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    Business

    How I Invest with David Weisburd

    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.

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    Copyright: © Copyright 2025 How I Invest with David Weisburd

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    Latest Episodes:
    E233: Why Stablecoins Could Rewrite Global Finance — Faster Than Anyone Thinks Oct 31, 2025
    Show notes

    What happens when an investor treats crypto like software infrastructure, not speculation? In this episode, I sit down with Avichal Garg, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Electric Capital, to unpack the evolution of crypto investing—from speculative hype cycles to infrastructure that powers the next era of the internet. Avichal explains how Electric Capital measures developer activity across blockchain ecosystems, why he believes the next trillion-dollar opportunities are being built quietly by open-source engineers, and how software-based incentives will transform everything from finance to governance. We discuss the reality of investing through crypto winters, the rise of modular blockchains, the lessons learned from building at Google and Facebook, and how AI and decentralization are beginning to converge.

    Highlights:

    • How Electric Capital built the most comprehensive developer data set in crypto
    • Why tracking engineers is a better signal than token price or TVL
    • How Avichal differentiates between speculation and true infrastructure investment
    • Why open-source software is the backbone of the next financial system
    • How Electric measures developer retention and ecosystem health across chains
    • Why crypto winters are the best time to back new protocols and founders
    • How decentralization and AI will intersect to create new governance models
    • Why the future of crypto is about composability, not maximalism
    • How venture capital must evolve to serve protocol-based companies
    • Why patience and conviction separate enduring investors from trend followers

    Guest Bio:

    Avichal Garg is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Electric Capital, a venture firm investing in builders of decentralized networks, infrastructure, and developer tools.

    Before launching Electric Capital, Avichal founded Spool (acquired by Meta) and previously held senior roles at Google and Facebook, where he helped scale some of the most widely used consumer products on the internet.

    He is recognized for pioneering a data-driven approach to crypto investing—using developer activity, GitHub commits, and open-source metrics to identify early momentum in blockchain ecosystems.

    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.

    #VentureCapital #VC #Startups #OpenLP #AssetManagement

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Avichal Garg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avichalgarg/

    Links Electric Capital: https://www.electriccapital.com/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (1:26) Introduction with guest Avichal Garg (1:30) Electric Capital's inception and trust in investing (6:01) Long-term trust, integrity, and alignment in partnerships (10:00) Future opportunities for new General Partners (13:43) Electric Capital's investment thesis and engineer necessity (19:10) Disruption of TradFi by crypto and regulatory moats (23:32) Coinbase's potential and crypto prediction markets (29:42) Crypto's integration and stablecoins' market dynamics by 2030 (35:11) Bitcoin valuation and dollar depreciation (39:09) Asset allocation in high growth tech and inflation strategies (44:46) Lived experience vs. CPI, economic and tax policy impacts (50:07) Middle class plight and social contract solutions (52:52) Policy, AI, and robotics in shaping the future (54:06) SEC regulations and digital assets (56:04) Investing advice: patience and resource management (58:55) Market participation and timing strategies (1:02:12) AI's limitless potential and US economic leadership (1:03:09) Closing remarks

    E232: The CIO of Hunter Point Explains the New Era of GP Stakes Investing Oct 29, 2025
    Show notes

    How do you build trust in an industry that’s built on auctions and price maximization? In this episode, I speak with Melvin Hibberd, Chief Investment Officer of Hunter Point Capital, about how the firm is redefining GP stakes investing through proprietary partnerships, structural creativity, and long-term alignment. Melvin takes us inside the evolution of GP stakes—from his pioneering work at Blackstone Strategic Partners to launching Hunter Point—and shares how he avoids auction dynamics that distort relationships, what truly drives alignment between investors and GPs, and why patience, not speed, builds lasting value. We cover everything from bespoke deal structuring and evergreen capital to portfolio construction, procurement savings, and the next phase of mid-market growth. This conversation is a masterclass in how to partner with GPs the right way.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for general and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation. All opinions and views constitute our judgments as of the date of production and are subject to change at any time without notice. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not a prediction, projection or guarantee of future performance. All investing is subject to market risk, including the loss of principal.

