Swimming with Allocators

Swimming with Allocators

Swimming with Allocators dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. In each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. Follow along and subscribe at swimmingwithallocators.com. See you later, Allocator!

Episodes

July 9, 2025 46 mins

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa welcome Farhan Lalji and Dario de Wet, Co-Founders of LTV Capital. During the conversation, Farhan and Dario discuss their unique approach to investing in emerging fund managers. They share insights into evaluating new venture capital funds, emphasizing the importance of understanding a manager's "why," network strength, and hustle factor. The conversation also explores the c...

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This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa sit down with Clare McLaughlin, Partner at TLI Bedrock. Clare shares her unexpected path from art history and professional harpist to VC, along with her distinctive lens on early-stage investing in sectors like material science, defense, and deep tech. She highlights the importance of founder execution, financial storytelling, and aligning investments with personal values. Th...

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June 25, 2025 46 mins

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa welcome Brian Brackeen, Managing Partner at Lightship Capital. Brian shares his unconventional journey from tech founder to venture capital allocator. He discusses his vision for democratizing venture capital by investing in overlooked regions like the Midwest and challenging traditional investment biases, and emphasizes the importance of founder-focused investing, leveraging...

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This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa welcome Evan Finkel and Charlotte Palmer from Integra Global Advisors. Evan and Charlotte discuss their approach to venture capital investing, focusing on emerging managers while also sharing insights into evaluating new fund managers, emphasizing the importance of transparency, unique investment theses, and consistent communication. The conversation also covers challenges in...

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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Current IPO Drought Discussion (1:12)
  • Assessing Venture Capital Allocations (4:01)
  • AGM Season Insights (9:17)
  • Leveraging AGMs for Impact (12:47)
  • Debate on LP Due Diligence Frameworks (15:27)  
  • Democratization of VC Access (20:32)
  • Hamilton Lane Product Introduction (21:54)
  • Emerging Manager Programs Challenges (24:25)
  • Vanguard's Private Equity Recommendation (26:39)
  • Technological and Econom...
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May 14, 2025 60 mins

