Episodes
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Be inspired by a new wave in investment leadership. In this compelling episode, host David Clark sits down with Armina "Arms" Rosenberg, co-founder of Minotaur Capital and one of the most innovative minds in funds management today. From her humble beginnings in Sydney's West to managing global equity portfolios for Mike Cannon-Brookes, Arms’ journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Discover how Armina leverages cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise investment research, creating a competitive edge in identifying market opportunities. Learn about her unique philosophy of investing during strategic corporate shifts, her reflections on ESG investing, and the bold vision she has for Minotaur Capital's future. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of technology, innovation, and investing.
📌 Highlights:
* From Wentworthville to Wall Street: Armina’s extraordinary career path.
* The founding of Minotaur Capital and its groundbreaking AI tool, Taurient.
* Insights into sustainable investing and redefining fund management. -
David Clark welcomes back the brilliant John Hempton, CEO and co-founder of Bronte Capital, to discuss the chaos and opportunities in today’s financial landscape. Known for his sharp insights and global investment acumen, John unpacks why markets seem irrational today. From the rollercoaster impact of Trump-era policies to the rise of speculative trades like GameStop and Bitcoin miners, this conversation dives deep into the forces shaping global financial trends. A mix of wisdom, strategy, and a touch of humor. Don’t miss out on John’s candid take on navigating uncertainty, managing risk, and positioning for long-term success.
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Join David Clark on Inside the Rope as he speaks with Frank Danieli, Head of Credit Investment and Lending at MA Financial Group. In this episode, they delve into the Australian private credit and debt market, addressing concerns about potential bubbles and exploring the unique investment opportunities in low-risk, low-volatility portfolios. Frank also sheds light on the MA Priority Income Fund, offering insight into asset-backed lending and specialised finance areas, which promise robust returns. Tune in for a comprehensive look at modern private credit strategies and how they fit into today's investment landscape.
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This podcast episode from "Inside the Rope" features an in-depth conversation with Manny Pohl, a South African-born investment professional who transitioned to Australia and became a key figure in fund management, including building the firms Hyperion and ECP Asset Management.
Manny reflects on the importance of humility, teamwork, and building a business for the long term. ECP boasts a return since inception (July 2012) of 13% p.a. to 30 Sep 2024 compared to the market’s 10% p.a.
This engaging discussion offers a mix of personal anecdotes, insights on fund management, and practical advice for investors navigating wealth management. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David interviews Dafina Toncheva, a general partner at the US-based venture capital firm, USVP. Dafina shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Communist Bulgaria to earning a scholarship to Harvard and completing her MBA at Stanford. Now a prominent figure in venture capital, Dafina discusses USVP's history, including its success in managing 12 funds, 11 of which have been profitable. She highlights USVP’s impressive track record, which includes 93 IPOs and over 100 M&A transactions.
Dafina explains her investment focus on early-stage companies, particularly in software, cybersecurity, and digital health. She recounts her early success at Venrock, where she led the first institutional investment in Cloudflare, now a multi-billion dollar company. Despite the initial skepticism from other investors, Dafina's persistence paid off, making Cloudflare Venrock’s most profitable investment.
Throughout the podcast, Dafina reflects on her unique perspective shaped by her upbringing, her views on the importance of meritocracy, and her belief in free markets. She also discusses USVP's disciplined approach to early-stage investments and their commitment to liquidity for investors. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David speaks with Michael Rosen, co-founder and CEO of Context Capital. They discuss his journey in finance and the founding of the firm. Michael covers his career managing a mutual fund group and the decision to start Context Capital after recognising the limits of traditional mutual funds, particularly the lack of hedging options available.
Michael covers Context Capital’s investment strategy, which focuses on convertible bonds, a hybrid asset that sits between debt and equity. Michael explains how the firm manages $2.7 billion while producing an average return of over 12% per year since inception, reducing risk through strategies like shorting equities.
Michael also shares lessons from his restaurant ventures, drawing comparisons between running a restaurant and an investment firm. He highlights the importance of preparation and teamwork in both fields.
Finally Michael highlights his views on future opportunities in convertible markets and how some investors view the strategy as being able to offer equity-like returns with historically less risk. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark interviews Jim Eddy, founder and CEO of Jamberoo Action Park, a successful entrepreneur from Wollongong. Jim shares his journey, discussing how his background in real estate investment and overcoming personal challenges shaped his approach to business.
The conversation covers important lessons for wealth management, such as managing risk, debt, and investment in seasonal businesses. Jim explains how he transitioned from a land surveyor at BHP to developing Jamberoo Action Park after exploring different ventures, including dairy farming and real estate.
Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit and resilience were pivotal in weathering financial challenges and industry fluctuations. He speaks about the risks of debt during tough times, like droughts and economic downturns, and the importance of thorough research before committing to new investments.
The episode also touches on the value of continuous learning and adapting in business, as Jim recalls lessons from major theme parks in the U.S., which helped him improve safety and operational standards at Jamberoo. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark shifts focus from traditional wealth management to personal wellness, in a conversation with Damian Chaparro, the founder of Aro Ha, a wellness retreat in New Zealand. The episode explores the intersection of health and wealth, highlighting how wealth encompasses a sound body and mind.