    Highlights:

    • How Hunter Point entered the GP-stakes market nearly a decade after the first movers—and why timing still mattered
    • Why auctions distort alignment and how proprietary relationships build long-term trust
    • How Hunter Point targets 10–25% ownership stakes while keeping founders in control
    • Why independence and focus on GP stakes (not competing asset classes) create cleaner alignment
    • How bespoke structures—carry attachments, earn-outs, and yield features—bridge valuation gaps
    • Why evergreen capital matches the long-term nature of GP partnerships
    • How proprietary origination becomes a flywheel of trust, referrals, and inbound deal flow
    • Why procurement platforms, credit solutions, and strategic advice create measurable LP value
    • How Hunter Point defines “mid-market” GPs and why sector specialists are the next alpha engines
    • What causes GP-stake deals to fail—and how to avoid misalignment and mediocre partnerships
    • Why patience, education, and “strategic patience” are the rarest skills in private markets

    Guest Bio:

    Mr. Hibberd is a Managing Director and serves as Chief Investment Officer at Hunter Point Capital.

    Prior to joining HPC, Mr. Hibberd served as a Managing Director and Member of the Investment Committee within The Blackstone Group’s (“Blackstone”) GP stakes business, Strategic Capital Holdings. During his seven years at Blackstone, Mr. Hibberd facilitated key transactions and was responsible for deal team coordination, due diligence, term negotiation, and execution.

    He also supported the Group’s origination effort, helping to source proprietary investment opportunities for the firm. Prior to Blackstone, Mr. Hibberd was an Associate in KKR & Co.’s North American Private Equity Group and an Associate in Goldman Sachs’ Global Natural Resources Group.

    Mr. Hibberd earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his degree in Engineering from Cambridge University.

    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.

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Melvin Hibberd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-hibberd-bab4b018b/

    Links Hunter Point Capital: https://www.hunterpointcapital.com/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (0:50) Welcome and Guest Introduction: Melvin Hibberd (0:58) Hunter Point's Market Entry, Strategy, and Competitive Edge (7:24) Structuring Deals, Aligning Interests, and Evergreen vs Fixed Term Funds (14:40) Proprietary Deal Sourcing, Portfolio Impact, and Differentiation Strategies (20:24) Portfolio Construction, Mid Market Significance, and LP Concerns (28:39) Benefits of GP Stakes, Investment Types, and Failure Reasons (36:53) Key Man Risk, Alignment, and LP-Driven Sourcing (43:27) Lessons from Launching Hunter Point and Ideal Deal Characteristics (48:23) Timeless Advice for Young Professionals (50:09) Closing remarks

    E231: Lloyd Blankfein: Keynote at AlphaSummit Oct 27, 2025
    Show notes

    David Weisburd had a chance to witness live the conversation between Jack Kokko, Founder & CEO of AlphaSense, and Lloyd Blankfein, former Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, during AlphaSummit 2025 in New York City. In this wide-ranging discussion, Jack draws out Lloyd’s reflections on his early years in Brooklyn, his path to leading Goldman Sachs, and the lessons learned from steering the firm through periods of volatility and transformation. Together they explore how leadership, risk, and technology continue to shape Wall Street—and what it takes to stay adaptable in an ever-changing world.

    Highlights:

    • How Lloyd’s early life in Brooklyn influenced his leadership style
    • Lessons from being rejected by Goldman Sachs — and eventually running it
    • Guiding Goldman through the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath
    • The value of partnership culture and communication in high-performance teams
    • The changing dynamics of Wall Street amid AI and automation
    • Balancing risk, intuition, and data in modern decision making
    • The evolving relationship between private and public markets
    • Lloyd’s reflections on adaptability, market cycles, and staying ahead of change

    Guest Bio:

    Lloyd Blankfein served as the Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs from 2006 to 2018, leading the firm through the global financial crisis and major transitions in global markets. He remains an influential voice on economic leadership, risk management, and the future of finance.

    Host Bio:

    Jack Kokko is the Founder and CEO of AlphaSense, a market intelligence and search platform used by financial institutions and corporations worldwide. His work focuses on advancing decision making through AI-powered information discovery.

    Learn more about AlphaSense and upcoming AlphaSummit events at: alpha-sense.com.

