Gene Austin

A few Friday thoughts... After several days in Chicago surrounded by 200+ LPs at the ILPA Members' Conference covering everything from AI to NAV facilities, I'm headed into the weekend energized by what's to come. That may come at a surprise after the week we've had as an industry. The decision from the U.S. Fifth Circuit on the SEC's Private Fund Advisers rules was handed down just moments before we kicked off ILPA’s AGM on Wednesday. All along, ILPA has viewed the PFA as addressing areas that pose risks to both LPs and the industry around transparency, governance and alignment of interest. It was disappointing—albeit not a shock—to see the PFA vacated. But ILPA is choosing to turn our energy to the compelling opportunity before us as an industry. Together, we can chart the path for how we'll work better together, on our own terms. Particularly around transparency. Just days prior to the ruling, we had debuted the next evolution of ILPA reporting templates on fees and expenses and performance for industry feedback. The templates were developed by a broad industry coalition over a three-month period, partly to comply with the PFA quarterly statements rule implementation deadline, but largely because this work needed to be done. We've temporarily paused the comment period. Now we have the benefit of more time to ensure that these minimum reporting standards have cross-industry buy-in to ensure wide support and adoption. Will you join us in this effort, in paving the way forward as an industry? https://lnkd.in/e-6hspU4

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📈🏢 Aby Rosen's RFR Holding is facing a staggering $2.5B debt bill as defaults pile up! 💥 🔎 According to a recent Bisnow article, RFR Holding, a prominent NYC real estate firm, is grappling with mounting debt and defaults. The company, led by billionaire Aby Rosen, has a portfolio of high-profile properties, including the iconic Seagram Building and Lever House. 🏢🏦 📊 The firm's debt load has surged to a whopping $2.5B, with $1.1B in loans maturing this year alone. 💸 The pandemic has hit the commercial real estate market hard, causing defaults to skyrocket. RFR Holding is no exception, with defaults on several properties, including the $200M mortgage on the Seagram Building. 📉 🗣️ "The pandemic has created a perfect storm for commercial real estate," said one industry expert. "Companies like RFR Holding are facing unprecedented challenges as they navigate this difficult time." 🌪️ 🔜 So, what's next for RFR Holding? The company is reportedly exploring options to refinance its debt and avoid further defaults. 💡 With the commercial real estate market showing signs of recovery, there's hope that RFR Holding can weather this storm. 🌞 Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! 📰🔔 #RFRHolding #CommercialRealEstate #Debt #Defaults #NYCRealEstate

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For a startup to earn the moniker “unicorn”— attaining a valuation of $1 billion as a private company—was once a vaunted status. Just a decade ago, only 80 companies had joined the club. Then came the boom of the zero-interest rate era, pushing the number above 1,200 by the beginning of 2024. But the venture capitalists who backed them have a burning question: Will they ever achieve an exit? The so-called “age of the unicorns” has given way to a freezing of public markets, which Fortune deemed the “age of the unicorpses” in a cover story in January. With interest rates rising and government regulators striking down acquisitions, all of the companies that were able to rake in billions in funding have now found themselves struggling to achieve a successful outcome, with many folding against a less forgiving financial landscape. At #BrainstormTech conference, a panel of top investors from firms including Google’s independent growth fund CapitalG and the multi-billion-dollar firm Norwest Venture Partners discussed how they are coping with the new reality and whether IPO markets will open back up within the next couple of years. The conclusions were mixed. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eeQaaf3H

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In our latest post, my colleagues Matt Schaar, Devraj Hom Roy, and Michael Wolfe break down the key metrics and strategies for building a successful verticalized software as a service (vSaaS) business. At Accion Venture Lab, we're excited about how vSaaS can uniquely and effectively use transactional data and an engaging customer experience to deliver accessible, affordable, and timely financial products for underserved small businesses. Check it out and let us know what you think!

