Fund Flow

Ongoing Series

Podcast

The Corner Series

“Fund Flow” an Emerging Manager podcast brought to you by McGuireWoods, offers insights into the journey of new and aspiring fund managers. Hear real-world perspectives and gain actionable tips to help inform your strategy and position yourself for a successful fund closing.

Host: Jon Finger


Episode: February 1, 2024

Impact investing is different from ESG in that ESG is what you don’t do, investments you don’t make. Impact investing, however, is what you affirmatively and intentionally do.

In this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger speaks with guest Jim Roth, the founder and managing partner of Zamo Capital, an impact investor based in London. Jim also was the co-founder of Leapfrog Investments and is a member of the Investment Committee of the University of Edinburgh Endowment.

Tune in to hear Jon and Jim discuss strategies and approaches in the impact investment space, including current drivers and finding untapped market opportunities.


Episode: December 7, 2023

In this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger speaks with Jake Capps, the co-founder and managing partner of Meaningful Partners, a value-based investment company focused on purposeful businesses.


Episode: November 16, 2023

After working as a consultant during the global financial crisis and holding various positions at investment management firms, Heather Fernstrom Border and her partner, Jennifer Stevens, launched Alliance Global Advisors. Alliance is a women-owned consulting firm focused on developing strategic solutions for real asset investment managers. Alliance provides an informed, independent perspective, plus continued education and an innovative approach to attract capital in a competitive market environment.


Episode: October 24, 2023

On this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger talks with Elizabeth Weindruch, managing director at Barings, about building lasting relationships with the emerging manager community. When looking for GP partners, Liz seeks those with experience, value alignment and an element of differentiation in their investment strategy.


Episode: September 14, 2023

On this episode of Fund Flow, McGuireWoods’ Jon Finger sits down with Chad Summe, founder and managing partner at eGateway Capital, to discuss the changes brought by digitization and artificial intelligence, and how to build solid relationships with investment partners.


Episode: August 24, 2023

On this episode of Fund Flow, McGuireWoods’ Jon Finger sits down with Andy Lee, founder and chief investment officer of Parallaxes Capital, the first firm to focus exclusively on monetizing tax receivable agreements as an investment strategy. Andy wanted to establish a firm that wasn’t afraid to think differently and take a long-term view on investments.


Episode: April 18, 2023

On this episode of Fund Flow from McGuireWoods, host Jon Finger sits down with William [Billy] Prather, founding partner and chief investment officer of Cypress Creek Partners, to discuss market opportunities for emerging managers, what makes Cypress Creek successful, and building bridges with LPs. With a focus on the long term, Billy offers a look ahead at the next decade for emerging managers, covering increased expenses to run a firm and new opportunities for spinouts.


Episode: March 30, 2023

Is there a world where investors can incorporate climate data in their investment mandates? Owen Woolcock and Rajeev Ranade, co-founders of Climate Core Capital, certainly think so.

In this episode, Owen and Rajeev discuss with host Jon Finger their evaluation of different characteristics for climate readiness, share insights on the ranking of various regions in America, and provide details about their selection process for development and operations partners in their investments.


Episode: February 14, 2023

In this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger sits down with Neil Keegan, co-managing partner and CEO of Marlinspike, to discuss how he and his partners apply their previous military training to push for success, and channel their excitement into investments with the potential to significantly impact multiple sectors. Neil also has advice for building relationships with LPs, overcoming hesitations that newer funds might encounter, and positioning your team for success.


Episode: January 23, 2023

In this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger sits down with Sara Zulkosky of Recast Capital for a conversation on why diversity is so important in the emerging manager space. Jon and Sara also discuss factors LPs and GPs should consider when entering partnerships, and expected trends for emerging managers in 2023.


Episode: December 7, 2022

On this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger sits down with Brom Rector, founder of Empath Ventures, to break down misconceptions about psychedelic medicine and first-time fund management. As the founder of Empath Ventures, Brom continues to bring LPs into the psychedelic venture capital community. During this episode, he discusses misconceptions regarding investing in psychedelics, what Empath Ventures looks for in an LP, and the lessons he’s learned in his first year of operation.


Episode: October 24, 2022

Tune in to this episode of Fund Flow as host Jon Finger talks with McNally Capital’s Principal and Head of Family Capital, Beth Rahn, about the future of the emerging manager market, diversity initiatives within private equity and where emerging managers should improve. Hear why it’s important to maintain a consistent investment strategy, and why alignment of longstanding values and mission can lead to a track record of successful deals. 


Episode: September 15, 2022

On this episode, Steward Asset Management managing partner Sheryl Mejia joins host Jon Finger to discuss what spurred the creation of Steward Asset Management and offers advice for emerging managers raising their first fund and GPs who recently closed their first committed fund. She also shares why it’s important for emerging managers to understand what need they are filling for their investors.


Episode: August 25, 2022

In this episode of Fund Flow, host Jon Finger is joined by Casey Peters, a managing partner at boutique placement agency Pacenote Capital. Casey discusses how maintaining a high touch and selective lens has shaped the firm, and how Pacenote adds value to relationships that extends beyond introducing LPs. Casey also shares how fund structures are getting more creative and why it’s not one-size-fits-all.


Episode: August 8, 2022

In today’s volatile market, funds face increased competition while continuing to adapt to the challenges of remote deal-making. Now imagine being an emerging manager in the lower-to-middle-market investing space — and building your firm in the middle of the pandemic.

In this episode, Kinzie Capital Partners’ founder and managing partner, Suzanne Yoon, joins host Jon Finger to share her secrets to success as an emerging manager, from establishing a team based on your company’s culture and values, to beginning long-term investor relationships. She also shares a wealth of resources for women interested in a career in private equity investing.


Episode: June 27, 2022

The blockchain sector is a new and evolving space. In this episode of Fund Flow, leading tech entrepreneur and blockchain investor Aly Madhavji joins host Jon Finger as he shares his best tips and insights for emerging managers in the technology sector.  Recognized as a “Blockchain 100” global leader by LATTICE80, Aly is an internationally recognized author, speaker and managing partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, which he launched in 2017. Tune in and learn why transparency ultimately leads to greater success and why it’s important to have an adaptable strategy.


Episode: June 8, 2022

There’s a lot to consider when starting a new investment firm: timing, experience that can support your journey and a mission that differentiates you from other investment firms. Hannah Grey‘s co-founding partner Kate Beardsley joins host Jon Finger to share what it took to start Hannah Grey and form relationships with LPs. Kate also discusses diversifying managers within private equity and how to capitalize on the potential of women-led funds.


Episode: June 1, 2022

Mary Hunt, Principal at RCP Advisors and the Portfolio Manager of several RCP emerging manager strategies, joins host Jon Finger in this episode of Fund Flow to talk about how RCP Advisors implements its DEI-focused investing strategy with emerging managers.

As an experienced LP, Mary shares what LPs want to see when considering working with GPs and her biggest pieces of advice for emerging managers in an evolving fundraising environment. Tune in to learn more about the emerging manager landscape and why diverse investments generate more alpha.


Episode: May 20, 2022

In this episode of Fund Flow, an Emerging Managers Podcast, host Jon Finger speaks with John Huhn, managing partner of Compass Group Equity Partners, to discuss the journey from successful independent sponsor to fund manager with a recently closed committed fund in excess of $250 million.

John shares insights on the process and tips on how emerging managers can succeed in a competitive market. John also provides direction on how to stand out in the world of private equity.


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