    (0:00) Introduction (1:46) Lloyd Blankfein's Early Career and Decision-Making Reflections (7:13) Leadership, Communication, and Managing Teams (10:27) Evolution of Wall Street and Technological Impacts (15:30) Automated Trading: Risks and Trust in AI (19:23) Investment Banking Risk Control and Balancing Innovation (21:48) Thought Experiment: Starting a New Investment Bank (24:12) Equity Market Evolution and the Rise of Private Markets (31:18) Big Picture Market Changes and Future Speculations (34:25) Advice for Investors in an Evolving Market (36:12) Closing remarks

    E230: What Great VCs Actually Do for Founders Oct 24, 2025
    Show notes

    How do you invest when it’s “too early for data”—but just right for conviction? In this episode, I speak with Vivek Ladsariya, Managing Director at Pioneer Square Labs (PSL), about what it really takes to back founders before traction, before funding rounds, and sometimes even before incorporation. Vivek shares how he partners with founders as a thought partner instead of a coach, why iteration trumps ideas, and how efficiency and automation have rewritten what it means to earn a Series A today. From early-stage pattern recognition to AI-driven productivity and new definitions of founder resilience, this conversation is a masterclass in what “being early” actually means in 2025

    Highlights:

    • How investing “too early” often creates the strongest long-term alpha
    • Why the best investors act as thought partners, not back-seat CEOs
    • How ego, relentlessness, and intellectual honesty predict outlier founders
    • Why great ideas matter less than constant iteration and customer focus
    • How Series A benchmarks have shifted to roughly $7 million ARR—and what it means for founders
    • Why AI is the new leverage for coding, sales, and operations efficiency
    • How language itself has become code, allowing anyone to automate with LLMs
    • How PSL’s studio + fund model accelerates founders from zero to one
    • Why small, elite teams outperform larger organizations in the AI era
    • How becoming a parent sharpened Vivek’s priorities and patience as an investor

    Guest Bio:

    Vivek Ladsariya is a Managing Director at Pioneer Square Labs (PSL), where he leads pre-seed and seed investments out of PSL Ventures Fund II ($100 million), focusing on AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, industrial tech, and DevOps. Before joining PSL, he was a General Partner at SineWave Ventures and an entrepreneur behind ventures such as GameGarage and Moyyer.

    His investments include Databricks, Rescale, Osaro, and Evolv Technologies (NASDAQ: EVLV). Vivek holds an MBA from Yale University and a B.E. from the University of Mumbai.

    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.

    #VentureCapital #VC #Startups #OpenLP #AssetManagement

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Vivek Ladsariya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivek-ladsariya-8a828535/

    Links Pioneer Square Labs: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneer-square-labs/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (0:06) Evolution of programming languages and business automation (1:05) Welcome and guest introduction (1:16) Investing early in startups and the role of a VC (4:17) Creating value in startups and being an effective thought partner (7:11) Handling crises, feedback, and the role of ego in startups (11:27) Ray Dalio's concept of believability and startup ideas (18:22) Customer pain points and the idea maze (21:17) Predicting entrepreneurial perseverance and evaluating founders (24:44) Iterating startup ideas and future Series A expectations (35:16) The impact of AI on programming and business processes (42:56) Preparing skills for a post-AI world (46:14) Pioneer Square Labs and thoughts on seed strapping (50:52) Advice to a younger self and the impact of life changes on investing (57:07) Closing remarks

    E229: Inside Industry Ventures: The $8 Billion Firm Backing 650 Venture Funds Oct 22, 2025
    Show notes

    How does an $8B venture platform turn a 650-fund network into a repeatable co-investing edge? In this episode, Jonathan Roosevelt, Managing Director at Industry Ventures, explains how the firm evolved from a pioneer in venture secondaries into a platform combining secondaries, co-investments (directs), fund-of-funds, and tech buyout—with AUM “a little over $8B” and 25+ years in market. We break down why Series A/B/C co-investing requires a different lens than seed, how believability guides which GPs get a “stamp” for later-stage deals, and why customer calls are ground truth when underwriting mid-stage businesses. Jonathan also shares how asymmetric information and inflection points create true co-invest alpha—and when to ignore comps for N-of-1 companies.

