Episodios

  • How AI Is Transforming Private Markets - Alex Robinson - CEO & Co-Founder of Juniper Square

    How AI Is Transforming Private Markets - Alex Robinson - CEO & Co-Founder of Juniper Square
    Oct 20 2025
    In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff welcomes Alex Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Juniper Square, for a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence within private markets. As a returning guest, Alex discusses Juniper Square’s latest acquisition of Tenor Digital and how it positions the company at the forefront of the rapidly growing private credit sector. From explaining the origins of modern AI models to exploring their transformative potential in fund administration, Alex offers a comprehensive and practical look at how technology is reshaping knowledge work across the industry. They discuss: • How Juniper Square’s acquisition of Tenor Digital expands its capabilities in private credit • The foundational breakthroughs that led to today’s AI technologies and their relevance to private markets • Why “prompt engineering” and “validation” are critical to AI accuracy and application • The distinction between knowledge work and human work—and what each means for the future of GPs • How AI agents will evolve to enhance fund administration, investor relations, and portfolio management Links: Alex on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrob22/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:03) - Overview of Juniper Square (00:03:38) - Acquisition announcement and strategic importance (00:04:00) - The rise of private credit (00:07:41) - Understanding AI and its foundations (00:15:39) - The role of prompt engineering (00:18:22) - Bridging the gap between AI and customer needs (00:29:18) - AI's transformative impact on knowledge work (00:38:02) - Future of knowledge work and AI (00:48:07) - The role of AI agents in private markets (00:56:21) - Adapting to AI in the workplace (01:01:53) - Evaluating AI partnerships (01:09:31) - Juniper Square's approach to AI integration (01:13:15) - Conclusion and final thoughts
    Más Menos
    1 h y 15 m
  • How LPs and GPs Build Trust in a Changing Market - Katie Riester - Managing Director & GP of Fund of Funds Investing - Felicis

    How LPs and GPs Build Trust in a Changing Market - Katie Riester - Managing Director & GP of Fund of Funds Investing - Felicis
    Oct 14 2025
    In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff sits down with Katie Riester, Managing Director at Felicis Ventures, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of venture capital and the lessons she’s learned across her career on both the LP and GP sides. Katie reflects on her path from early experiences at Vanguard and Cambridge Associates to her current role helping shape one of the industry’s most adaptable early-stage firms. She shares insights on how Felicis identifies opportunities across emerging tech waves, what makes a successful founder, and why listening and authenticity remain critical in the world of investing. They discuss: • Katie’s journey from institutional investor to leading capital formation at Felicis Ventures • The changing dynamics between LPs, GPs, and founders in venture capital • How Felicis adapts to new technology cycles while maintaining its core principles • What it means to be an “AI native” founder and why it matters in today’s landscape • The importance of communication, curiosity, and relationship-building in fundraising Links: Felicis Ventures - https://www.felicis.com/ Katie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-riester-91793b8/ Brandon on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/⁠ Juniper Square - ⁠https://www.junipersquare.com/⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:45) - Katie's early life and career beginnings (00:20:43) - The evolution of venture capital (00:30:15) - Adapting to tech waves (00:34:33) - Importance of diversification (00:40:04) - Felicis Ventures (00:47:32) - Traits of successful founders (00:52:10) - Current and future tech waves (00:59:17) - Conclusion and contact information
    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • Turning Hotel Operations Into Investment Alpha - Carlos Rodriguez, Jr. - Founder, President & COO of Driftwood Capital

    Turning Hotel Operations Into Investment Alpha - Carlos Rodriguez, Jr. - Founder, President & COO of Driftwood Capital
    Oct 10 2025
    In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff sits down with Carlos Rodriguez Jr., president and COO of Driftwood Capital, to discuss the evolution of one of the most vertically integrated hospitality investment platforms in the U.S. Carlos shares his family’s multigenerational journey from Costa Rica’s first Holiday Inn to today’s expansive network of hotels and funds, highlighting Driftwood’s strategic shift from private capital syndication to institutional-scale investing. He explains how data, technology, and an operationally driven mindset have become key differentiators in hospitality investing, and how Driftwood’s GP fund model and lending platform have positioned the company for long-term growth in an evolving market. They discuss: The origin and structure of Driftwood’s GP fund and its role in scaling the business How operational data informs investment decisions across acquisitions, lending, and development The role of AI and Project Domino in transforming Driftwood’s efficiency and decision-making Carlos’s approach to leading organizational change and building team-wide adoption of new technology Why private credit presents a unique opportunity in today’s hospitality landscape Links: Driftwood Capital - https://driftwoodcapital.com/ Carlos on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-rodriguez-jr-210a4521/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:01) - Carlos’ career and background (00:05:56) - Scaling Driftwood Capital (00:14:09) - Operational philosophy and strategies (00:19:31) - Leveraging technology and AI in hospitality (00:24:18) - Capital side challenges and data connectivity (00:26:14) - Importance of data organization (00:28:15) - Technology journey and team formation (00:30:26) - AI integration and employee adaptation (00:35:24) - AI's impact on the hospitality industry (00:38:59) - Investment opportunities in hospitality (00:43:26) - Private credit in hospitality (00:45:38) - Conclusion and contact information
    Más Menos
    48 m
  • How Operational Alpha Shapes European Real Estate Investing - Saul Goldstein - Founder & CEO of ActivumSG

