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1. Tell us about your background and what made you gravitate towards the private markets?
I've spent around 8 years within the private market realm, with a total of 17 years in the financial sector. My journey began with financial planning and providing insurance strategies for high net worth individuals. About 8 years ago, I became a part of Rethink and Diversify Securities Inc. This experience ignited my passion for the private market, which has now become a central focus of my professional endeavors. The realm of the private market holds a captivating allure. Within this industry lie numerous investment prospects brimming with high potential. These opportunities, distinct from those found on public stock exchanges, grant access to a diverse array of asset classes and industries. This exposure facilitates ongoing learning and exploration of various business models.
2. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen since you started?
Private markets experienced heightened interest from institutional investors and even retail investors (accredited investors). These investors sought to diversify their portfolios and capture potential returns not easily achievable in public markets. Private equity continued to play a significant role, with firms actively acquiring both mature companies and startups. There was a growing trend of private equity firms collaborating with technology companies to drive innovation and growth. Venture capital investment remained robust, particularly in technology-driven startups. Unicorns were becoming more common, and there was increased attention on late-stage venture investing. Secondary markets for private investments gained traction, offering opportunities for investors to buy and sell existing positions.
3. What is the one thing you want someone unfamiliar with this space to know?
True diversification = Public + Private Market
4. What are your ‘go to’ features that you look for when completing KYP on a given product for suitability consideration?
a) Cost of Capital
b) Management
c) Business Plan (Item 2)
d) Other:
All the above features necessitate a heightened level of thorough investigation within the private market. The comprehensive perspective forms a cohesive whole, contributing to the achievement of business success and long-term sustainability.
5. Share something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.
Contrary to popular belief that I'm a workaholic, I actually took half a year off to travel. I hold the belief that life encompasses more than just financial pursuits and work. Travel, in particular, has the potential to enrich personal experiences and broaden one's perspective on life.