    Highlights:

    • $8B platform: Secondaries, co-invests, fund-of-funds, tech buyout
    • 650-fund network: ~250 primaries, ~400 via LP secondaries
    • Co-invest engine: 100% sourced from seed/early GP relationships
    • Seed vs. mid-stage: PMF stories vs. durable unit economics
    • Believability lens: Repeatable process before a later-stage “stamp”
    • Ground truth: Independent customer diligence over CEO references
    • Asymmetry & inflection: Board insights at turning points drive edge
    • Do the unscalable: Sector depth, real customer intros, hands-on help
    • N-of-1 underwriting: Backcast valuation from end-state outcomes

    Guest Bio:

    Jonathan Roosevelt is a Managing Director at Industry Ventures, where he focuses on originating, valuing, and managing primary fund commitments, early secondary LP stakes, and direct company investments within the firm’s Direct & Partnership Holdings strategies. Previously a Venture Partner at Industry Ventures (2017), he was promoted to Managing Director in 2019; earlier, he founded and led companies, was an early employee/VP of Sales at SoFi, and invested as an angel in Fitbit. He holds an MBA and BA from Harvard.

    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.

    #VentureCapital #VC #Startups #OpenLP #AssetManagement

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Jonathan Roosevelt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jroosevelt/

    Links Industry Ventures: https://www.industryventures.com/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (0:04) Customer feedback's impact on investments (1:03) Industry Ventures' co-investment strategy (3:44) Co-investment opportunity lifecycle (7:19) Assessing investment manager credibility and diligence (17:14) Identifying exciting co-investment opportunities (19:47) Triangulating information for investment decisions (23:04) Customer enthusiasm in the investment process (27:16) Relationship significance in investment decisions (29:34) Operator vs investor perspectives in venture capital (34:01) Risk management for seed stage investments (37:10) Competing as an emerging manager in venture capital (38:43) Valuation strategies for new venture capitalists (41:18) Closing remarks

    E228: Balaji Srinivasan: “The Dollar Is Already Dead” and What Comes Next Oct 20, 2025
    Show notes

    What if the U.S. dollar’s dominance has already ended—and we’re just living through the lag? In this episode, I sit down with Balaji Srinivasan, one of the most original thinkers in technology and finance, to unpack his boldest prediction yet: the death of the dollar and the rise of a digital, decentralized global economy. Balaji explains how inflation, weaponized finance, and technological sovereignty are accelerating a massive shift away from traditional monetary systems—and why crypto, AI, and network states could define the next reserve paradigm. We go deep into why he believes the internet will replace the nation-state, how founders can build parallel institutions from scratch, and why opting out—not lobbying—is the only path forward. This is not a doomsday take. It’s a blueprint for builders who believe the future is already here.

    Highlights:

    • The Network State: How online communities will evolve into sovereign cities.
    • From Crypto to Cities: Why blockchain can fund and govern real-world nations.
    • The Balaji Fund: Backed by Brian Armstrong, Marc Andreessen, and David Sachs—investing in “techno-radicals.”
    • Replacing Broken Systems: How founders can build alternatives to failing institutions like education, healthcare, and media.
    • Lessons from China: What the U.S. can learn from China's manufacturing and infrastructure speed.
    • India’s Decade: Why Balaji believes India is becoming the new global tech engine.
    • High-Risk Seed: Why his investment strategy targets contrarian, world-changing founders.
    • From Bitcoin to Benchling: Inside Balaji’s personal portfolio and his “index the outliers” approach.
    • The Frontier Mindset: How today’s founders can reclaim the spirit of Silicon Valley’s pioneers.
    • Opt-in Capitalism: Why the future of governance will be voluntary, networked, and global.

    Guest Bio:

    Balaji S. Srinivasan (born May 24, 1980) is an American entrepreneur, investor and author. He co-founded genetic-testing firm Counsyl and led cryptocurrency company Earn.com before becoming first CTO of Coinbase and a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. He holds a BS, MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University.

    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.

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Balaji Srinivasan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balajissrinivasan/?originalSubdomain=sg

    Links Balaji Srinivasan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balaji_Srinivasan