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⛳ Emerging fund managers pulse check. PitchBook tracks over 10,000 funds that are raising money, with 45% being emerging fund managers (defined as firms with less than 3 funds). Despite a dip in available capital—down to 16% from the pre-pandemic 23%—these managers are finding creative ways to stay competitive, like partnering with larger firms. 💼 Joanna Drake (founder turned investor) shared how "wildly different" it is raising a fund versus for a startup. One key datapoint she shared on the fund side was how little feedback you get along the way (and the years you can wait for it). The “long-winded and challenging process to raise capital” inspired Drake and Ben Black to create RAISE Global, a community for emerging fund managers and the “forward-thinking LPs” who back them. (A decade later, several hundred emerging managers with AUM under $200m are on the platform) They've found the newest emerging managers are more diverse and geographically dispersed than Silicon valley, and more were able to crack the ceiling and raise larger $100m funds (although this is still a small % of the market, requiring partnership with larger funds at the late stage). ▶ And not a hugely surprising datapoint: A lot of action is in the sub $49 million range, where roughly 50% of emerging managers are raising. Theresa Sorrentino Hajer, Head of U.S. venture capital research at Cambridge Associates warns that past success isn't actually a strong indicator on it's own to assess emerging managers. We've had a valuation reset. And newer managers with investments during the 2019-2021 "party days", need to build relevant track record and play to their strengths. A lot of emerging managers are specializing (70% who applied for Raise had a thematic focus), and betting on getting in as early as possible in the startup's lifecycle (Raise: 31% at accelerator/ pre-seed stages, and 47% at seed stage). “Emerging managers have to compete on a different dimension,” Nick Moran from New Stack Ventures. You're no longer just dealing with capital. Emerging VC's need to be as innovative and nimble as the startups they invest in, having a unique thesis and insights. They also play a role at the top of the deal-flow funnel: helping larger firms find promising companies, so finding a thesis, sector or philosophy aligned partner at a larger firm is helpful. Onwards! #EmergingManager #Startups #VC

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There’s an issue that has been concerning big banks in the U.S. since last year: Private equity (PE) has overstayed its welcome. https://lnkd.in/gudgSF2g #TBBD #TheBusinessBuilderDaily #IndependentInvestor #Finance #PrivateEquity #US #Bank #Credit

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🔥 Founders, don't make the mistake of pursuing VC funding if your startup isn't the right fit! 🔥 In this podcast clip, I sit down with David Forsberg, CFA from Ascent Energy Ventures to explore the truth about raising venture capital. 💸 As a startup founder, former VC, and advisor to companies that have raised over $1 billion, I know how crucial it is to target the right investors. 🎯 Check out the full podcast for more expert advice on navigating the world of venture capital. Link in the original Kruze Consulting post. 🎧 #startups #venturecapital

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How much money have you raised? At what valuation have you raised it at? How many rounds of funding have you had? Who are the "tier 1" venture capitalists on your cap table? These are the things that generate all the headlines and create a lot of the celebrity buzz that you see on social media. But remember, a huge part of success is: having high customer satisfaction and net promoter scores employing great people in a loyal, committed culture controlling your own destiny maintaining optionality doing it your way One of the main reasons people get into entrepreneurship is the independence that it creates. Don't lose that as you scale!

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Did you know that private equity (PE) firms were once dubbed as “corporate raiders?” https://lnkd.in/gsW3e_yp #TBBD #TheBusinessBuilderDaily #IndependentInvestor #PrivateEquity #CorporateRaiders #Investing #Markets #Stocks

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Profitable venture scale businesses. Its a new thing. Its the way businesses should be built. But only the best founders and capital allocators can do it successfully.

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PE insights - from the latest episode of "Behind the Deal" with Orlando Bravo & Carl Thoma at Thoma Bravo. Great lessons from Orlando Bravo who discusses losing money and making many mistakes early in his career, Carl Thoma (Orlando's mentor): On People: - "PE is a people business." - "Deal-making is such a people business. It's not like you can sell the stock if you don't like it, you're stuck with your partners. " (Good point - unlike public equities investors, you are in it for the long-term, with your team, partners, and your portfolio companies - it's a people business). ------ On Making Mistakes: - “Mistakes are meant to be stepping stones to success - not stepping stones to ultimate failure.” - "People learn from their mistakes." - "Mistakes early on make great investors but you have to make sure you don't make so many mistakes that you lose confidence... and just don't make the same mistakes again". - "When you make mistakes, you have to capitalize on that." ------ On losing money (Orlando asked whether Carl was going to fire him): - "I've sunk $50 million of experience into you, so you are a star now and you've got a lot of good, expensive training." - "I'm not sure you could have been as successful without stumbling a little bit early on." - "You had pride in your work and drive that it didn't put you in a stumper and didn't leave the industry. I think 1 + 1 = 10, drive and some failures are good experience." ------ On Teamwork: - "Just like in sports, today you just cannot have individual players that are brilliant but not working as a team. We got away with that for 25-30 years of private equity, but now it's become too competitive. We've got to function as a team." ------ On communication: - "You can resolve so many issues if you just communicate." ------ Sources: https://lnkd.in/eVk_Wxwq https://lnkd.in/eem_DquZ ------ #pe #privateequity #business #leadership

