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.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier is thrilled to welcome Vince Smith, Chief Investment Officer and Deputy State Investment Officer at the New Mexico State Investment Council.

With over 37 years of experience in public fund investment, Vince oversees New Mexico's Permanent Funds, managing a diverse portfolio valued at $53.5 billion.

Under Vince’s guidance, the investment strategies of the New Mexico State Investment Council have evolved to include a comprehensive top-down macro approach. Vince delves into his extensive background and how it has shaped his investment philosophy and strategies.

Discover the insights and strategies that Vince brings to the table:

Macro Perspective: Learn how understanding global economic trends shapes effective investment decisions.

Demographic Shifts: Explore the impact of changing demographics on market strategies and portfolio management.

Trust and Relationships: Understand the critical role of building trustworthy and long-term relationships in the investment world.

This episode not only highlights the sophisticated investment strategies employed by the New Mexico State Investment Council but also offers a deeper insight into Vince’s leadership and his forward-thinking approach to managing public funds.

Whether you're an industry professional or an aspiring investor, this discussion will enrich your understanding of strategic investment management and the value of a well-balanced portfolio.

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

In this enlightening episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Breanna Stein Genecov, Director of Portfolio Solutions and OCIO with Makena Capital. With a background in risk management, portfolio strategy, and manager selection, Breanna offers a deep dive into the complex world of Makena Capital’s OCIO business and how the firm shapes investment outcomes for a diverse client base.

Makena Capital Management, LLC was formed in 2005 by senior executives from the Stanford Management Company along with other leading practitioners from elite North American endowments and foundations.

The firm offers investment expertise, scale and access to a diverse client base which includes endowments, foundations, family offices, sovereign wealth funds and international institutions focused on preserving and growing multigenerational capital. As of December 2023, the firm is responsible for over $20 billion in capital under management.

Beginning as an intern with Makena Capital to her role today, supporting the design, implementation, and management multi-asset class portfolios, Breanna enhances our understanding of the role of the OCIO and the strategic decisions that drive Makena’s investment strategy. With an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, her insights are grounded in substantial academic and practical experience, making her perspective invaluable to anyone interested in the dynamics of manager selection and asset allocation.

Episode Highlights:

• The Role of OCIO: Explore how OCIOs like Makena Capital manage investments for endowments, foundations, and family offices, ensuring their long-term financial health and growth.
  
  
• Career Insights: Breanna discusses her career trajectory, including her shift from covering natural resources to multi-asset class solution management, and the impact of her education on her professional path.
  
  
• Investment Strategies: Gain insights into Makena Capital's approach to investment, focusing on risk management, asset allocation, and the key attributes Makena looks for in asset management partners.
  
  
• Future of Investing: Discussion on the evolution of investment strategies in response to market changes.
  
  

Whether you're a professional in the industry or an interested observer, there's something in this episode for everyone.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, Robert Morier welcomes Daniel Gottlieb, Chief Investment Officer for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Discover how Daniel oversees the tribe’s Permanent Fund Investments (PFI), which manages a diversified portfolio to support the tribe's long-term financial goals and essential community services.

Under Daniel’s leadership, the investment strategies have expanded to include private investments alongside traditional asset classes, reflecting a commitment to diversification and sustainability. With a background in the alternative investment industry, Daniel brings a wealth of expertise in portfolio management and investment strategies.

Daniel shares insights into the tribe’s unique investment strategies, the importance of aligning investments with cultural and long-term financial goals, and the significance of building strong relationships with investment partners.

This episode not only highlights the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s sophisticated investment approach but also provides a deeper understanding of Daniel’s leadership and the mission-driven goals of their investment department.

Whether you're an industry professional or a curious investor, this discussion will enhance your understanding of strategic investment management and the benefits of a diversified portfolio. Tune in to uncover the intricacies of their investment strategies and what helps them stand out in the investment landscape.

In the latest episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast, host Robert Morier sits down with Jenny Chan, Senior Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Jenny oversees CHOP's substantial investment portfolio, playing a crucial role in supporting the hospital's mission through strategic and innovative investment approaches.

Jenny shares her journey from working in asset management to leading the investment office at CHOP. She delves into CHOP's unique governance structure and the evolution of its investment strategies, highlighting the hospital's commitment to sustainability and mission-driven goals.

Jenny also discusses the challenges and opportunities in managing a diverse portfolio, from venture capital to public equities, and the importance of building strong relationships with investment partners.

In addition, Jenny reflects on the personal and professional influences that have shaped her career, from her time with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to her leadership role at CHOP. Jenny's journey from bond trading to leading a major healthcare investment team offers inspiring lessons in leadership, continuous learning, and the power of a mission-focused approach.

Join us for this insightful conversation that blends technical expertise with personal reflections. Jenny’s approach to investment management, her focus on sustainability, and her leadership at one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals provide a fascinating look into the intersection of finance and healthcare.

In the latest episode of Dakota Live!, we are thrilled to welcome Mike Negussie, a pivotal investor in the world of pediatric healthcare investments. As the Investment Director at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Mike and the investment team are at the forefront of revolutionizing children's healthcare through strategic investments in biotechnology, life sciences, and more. Dive deep into the world of CHOA, a beacon of hope and innovation, managing over a million patient visits each year and offering over 60 specialized pediatric programs. Discover how the investment team at CHOA is sculpting a brighter, healthier future for children, with Mike and his colleagues leading the charge in analyzing and seizing groundbreaking investment opportunities. Whether you are a budding biotech enthusiast, an investment aficionado, or simply curious about the mechanisms of private and public market due diligence, this episode offers a golden opportunity to gain insights directly from a seasoned expert. Join us as Mike unveils the strategies, approaches, and themes that are currently driving CHOA's extraordinary mission forward. Don't miss this chance to learn from a thought leader in the field, as we explore the intricacies of emerging manager relationships and the current trends in biotechnology and life sciences. Tune in to witness how CHOA is shaping a healthier future, one investment at a time.