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (3:24) Steps to create a new country and the concept of network states (7:18) The Internet's transformative impact and decentralized countries (10:41) Crypto tribalism and Bitcoin's economic role (14:13) Cryptocurrencies as emerging digital nations (17:42) Government inefficiencies and the future of democracy with digital currencies (21:27) The evolution of capitalism and democracy (23:37) The role of DAOs in digital governance and network states (31:09) Utilizing crypto for crowdfunding and real estate (35:01) Introduction to the Balaji Fund and investment strategies (38:15) Technological solutions for societal problems (41:16) Profit maximization aligned with values and addressing Baumol's cost disease (45:03) Regulatory challenges in healthcare and childcare (47:34) DAOs' potential in real estate and community formation (51:20) Translating digital processes into physical communities (54:16) Balaji Fund's investor alignment and societal impact (1:02:21) Government, technology, and cost dynamics (1:06:20) Political pressures and pension paradoxes in investments (1:09:15) Diagnosing inefficiencies in real estate and construction (1:11:17) China's strategic advantages and US challenges (1:15:17) US-China strategies and the American dynamism dilemma (1:25:26) US political and social divides, government failures, and potential solutions (1:27:49) Competing with traditional institutions through innovation (1:30:20) Addressing societal issues with technology and portfolio construction (1:32:37) Investing in high-potential founders and the rise of Indian tech talent (1:35:28) Global capital impact of crypto and cybersecurity importance (1:37:14) Balaji's investment strategy and notable successes (1:41:33) Closing remarks

    E227: The Future of Venture: Ryan Hoover on Productizing VC Oct 17, 2025
    Show notes

    What happens when one of tech’s best community builders turns his playbook on venture capital itself? Ryan Hoover — the founder of Product Hunt and Investor at Weekend Fund — joins me to unpack how he’s reinventing early-stage investing. From building one of the internet’s biggest startup communities to managing a fund with 360+ LPs, Ryan shares the hard-won lessons on productizing VC, scaling systems as an introvert, and finding founders who hold true “earned secrets.” We dive into his journey from launching Product Hunt to building Weekend Fund’s third vehicle, how he thinks about portfolio construction, why weird ideas often win, and what it really takes to back the next generation of breakout founders. Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor — this episode is packed with insights on scaling yourself, spotting alpha before it’s obvious, and turning community into competitive advantage.

    Highlights:

    • How Ryan built Product Hunt into a launchpad for over 100,000 startups.
    • The story behind raising from 360+ LPs — and why one investor literally became a monk.
    • Why Weekend Fund prefers staying small to keep conviction high.
    • The psychology of “weird” investing — and why strange ideas often outperform.
    • How Ryan productized LP intros and scaled value-add through software.
    • Why the best investors give without expecting anything in return
    • How to build a scout network that multiplies your reach without adding complexity.
    • The key traits of elite super connectors (and why Ryan doesn’t see himself as one).
    • Why founders with “earned secrets” beat consensus every time.
    • Ryan’s one piece of advice to his younger self before launching his first fund.

    Guest Bio:

    Ryan Hoover is the Founder and Investor at Weekend Fund, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in founders with earned secrets—deep insights derived from firsthand experience. Weekend Fund has raised three funds and invested in over 100 startups globally, including Deel, Replicate, and Rally, backed by a diverse community of more than 360 limited partners. Before founding Weekend Fund, Ryan founded Product Hunt, the platform that helped launch tens of thousands of startups and shaped how the tech world discovers new products. He has since focused full-time on building a new venture model centered around community, transparency, and product thinking.

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd Ryan Hoover: @rrhoover

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Ryan Hoover: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrhoover/

    Links Weekend Fund: https://www.weekend.fund/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (0:14) Secrets, lived experience, and productizing LP intros (1:51) Fundraising challenges and LP base management (3:07) Downsides and expectations with 360 LPs (6:31) Venture capital as a product and Weekend Build experiment (9:10) Rolodexer success and becoming an elite super connector (14:18) Using value add to win deals and portfolio construction strategies (22:10) Ryan Hoover's LP activities, SPVs, and strategic investments (26:11) Scaling productivity and weekend partners program (29:17) Transparency and investing in non-consensus companies (37:42) Information diet, advice to younger self, and early strategies (42:00) Best product importance vs. portfolio construction and market changes (43:32) Managing a large portfolio and scaling support with tools (44:14) Closing remarks

    E226: How Franklin Templeton Built a $1.6 Trillion Business Through Partnerships Oct 15, 2025
    Show notes

    Why are Institutional Investors betting big on Private Markets? Franklin Templeton oversees more than $1.6 trillion in assets, with over $260 billion dedicated to private markets. But what’s driving this massive shift — and how are the world’s largest allocators navigating liquidity, valuations, and the next era of private credit? In this episode, I speak with John Ivanac, Head of U.S. Institutional Alternatives at Franklin Templeton, to uncover how the firm is positioning itself for the next decade of alternative investments. We explore the evolution of private markets post-GFC, the consolidation wave among asset owners, and why liquidity, governance, and strategy selection are becoming more critical than ever. John also shares his perspective on Franklin’s acquisition strategy, how they integrate firms like Lexington Partners and Benefit Street Partners, and what it truly means to be a “trusted partner” to LPs in an increasingly complex market.

