Investors & Operators

Topics:Hurdles for Emerging ManagersRole of Team Continuity in FundraisingHow to Time Global Outreach ...and so much more.Top TakeawaysInvert the problem to build a stronger story. Ray mentions Charlie Munger’s inversion technique as a powerful tool to reveal blind spots in your storytelling. It works by flipping the question you’re trying to solve: instead of asking, "How do I raise the fund?" ask, "What would make investors say no?" The answers might include unclear data, a strategy that’s not unique, or a lack of trust in the presenter.Cultivate a growth-oriented mindset in your team. Ray and Jordan discuss how the dynamic nature of the equity market demands agility. For a team, this means always seeking new knowledge and being prepared to pivot with shifts in investor preferences, sector trends, and economic conditions. This adaptability can give emerging managers a competitive edge over established competitors.Invest in preparation to make a strong first impression. As Ray points out, initial pitch meetings can often feel like cold business transactions, but charisma and persuasiveness help turn these interactions into real connections. Investors commit to ventures based on trust in the person presenting—not just the numbers.

Topics:Business Growth StrategiesEquity-Based Incentives to Retain Top TalentHow to Delegate as a Leader...and so much more.Top TakeawaysEstablish a "North Star" vision to guide your growth strategy. Instead of trying to expand in all directions at once, grow by adding services in adjacent areas that complement your core offerings. This approach positions you to serve clients more comprehensively without spreading your resources too thin or diluting your brand. Doug emphasizes that a clear, overarching goal keeps you grounded and ensures that each initiative supports your core mission. Adjust your service model to anticipate and fulfill client needs. Doug and Jordan discuss that clients may not always know what could add value to their business. This creates an opportunity for proactive service. By analyzing client feedback and observing how they use your services, you can identify areas for expansion and offer tailored solutions. When your offerings align with the client's long-term goals, you strengthen relationships and create new avenues for growth.Focus on high-impact activities to drive growth and scale effectively. Doug and Jordan know from experience that entrepreneurs often need help with delegation. To scale successfully, leaders need to let go of the “do-it-all” mindset and recognize their limitations. Doug uses a simple strategy to assess his productivity: reviewing each day in terms of wins and losses. These regular check-ins help him minimize distractions from tasks that don’t move the business forward. Strong leadership ultimately means empowering your team to bring your vision to life: set the direction, let them execute, and refine as needed.

Topics:Transitioning Into Your First Fund The Importance of Due DiligenceChoosing the Right Partner...and so much more.Top TakeawaysStay resilient and purpose-driven when raising your first fund. Raising a fund is challenging, with a high rejection rate. Jim and Doug emphasize the need for persistence, confidence, and experience from deal-by-deal fundraising. Equally important is a clear “why.” Independent sponsors must convey their mission and unique value to stand out to investors in a crowded marketDue diligence goes both ways. Whether you’re investing or selling, conducting thorough due diligence is essential. Just as PE firms scrutinize potential deals, sellers should research prospective partners. Talking directly with CEOs and founders who’ve worked with these firms offers valuable insights. Jim and Doug recommend asking about the firm’s value-add, leadership stability, specific support examples, and performance in tough times. Aligning expertise and cultural fit builds a strong foundation for a successful, long-term partnership.Build partnerships on a foundation of communication and a shared vision. Jim and Doug emphasize that aligning on core goals from the start smooths out challenges. Their mutual respect and collaborative approach enable efficient decisions, keeping them in sync. Open, transparent communication has strengthened both their professional partnership and personal bond.

Topics:How to Find Success in PERevenue Streams for Independent SponsorsStrategies to Scale a Team...and so much more.Top TakeawaysFlexible and purpose-built capital is key. Investors should provide independent sponsors with flexible capital solutions that support, rather than control, their operations. Michael shares how Align Collaborate embodies this approach, building a collaborative partnership where the independent sponsor is the lead decision-maker.Smart scaling starts with the right team. Michael's experience shows that team members with consulting or transaction advisory backgrounds can contribute significantly to long-term growth and value creation. These hires help drive operational success post-acquisition, allowing the sponsor to focus on higher-level decisions while the team handles day-to-day execution. Having a dual mindset for long-term success in deal-making. Independent sponsors must juggle optimism with realism when assessing risks and persistence with flexibility when navigating deals. Michael stresses the importance of irrational persistence in committing to promising deals, but it’s just as important to know when to take a step back and explore new opportunities.