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of private equity and consulting, one thing remains constant: the imperative for value creation. As a Managing Director at Catalyft LLC, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective value creation strategies. It's not just about improving operations or making strategic acquisitions; it's about reimagining what's possible for underperforming assets and unlocking their true potential. In my experience, the key to successful value creation lies in a combination of creativity and rigorous execution. It's about seeing beyond the numbers and understanding the human element that drives business success. Whether it's through leveraging AI to gain deeper insights or tapping into emerging markets, the opportunities for growth are endless. But it's not just about the bottom line. As someone who's created over $1 billion in value, I can attest that the real reward comes from the positive impact on the companies we work with, their employees, and the broader community. That's why I'm passionate about sharing my expertise in value creation, not just within the private equity space, but also in advising boards of directors and family offices. I'm always looking to connect with fellow professionals who share my commitment to driving growth and creating lasting value. If you're interested in discussing the future of value creation or exploring potential collaborations, I'd love to hear from you. Let's continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and create a brighter future for businesses and investors alike. Share your thoughts on value creation in the comments below, and if you found this post insightful, please feel free to repost. #ValueCreation #PrivateEquity #Consulting

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Good article comparing investing in lots of syndicate deals vs investing in a fund, from perspective of alignment and carry. This is why deals in a traditional fund are much better quality than in a typical Angellist syndicate

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Venture Capital 101: Your Gateway to High-Risk, High-Return Investments - Welcome to our blog post on venture capital! For aspiring investors looking to step into the world of high-risk, high-return investments, venture capital offers an exciting gateway. In this article, we'll explore the fundamentals of venture capital, its potential rewards, as well as key considerations for those interested in this dynamic investment landscape. Venture capital refers to the funding provided to early-stage, high-potential, and growth companies in exchange for equity ownership. Through venture capital, investors can engage with innovative startups and emerging businesses, playing a pivotal role in fueling their growth and success. It's a space characterized by risk, but also one that promises substantial rewards for those willing to embrace the journey. One of the most striking aspects of venture capital is the potential for massive returns. Successful investments in the right startups can yield exponential gains, making it an appealing option for those with an appetite for risk and a keen eye for spotting disruptive innovation. However, it's essential for investors to approach venture capital with a thorough understanding of the inherent risks and the necessity for strategic decision-making. Furthermore, venture capital offers the opportunity to be part of groundbreaking innovations and disruptive technologies that can shape the future. The ability to contribute to the growth and success of dynamic, forward-thinking companies is a compelling aspect that draws many investors to venture capital. While the potential for high returns and involvement in cutting-edge ventures make venture capital an attractive prospect, it's crucial to acknowledge the associated risks. Startups, by their nature, face a high risk of failure, and not all ventures will deliver the anticipated returns. Understanding the investment landscape, maintaining a diversified portfolio, and conducting thorough due diligence are essential practices for navigating the world of venture capital. As with any investment endeavor, venture capital demands a strategic approach and a willingness to embrace the uncertainties that come with investing in early-stage ventures. For those seeking to engage in this dynamic space, recognizing the potential for high-risk, high-return investments is just the beginning. With careful consideration and a thoughtful approach, venture capital can serve as a compelling gateway to a world of innovation and significant investment opportunities. May 02, 2024 at 04:33PM

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Yesterday, Underscore Partner Lily Lyman joined TechCrunch Early Stage to share tactical advice on how founders can effectively build relationships with the right investors. Importantly, she shares the nuance between the "nurture phase" and the "actively raising phase" of fundraising. Turns out fundraising has a lot of parallels to the 2000s romcom "He's Just Not That Into You" - So we were sure to have some fun drawing out the similarities! Explore the deck here by swiping right *pun intended*:

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