Blockchain, Bitcoin and Bubbles, oh my. No technology in history has caused more rancor and division for investors than crypto and blockchain. But does history teach us that passion might portend something special? With the help of the most authoritative crypto investor on the planet, A16z’s Chris Dixon, we explore the history of computing platform evolution and the conditions to identify the next one while avoiding frothy FOMO. We discuss how to construct a responsible framework for investing in emerging technologies versus a casino mindset. We review the inherent advantages of blockchain networks for content creators and founders and conclude with some of the more promising use cases on the horizon.

Guest:

Chris Dixon, Partner at A16z

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One of the key doctrines of modern investment management is diversification, and yet it is remarkably absent from team construction across all spectrums of the investment profession. Countless studies have shown that there is a diversity premium for organizational performance, capital allocation and indeed, investment outcomes and yet we seem trapped in mid teen representation of women. More concerningly, progress seems to have stagnated in recent years. In this episode we lament the lack of impact but more importantly delicately attempt to unearth the root causes of this flattening of the curve, namely the pipeline, COVID, and the DEI movement. Join us for this earnest and honest assessment of what works, what doesn’t, and how a more mature discourse is needed on this generationally important topic.

Guests:

Nicole Musicco, Former Chief Investment Officer of CalPERS and angel investor

Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO, State Street Episode Sources

Private Credit has risen from obscurity within the private equity financing world to a greater than $2T asset class in just over a decade. In this episode, we examine the conditions (M&A, debankification, regulation, staying private longer) that accelerated post the GFC that created a torrent of issuance and demand for private credit across direct lending, asset backed credit, structured credit, and innovative special situations. And more importantly, we debate whether we’ve come a little too far, too fast, and if some rationalization and refining is needed before this exciting space continues its upward trajectory.

Guests:

Katie Koch, CEO, TCW

Kipp DeVeer, Partner and Head of Credit, Ares Management

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