    How Operational Alpha Shapes European Real Estate Investing - Saul Goldstein - Founder & CEO of ActivumSG
    Sep 30 2025
    In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff sits down with Saul Goldstein for an in-depth look at his unconventional path from studying Japanese to building a European opportunistic fund manager, ActivumSG. Saul shares the lessons learned from navigating distressed markets in Japan and Germany, the entrepreneurial leap of founding ActivumSG, and how his firm approaches operational intensity and platform investing across Europe. Their conversation explores the interplay between macroeconomic cycles, local market dynamics, and the importance of culture and curiosity in building enduring teams. They discuss: Saul’s early career and how non-performing loans led him into real estate The founding story of Activum and the challenges of raising the first fund in 2008 How operational alpha and platform building shape Activum’s investment approach The property clock framework and current positioning of European markets The importance of culture, passion, and curiosity in sustaining long-term success Links: ActivumSG - https://www.activumsg.com/ Saul on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulgoldstein/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:44) - Saul’s career and background (00:13:04) - Founding ActivumSG (00:22:20) - Operational alpha and market strategies (00:29:30) - Decentralized structure and local market focus (00:30:12) - Core values and company culture (00:33:17) - Investor relations and transparency (00:36:43) - European real estate market overview (00:42:50) - Cultural perspectives in business (00:45:16) - Property clock and market cycles (00:49:34) - Capital flows and investment strategies (00:52:48) - Passion and career development (00:56:29) - Conclusion and final thoughts
    Más Menos
    59 m
  • The Distribution Edge: Education, Media, and Trust - Brad Hargreaves & Paul Stanton of Thesis Driven

    The Distribution Edge: Education, Media, and Trust - Brad Hargreaves & Paul Stanton of Thesis Driven
    Sep 26 2025
    Brad Hargreaves and Paul Stanton join Brandon Sedloff on The Distribution to explore how media, capital markets, and innovative real estate models intersect. Brad reflects on his entrepreneurial journey from General Assembly to Common and now Thesis Driven, while Paul shares his evolution from institutional real estate to coworking and investment banking. Together, they highlight why education, storytelling, and consistency are essential in building enduring businesses and attracting capital. The discussion breaks down the Opco Propco model, dives into lessons learned from venture-backed real estate, and unpacks how media and brand-building are reshaping private markets. They discuss: How Brad’s path from trade schools to co-living shaped his view on real estate innovation Paul’s transition from traditional real estate to exploring Opco Propco structures and PropTech Why venture capital is often mismatched with real estate operating companies The role of media and education in capital raising and investor engagement Future trends in AI, retail capital raising, and investor access Links: Thesis Driven - https://www.thesisdriven.com/ Brad on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharg/ Paul on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljstanton/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (01:47) - Introduction to extraordinary guests: Brad and Paul (02:36) - Brad's journey: From antique furniture to Thesis Driven (06:01) - Paul's traditional real estate background and pivot (11:17) - The Opco Propco model explained (16:41) - Challenges and lessons from venture-backed real estate (21:09) - Building a media business: The origin of Thesis Driven (26:27) - The importance of storytelling in real estate (31:19) - Engaging audiences with real estate finance (33:34) - The power of consistency in building brands (34:50) - Leveraging social media for personal branding (37:17) - The role of media in private real estate (46:03) - Educational programs for real estate professionals (49:16) - Future trends in real estate and AI (50:56) - Effective fundraising strategies for investment managers (57:58) - Final thoughts and contact information
    Más Menos
    1 h
  • Relationship Alpha in the Middle Market - Bryan Thornton - Managing Partner @ PCCP