    Highlights:

    • Structural Shifts: How regulation and capital formation reshaped private markets post-GFC
    • Private Credit Boom: Why a $3.5T market could expand 10x in the next decade
    • Secondaries Surge: Inside Franklin’s bet on Lexington Partners and the maturing PE ecosystem
    • LP Consolidation: Why institutional allocators are backing fewer but deeper partnerships
    • Holistic Partnerships: How Franklin Templeton redefines client alignment beyond products
    • Digital Assets Strategy: Why the firm built a 60-person blockchain and crypto investment team
    • Retail & Institutional Synergy: The future of democratizing alternatives responsibly
    • Culture of Long-Termism: How generational leadership drives Franklin’s innovation mindset

    Guest Bio:

    John Ivanac is the Head of U.S. Institutional Alternatives at Franklin Templeton, where he focuses on expanding and managing the firm’s suite of Alternative Investment Solutions for institutional investors.

    John brings over 20 years of experience in the alternatives space, having previously served as Managing Director, Head of U.S. Consultant Relations at Partners Group and Global Head of Alternatives at BlackRock. He has also held senior leadership roles at The TCW Group, Scoggin Capital, and Barclays.

    He holds a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and a B.A. from Rutgers University, bringing a deep understanding of both the structural and human dynamics driving today’s institutional capital 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.

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ John Ivanac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnivanac/

    Links Franklin Templeton: https://www.franklintempletonglobal.com/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (0:59) Introduction to Franklin Templeton and private investment strategies (2:51) Drivers and opportunities in private market growth (7:15) Institutional investment and volatility in alternatives (14:44) Future outlook and building a significant portfolio (19:02) Acquisitions, strategic focus, and consolidation trends (21:51) Partnering and aligning with asset managers (25:46) Culture and long-term vision in expanding portfolios (28:46) Franklin Templeton's benefits for LPs and manager consolidation (35:58) Digital assets and balancing investor types (39:40) Retail market practices and investor education (45:38) Career advice and patience in investment (47:53) Building credibility, trust, and partnership roles (50:59) Addressing short termism in public markets (51:31) Closing remarks

    E225: Inside the $324B Playbook: How Hightower Is Reshaping Wealth Management Oct 13, 2025
    Show notes

    Can a $324.3 billion wealth manager reinvent how high-net-worth investors access private markets? In this episode, I speak with Robert Picard, Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors, who is leading one of the industry’s most ambitious expansions into private markets. We discuss how Hightower is bringing institutional-grade research, access, and due diligence to individual investors, what the NEPC acquisition means for its alternatives platform, and how technology and AI are reshaping the way portfolios are built. Robert also shares lessons from more than 35 years of building multi-billion-dollar alternative platforms atThe Carlyle Group/Rock Creek, Optima Fund Management, RBC Capital Markets and State Street/InfraHedge, and explains why the future of wealth management will look more like an endowment model than ever before.

    Highlights:

    • How Hightower is bridging institutional research with private-client portfolios
    • The strategic rationale behind acquiring NEPC and its impact on Hightower’s platform
    • Why private markets are still under-owned among high-net-worth investors
    • The “democratization and miniaturization” of private markets and what that means for access
    • Robert’s framework for allocating 10–30% of portfolios into private assets
    • Why illiquidity can actually be your ally during market downturns
    • How AI and technology will transform investment diligence and portfolio construction
    • The evolution of independent wealth managers competing with Wall Street wirehouses
    • Why maintaining curiosity, networks, and fun are keys to a 35-year investing career

    Guest Bio:

    Robert Picard is the Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors, where he leads the firm’s alternative investment platform and oversees research, due diligence, and portfolio design. He previously held senior roles building multi-billion-dollar alternative platforms at The Carlyle Group / Rock Creek, Optima Fund Management, RBC Capital Markets, and State Street / InfraHedge, and served as Head of Alternatives at First Republic Private Wealth Management.

    Robert has over 35 years of experience in global investing, with a background in equity derivatives, structured products, and private markets. He is widely regarded for his insights on the convergence of institutional and private wealth investing

    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.

