Investment Advisors, LLC!

You can't cut corners in anything worth building. Life is a J-curve. When building a venture firm, setting the standard early with the right back office makes a difference that compounds for years to come. In this week's episode of Swimming with Allocators, we delve into the crucial role of institutional-grade back office practices in the long-term success of a venture fund. Braughm Ricke of Aduro Advisors emphasizes the significance of establishing these standards from day one. A strong fund administration isn't just about having the right personnel like a CFO or an operating partner. It's about the entire ecosystem—from how you manage documentation to how you engage with institutional LPs during operational due diligence. Braughm shares how they provide operational due diligence questionnaires proactively to their clients, ensuring that from the start, there is clarity, quality, and security in all processes. This meticulous attention to the back office not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds trust with investors, setting the stage for sustainable growth and success. Tune in to learn why cutting corners in the back office can cost you much more than just operational efficiency, and how setting up strong foundations leads to lasting achievements in the venture capital world. Join us to discover insights that could redefine your approach to building and managing a venture fund.

Why switch from traditional public markets to the dynamic world of private markets? For Darren Chappell, CFA, CAIA of Provenio Capital, the transition was not just a change of pace but a strategic move influenced by the burgeoning opportunities in private equity, real estate, and private credit. In our latest episode of Swimming with Allocators, Darren shares how Provenio was conceived with a clear vision: to harness the explosive growth of private markets and offer nuanced, high-quality investment advice that traditional allocators struggled to provide. Founded eight years ago amidst a market less penetrated by multi-family offices, Provenio set itself apart by focusing deeply on sourcing, diligencing, and monitoring niche, idiosyncratic opportunities that others missed. Join us to discover how Provenio stays ahead in advising families on private market investments, setting a standard for personalized and forward-thinking financial strategies.

As RIAs delve deeper into the venture asset class, understanding their nuanced strategies is crucial. In our upcoming Swimming with Allocators episode, Alexa Binns and I explore the world of RIAs with Darren Chappell, CFA, CAIA, Senior VP of Investments at Provenio Capital. Darren shares insights on how Provenio excels in sourcing and diligencing alternatives across diverse asset classes, not just in venture capital. Discover how RIAs like Provenio set themselves apart by offering tailored investment solutions for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Darren discusses the importance of disciplined investment practices and strategic asset allocations in navigating private markets effectively. Join us to learn how experienced allocators are adapting to the changing landscape of venture fund investments and what Provenio seeks in new managers for superior returns. Don't miss these expert insights—tune in tomorrow!

Setting up a new fund goes beyond finances; it's about building the groundwork for future success. This week on Swimming with Allocators, I interviewed Braughm Ricke from Aduro Advisors shares insights on critical foundations for emerging fund managers. Braughm emphasizes the significance of selecting the right service providers and establishing a clear vision from day one. Understanding operational and strategic baselines is key, whether planning a multi-generational platform or a finite investment chapter. Leveraging advanced technology for data analysis can refine strategies and offer a competitive edge. Tune in to learn about building a robust operational framework for sustainable growth and success in the venture capital realm.

New episode featuring Sean Warrington from Gresham Partners, LLC and our expert segment has more insights from Braughm Ricke from Aduro Advisors.

100% of VCs swear they are in the top 10%. 🤣 How are you Benchmarking your fund? I was pumped to learn our podcast partner Aduro is now offering clients apples to apples benchmarks. Aduro is tracking key metrics like net IRR, gross IRR, TVPI, and DPI, broken down by sector, stage, fund size, and vintage, to provide quarterly insights for clients. Aduro Advisors also analyze market trends, like frequency of distributions. On the show, Aduro founder and CEO Braughm Ricke told Earnest Sweat: "We had something like 130 or 140 individual distributions occur in the first half of 2024, which that's probably a little bit contrary to out there, right?" Are you using Preqin, Cambridge Associates, Carta? How obsessed are you with the competition?

Conviction, Conviction, Conviction...but what does that really mean? Check out tomorrow's episode.

We just released episode 42 featuring Anurag Chandra on Swimming with Allocators. Anurag, a VC, advisor to family offices, and chairman at a major pension fund, shared valuable insights on modernizing pension funds and investment strategies. Anurag emphasized the importance of supporting smaller managers and advised against capex-heavy industries, highlighting the balance between risk and reward in venture capital. His tips on differentiation in the competitive VC market centered on having conviction in your investment thesis and owning your niche, akin to crafting a compelling college essay. What strategies do you believe emerging VC managers should embrace to establish their presence? Share your thoughts below and check out the episode link in the comments below!