    Relationship Alpha in the Middle Market - Bryan Thornton - Managing Partner @ PCCP
    Sep 16 2025
    Bryan Thornton joins host Brandon Sedloff on The Distribution for a wide-ranging conversation about his 26-year career at PCCP and the evolution of real estate investment management. He shares how his early experiences shaped his passion for urban environments, reflects on PCCP’s growth from a California-focused startup to a national player, and explains why relationships remain central to both lending and equity investing. The discussion covers the shifts in capital markets, the rise of private credit, and how transparency, culture, and technology continue to redefine the industry. We discuss: PCCP’s consistent middle-market strategy across debt and equity The profound shift from bank dominance to private credit in real estate lending The role of transparency and relationship “alpha” in operator-lender partnerships How culture and curiosity fuel long-term career growth and organizational success The impact of technology and data on the future of investment management This episode offers valuable perspective for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities in real estate today. Links: PCCP - https://pccpllc.com/ Bryan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-thornton-09868357/ Brandon on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/⁠ Juniper Square - ⁠https://www.junipersquare.com/⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:32) - Bryan’s career and background (00:11:44) - The scale of PCCP (00:14:33) - The state of the industry (00:19:28) - The relationship between lenders and borrowers (00:21:10) - PCCP’s equity business (00:27:52) - The evolution of the markets (00:31:42) - The relationship between PCCP and her capital partners (00:33:12) - Culture and leadership (00:36:07) - Technology impacts on physical assets (00:42:53) - NAREIM (00:47:00) - Lessons from staying with one firm for over 25 years (00:49:54) - Predictions for the next decade
    Más Menos
    54 m
  • Logistics, Data Centers, and Energy Growth in Asia - Trent Iliffe - Founder & CEO of LŌ-GOI Group

    Logistics, Data Centers, and Energy Growth in Asia - Trent Iliffe - Founder & CEO of LŌ-GOI Group
    Sep 12 2025
    In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff speaks with Trent Iliffe about his unconventional path from aspiring filmmaker to leading logistics and data center development across Asia. Trent reflects on his early career in industrial real estate, the founding of LŌ-GOI Group, and how he helped grow the platform into a major player in the region. He shares candid insights into navigating partnerships, raising institutional capital, and ultimately reshaping his focus toward logistics, data centers, and renewable energy. The conversation also explores the opportunities and challenges in emerging markets like India and Vietnam, and the importance of knowing what you don’t want to be as an entrepreneur. They discuss: Trent’s early career shift from film to industrial real estate The founding and evolution of Logos into a global logistics platform Launching LŌ-GOI Group with a focus on logistics, data centers, and renewable energy Market dynamics and growth opportunities in India and Vietnam Lessons in leadership, partnerships, and maintaining control as an entrepreneur Links: Trent on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-iliffe-81219573/ LŌ-GOI Group - https://lo-goigroup.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:24) - Trent's early career: From film to industrial real estate (00:03:11) - Building a career in industrial real estate (00:04:07) - Venturing into China: Setting up industrial business (00:05:15) - The birth of LŌ-GOI Group: Convincing investors in Australia (00:17:07) - Expanding horizons: From Australia to China (00:18:38) - Navigating partnerships and growth (00:23:27) - The evolution of LŌ-GOI Group: From logistics to data centers (00:31:11) - Renewable energy ventures (00:32:30) - Investment strategies and challenges (00:35:50) - Market insights: India and Vietnam (00:39:06) - Vietnam's manufacturing boom (00:44:58) - India's economic transformation (00:47:14) - Investor profiles and market dynamics (00:54:57) - Lessons from an entrepreneurial journey (00:58:13) - Conclusion and contact information
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • Lessons From 45 Founders of Real Estate Private Equity Firms - Jonathan Glick - Managing Partner at Incubation Capital

    Lessons From 45 Founders of Real Estate Private Equity Firms - Jonathan Glick - Managing Partner at Incubation Capital
    Sep 9 2025
    Recorded live in Sundance, Utah, this episode of The Distribution features host Brandon Sedloff in conversation with Jonathan Glick at the conclusion of the fourth annual REEL Conference. Together, they reflect on the event’s intimate and candid discussions with 45 founders and entrepreneurs in middle market real estate. The conversation covers the challenges of today’s market cycle, shifting capital structures, the role of technology and AI, and the importance of leadership and team culture in navigating uncertainty. They discuss: Why adaptability and creativity will determine success in the next real estate cycle Key capital formation trends, including the rise of co-investments and diversified structures How AI and technology are reshaping investment firms and talent strategies The importance of storytelling and differentiation in attracting capital Evolving approaches to compensation, retention, and building durable teams Links: Incubation Capital Jonathan on LinkedIn Brandon on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/⁠ Juniper Square - ⁠https://www.junipersquare.com/⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:41) - REEL (00:04:51) - Key takeaways from the REEL conference (00:05:43) - Capital flows and market realities (00:07:43) - Challenges and opportunities in real estate (00:12:07) - The messy middle and capital structures (00:22:16) - AI and technology in private markets (00:33:06) - AI expectations and industry adaptation (00:34:06) - The role of technology in real estate (00:36:22) - Importance of relationships in real estate (00:45:08) - Compensation and talent retention (00:54:07) - Final thoughts and advice for founders
    Más Menos
    59 m