In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier sits down with Daniel Pogue, Vice President at Moelis Asset Management, and a pivotal member of the Catalyst Partners team. Join us as we delve into the nuances of private equity seeding and the critical role Catalyst Partners plays in empowering emerging private equity managers.

Moelis Asset Management is a global investment management firm providing asset management services across various strategies, including private equity, credit, and real assets. Moelis Asset Management is a New York city based asset management firm with approximately 8 billion in assets under management across strategies, such as broadly syndicated loans, direct lending, venture capital, and more. Within the firm, the Catalyst Partners team focuses on partnering with emerging private equity managers, providing strategic capital, operational support, and extensive networks to help these managers grow and succeed.

Daniel focuses on partnering with emerging private equity managers, encompassing responsibilities such as manager research, investment sourcing, and capital formation.

Key Takeaways:

Strategic Anchor Capital: Daniel emphasized the importance of providing early, scalable capital to emerging managers. Catalyst Partners doesn't just bring funding; they offer strategic value-add services that help managers build their firms and navigate the complexities of the market.

Focus on Emerging Managers: Catalyst Partners is particularly focused on Fund I opportunities, where they see the most potential for growth and partnership. By providing foundational support, they help these managers transition from concept to reality.

Value-Add Beyond Capital: Beyond financial backing, Catalyst Partners acts as a true partner, offering guidance on back-office operations, networking opportunities, and introductions to LPs. Their approach is hands-on, ensuring that managers are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive landscape.

Human Capital and Team Dynamics: A significant part of Catalyst’s evaluation process is understanding the team dynamics and personality traits of the managers they back. Daniel discussed how they look for qualities like humility, decisiveness, and adaptability, which are crucial for long-term success.

The Independent Sponsor Space: Daniel shed light on the evolving landscape of independent sponsors and how Catalyst Partners views this space as a fertile ground for sourcing high-quality opportunities.

If you're interested in private equity, emerging manager programs, or investment management solutions, this episode is a must-listen. Daniel’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the seeding process and how Catalyst Partners is shaping the future of private equity.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier welcomes Quincy Brown, Managing Director at Fund Evaluation Group (FEG) and a prominent leader in promoting inclusive investment practices within the asset management industry. With over 27 years at FEG, Quincy has significantly contributed to the creation and implementation of initiatives that support diversity among managers, making a substantial impact on the investment advisory landscape.

This episode not only highlights the sophisticated strategies and manager research practices employed by FEG but also offers a deeper insight into Quincy’s leadership and his forward-thinking approach to managing diversity within the investment sector.

Discover the insights and strategies that Quincy and FEG bring to the table:

• Learn about Quincy’s pivotal role in launching FEG's Diverse Manager Initiatives, focusing on creating inclusive environments and identifying diverse investment opportunities.
  
  
• Explore how community foundations can lead the way in fostering inclusive practices within the asset management industry, setting examples for other types of investors.
  
  
• Understand the importance of education in fostering diverse perspectives and promoting inclusive investment strategies.
  
  
• Gain insights into Quincy's personal career journey, the mentors who have shaped his path, and his advice for asset managers seeking to increase diverse representation.
  
  

Whether you're an industry professional or an aspiring investor, this discussion will enrich your understanding of investment management and the value of diverse investment practices.

Tune in to explore the intricacies of FEG’s strategies and what sets them apart in the investment world.

Doug MacBean, Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the California Institute of Technology’s Investment Office (Caltech) joins us at Dakota Live! to share the ingredients from his career and how he approaches his role as an endowment allocator. Like any good recipe, Doug describes the steps to help us better understand his team’s approach to asset allocation and underwriting process as it relates to investment manager research and selection. Sit down for this insightful and informative conversations with one of the industry’s leading investors.