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Introduction of Guests (0:13)
  • Raudline’s Journey to Allocator (1:18)
  • Kevin's Non-Traditional Path (2:37)
  • Lessons from the Allocator Perspective (4:03)
  • Balancing Process and Creativity (9:54)
  • Raudline’s Firm Inspiration (11:15)
  • Kevin's Firm Motivation (13:57)
  • Building Founder Relationships (19:10)
  • Embracing Discomfort for Growth (24:04)
  • Changes in LP Expectations (30:28)
  • Growth Through Disc...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Justin's Journey into Finance (1:11)
  • Changes in Investment Management (4:59)
  • Institutionalization of RIAs (7:47)
  • Overview of AWM Capital's Services (11:22)
  • Athletes as Clients (15:16)
  • Engaging Athletes as LPs (16:21)
  • Educating Clients on Private Markets (20:19)
  • Regulatory Shifts in Venture Funds (24:23)
  • Insider Segment: Emerging Managers and Diverse Perspectives (27:38)
  • Complex Fund Agree...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Differences Between Canada and the US (1:17)
  • Canadian Ecosystem Growth (3:32)
  • LP Network Composition (4:36)
  • Gap in Corporate Investment (8:12)
  • Paula's Journey at BDC Capital (10:54)
  • Government Support for VC (14:05)
  • Advice for Attracting Capital (18:56)
  • Venture Ecosystem Growth in Canada (22:08)
  • Insider Segment: Evolving Role of Legal Counsel (24:57)
  • Impact of Legal Partnership (29:01)
  • Mea...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Laura's Journey to Allocator (1:05)
  • Differentiators of Sapphire Partners (6:35)
  • Advice for New Allocators (9:54)
  • Shifts in Manager Selection Focus (11:41)
  • Understanding the Underwriting Process (14:57)
  • Balancing Emerging and Established Managers (16:09)
  • Characteristics of Successful Emerging Managers (18:04)
  • The Importance of Fund Size and Strategy (20:11)
  • Insider Segment: Trends in Vent...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Lockwood's Background and Journey (0:46)
  • Vincimus Capital Overview (2:09)
  • Democratization of Private Markets (3:51)
  • Transition to Private Equity (4:52)
  • Influence of Shackleton's Endurance (7:43)
  • Current Market Opportunities (8:40)
  • Criteria for Ideal Clients (14:26)
  • Opportunities in Larger Investments (17:09)
  • Slow Dating in Manager Selection (20:26)
  • Evaluating Deal Opportunities (22:07)
  • Ins...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Ian’s Journey in Wealth Management (0:41)
  • Founding Westfuller Advisors (5:05)
  • Challenges in Early Days (10:36)
  • Current Differentiation and Pitch (12:18)
  • Long-term Strategic Asset Allocation Model (14:37)
  • Ownership Lens Focus (16:57)
  • Advocacy for Due Diligence (18:16)
  • Economic Mobility and Career Decisions (22:32)
  • Insider Segmeng: Catalyst 2045 Initiative Overview (25:59)
  • Investment Focus ...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Meghan's Background and Journey (1:18)
  • Capital Formation Insights (7:39)
  • Lessons from Goldman Sachs (9:05)
  • Advice for Emerging Managers (11:11)
  • Importance of Client Experience (17:00)
  • The Competitive Landscape of Venture Capital (19:14)
  • Changing GP and LP Relationships (23:29)
  • Creativity in Investor Relationships (28:19)
  • Insider Segment: Florida’s Diverse Venture Ecosystem (31:10)
  • Challen...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • ​​Samir’s Background and Journey (0:31)
  • Founding Allocate (1:09)
  • Emerging Managers Focus (4:26)
  • Market Cycles and Investment Strategies (8:11)
  • Current Market Trends (12:22)
  • Illiquidity in Venture Capital (14:04)
  • Misconceptions About Venture Capital (16:05)
  • Direct Investments vs. Fund of Funds (19:51)
  • Operational Needs of Wealth Advisors (22:13)
  • Building Infrastructure for Investment (24:1...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Insider Segment: SVB’s Role in the Innovation Economy (1:14)
  • Challenges for Emerging Managers (4:31)
  • Global Innovation and Connectivity (6:15)
  • SVB's Offerings Beyond Financing (8:41)
  • Treasury Services and Liquidity Solutions (10:59)
  • Ertan Can’s Background and Journey into VC (13:45)
  • The Birth of Multiple Capital (17:41)
  • Pan-European Portfolio Strategy (20:38)
  • Investment Jurisdictions and...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Reflections on Season 2 (0:45)
  • Discussion on Industry Changes (2:18)
  • Concerns Over Capital Allocation (6:05)
  • Emerging Trends in Allocator Careers (8:18)
  • Co-Investments Trend (10:23)
  • Challenges of Co-Investing (12:43)
  • Allocator Self-Awareness in Co-Investing (17:52)
  • Debate on Valuation Processes (19:02)
  • Challenges of Fundraising (22:00)
  • Impact of AI on the Industry (23:21)
  • Targeting the Rig...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Bob’s Background and the Best and Worst of Running a Coffee Shop (0:11)  
  • Transition to Nonprofit Work (1:59)  
  • Formative Experiences in Finance (3:47)  
  • Transforming Nathan Cummings Foundation (5:43)  
  • Shifting Organizational Culture (7:36)
  • Convincing Skeptics of Impact Investing (11:53)
  • Defining Impact Investing (15:03)  
  • Mission-Aligned Investing Toolkit (16:28)  
  • Insider Segment: AI ...
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November 20, 2024 65 mins

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The Story of the Ford Foundation (1:05)
  • Development of Mission Investment Criteria (4:08)
  • Results of the Investment Strategy (7:21)
  • Complexity of Impact Investing (10:16)
  • Importance of Long-Term Perspective (12:57)
  • Learning and Adapting in Impact Investing (17:08)
  • Quality Jobs Impact Investing (21:41)
  • Insider Segment: AI-Driven Solutions for VC Funds and Portfolios (24:09)
  • Successful Eng...
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November 13, 2024 38 mins

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Sarah's Background and Career Journey (0:18)
  • Importance of Capital Allocation (5:09)
  • Investment Philosophy (8:30)
  • Manager Selection Framework (9:41)
  • Framework Adaptability (12:54)
  • Team-Based Decision Making (15:51)
  • Investment Edge and Sustainability (16:43)
  • Insider Segment: Enhancing Fund Thesis Through Custom AI Solutions (18:14)
  • Impact of AI on VC Firms (21:03)
  • The Role of Discipline in...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Christina's Accidental Career Path (0:51)
  • Entry Into Hedge Funds (2:43)
  • Storytelling in Venture Capital (3:22)
  • Market Research Importance (5:54)
  • Lessons from Bridgewater (7:55)
  • Consulting at FBG (11:28)
  • Education's Role in Consulting (13:03)
  • Client Needs for Reliable Data (15:32)
  • Understanding Venture Goals (17:39)
  • DPI vs. IRR Narrative (18:43)
  • Insider Segment: Custom AI Model Training (21...
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Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Grady Becoming a Limited Partner (0:52)
  • Networking and Mentorship (3:14)
  • Understanding LP Dynamics (5:29)
  • Job Satisfaction Among LPs (9:03)
  • Understanding Corporate Innovation Needs (13:57)
  • Connecting Startups with Limited Partners (15:22)
  • Value Addition in Fund Manager Selection (18:30)
  • Local Corporate LPs vs. State Money (20:22)
  • Outside-In Investment Approach (22:51)
  • Insider Segment: Imp...
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