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Robert Picard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robpicard/

    Links Hightower Advisors: https://hightoweradvisors.com/

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (1:07) Hightower Advisors and NEPC Acquisition Strategy (2:33) NEPC's Research Benefits and Portfolio Differences (5:55) Democratization of Private Markets for Individuals (8:56) Private Asset Allocation Strategies (13:35) Illiquidity Benefits and Market Downturn Preparation (17:34) Long-Term Cybersecurity and AI Investment Strategies (23:06) The 2030 Asset Management Outlook (24:26) AI in Private Market Research and Growth Projections (28:40) Life Sciences Investment Opportunities (30:18) Independent Wealth Managers vs. Wirehouses (33:20) Evolving Role of Family Offices (36:00) Diversification in Private Markets and Future Trends (42:05) Technological Advancements in Private Markets (45:02) Managing Multiple Advisor Practices and Efficiency with AI (49:33) Career Advice for Young Professionals (51:11) Work-Life Balance and Industry Transformations (51:58) Closing Remarks and Future Podcast Plans (52:09) Closing remarks

    E224: Ex-CIO of Northern Trust: The Next Decade Belongs to Bonds, Not Stocks Oct 10, 2025
    Show notes

    If “fixed income is broken,” what are investors actually missing—and how should they rebuild the 40% to protect and compound through drawdowns? In this episode, I speak with Thomas E. Swaney II, former Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at Northern Trust Asset Management, who oversaw more than $600 billion across global fixed income. Thomas explains why traditional bond allocations fail when it matters most, how to separate duration from credit risk, and how to use notional leverage to target true diversification without sacrificing liquidity. We explore the structural flaws in 60/40, how to design a fixed income portfolio that actually offsets equity drawdowns, and why the future of bond investing depends on better risk budgeting—not higher yield.

    Highlights:

    • Fixed Income Is Broken: Why most bond portfolios don’t diversify when equities fall
    • Rebuilding the 40%: Duration vs. credit and managing correlation through regimes
    • Notional Leverage: Using treasury futures and IG CDX to build volatility with quality
    • Risk Parity Framework: Allocating by contribution to risk, not nominal dollars
    • Rebalancing Alpha: Liquidity and negative correlation as the real edge
    • Curve Positioning: Why the belly of the curve often outperforms the long end
    • Convexity Mismatch: Public vs. private assets and the lagged rebound effect
    • Inflation Regimes: How correlation flips and when to incorporate TIPS
    • Leadership & Culture: Lessons from Ellington and Northern Trust on process and debate
    • The Next Decade: Bonds are relevant again—if built for resilience

    Guest Bio:

    Thomas E. Swaney II is the former Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at Northern Trust Asset Management, where he had broad oversight of the $600+ billion fixed income platform, spanning business management, portfolio management, and strategy. As CIO, he chaired the Fixed Income Strategy Committee, guiding macroeconomic themes, risk budgeting, and portfolio construction across all fixed-income portfolios. He also served on Northern Trust’s Investment Committee and Executive Group within Asset Management.

    Prior to Northern Trust, Thomas held senior executive and portfolio management roles at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, OFI Global Asset Management, and Ellington Management Group. He holds a B.B.A. and M.B.A. with a concentration in corporate financial analysis, as well as an M.Sc. in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and has more than 26 years of investment experience.

    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.

    Stay Connected:

    X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd

    LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Thomas E. Swaney II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swaneycio/

    Links Factor Two Capital Management: https://brand.site/factortwocapital

    Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

    (0:00) Preview (0:48) Thomas Swaney's career and Miller Anderson's open debate culture (5:00) Challenges and impacts of open dialogue culture in investment firms (6:42) Education systems and their influence on investment thinking (7:47) Leadership vs. Investment Skills (9:40) Shifting Northern Trust's focus and lessons from Ellington (18:45) The role and strategies for fixed income in a diversified portfolio (23:35) Understanding market downturns and Bridgewater's equilibrium approach (27:24) Decomposing and maximizing efficiency in bond portfolios (33:56) Challenges and strategies with private assets in portfolios (38:40) The impact and use of leverage in investment portfolios (42:43) Introduction to Factor Two Capital Management (44:38) Exploring the relationship between volatility and expected values (49:16) Fed independence and market reactions to policy changes (51:35) Misconceptions about monetary policy and economic impact (53:04) Future outlook on fixed income versus equities and prediction markets (55:24) Closing remarks

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