Damian shares his journey from IT consultant to wellness architect, driven by a desire for purpose and holistic living. Damian discusses the creation of Aro Ha, a retreat that embodies a complete approach to well-being, integrating physical health, mental wellness, and sustainable living practices. David and Damian explore the challenges of modern life, such as the impact of technology on wellness, and the importance of balancing financial success with personal health. Damian emphasises the value of experiences that foster inner well-being, encouraging listeners to consider wellness as an integral part of wealth & health management. -
This podcast episode of Inside the Rope features a conversation between David Clark, and Paul Francis, a sports science expert and early-stage sports science investor. Paul has an impressive career background, having held senior positions at Adidas and Nike, and worked as a performance advisor to NFL teams such as the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons. He has also collaborated closely with elite athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Lionel Messi.
The discussion delves into the influence of sports science on the commercial aspects of sport, fitness, and wellness. Paul shares insights into his career journey, which began in sports science and evolved into consulting and leadership roles in major sports brands. They explore how performance under pressure differentiates great athletes and how this concept applies across various fields, including investment management.
The conversation also covers Paul’s latest venture, FC 32, a platform focused on placing athletes at the centre of football club ownership and investment. The platform aims to align the development of athletes with the investment goals of stakeholders, providing a novel approach to football ownership by prioritising the player asset class over the traditional club-centric model.
Additionally, they discuss the growing role of data in sports, the importance of understanding the right metrics, and the potential impact of recent changes in college sports regulations on the global sports landscape. The podcast ends with Paul highlighting the importance of strategic investment in health and eSports as emerging opportunities and advocating for the charity Saint Vincent de Paul for its work with the homeless in Australia. -
In this special live event episode recorded in Melbourne, Inside The Rope celebrates a milestone with its 176th episode, marking the second live event in honor of 175 episodes. The event features an impressive lineup of guests from the world of finance and investment, each bringing their unique insights and experiences to the table.
Guest Speakers:
Michael Lukin, CFA: Group Managing Partner of Roc Partners, Michael Lukin shares his journey from the management buy-out of Macquarie Group’s private markets business to leading client relationships and investment activities across various markets. He provides a deep dive into his experience managing major investments, including companies like StoneAxe and Australia’s Oyster Coast.
Peter Cooper: The Chief Investment Officer and founder of Cooper Investors, Peter Cooper, brings over 30 years of investment management experience to the stage. He discusses the VoF investment philosophy he developed, which has been instrumental in the success of Cooper Investors across both domestic and international strategies.
Samar Mcheileh: Managing Partner at Scale, Samar Mcheileh shares her passion for venture capital and her vision of transforming Scale into a fully-matured fund. Her experience in financial services, including her transformative work at JBWere and her active role in the Australian early-stage ecosystem, adds a dynamic perspective to the conversation. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David interviews Adrian McKenzie, founder and partner of Five V Capital, an Australian private equity firm focused on the mid-sized market in Australia and New Zealand that boasts a remarkable internal rate of return. David highlights Adrian's notable career, including his tenure at CVC Capital Partners, where he was the youngest ever partner and board member. Adrian shares insights from his vast experience, including both successful investments as well as challenges, such as CVC’s investment in Nine Media Group.
Adrian discusses his journey from Glasgow to London and New York, detailing his early career in investment banking and his eventual transition to private equity. He reflects on the evolution of the private equity industry and the strategies that have driven success at Five V. Adrian emphasises the importance of aligning with business owners and investing in companies with strong growth potential.
The conversation delves into Five V's mid-market focus, targeting companies with earnings between $7-30 million and enterprise values ranging from $50-300 million. Adrian explains the firm's hands-on approach, collaborating closely with management teams to drive value and achieve growth. He also introduces the Horizons product, which offers investors access to mid-market private equity with quarterly liquidity, aiming to provide strong returns with greater flexibility.
Adrian shares examples of portfolio companies, such as Sea to Summit and Biopak, and discusses the significant opportunities in the mid-market space driven by intergenerational wealth transfer. -
In this episode of Inside The Rope, David welcomes Dan Ariely, a globally renowned expert in behavioural economics. Dan is a professor of psychology and behavioural economics at Duke University, and in this episode he shares his insights into the irrational ways in which people make decisions and how understanding these behaviours can improve financial decisions, motivation, health, and end-of-life care.
Dan begins by discussing his unique personal story, including the origins of his distinctive half-beard, which he grew after a severe burn injury. With the main focus of the conversation delving into the field of behavioural economics, contrasting it with traditional economics. Dan explains how behavioural economics examines the systematic mistakes people make due to inherent biases, and its practical applications in addressing financial, motivational, and health-related issues.
David and Dan also discuss common irrational behaviours in financial decision-making, such as evaluating money relative to other expenditures. With Dan offering suggestions on how to create good financial habits whilst automating decisions to prevent emotional reactions to market fluctuations.
Looking to the future, Dan also discusses his ongoing work, including projects aimed at improving end-of-life care and integrating human capital considerations into investment strategies. He mentions his latest book on misinformation, "Misbelief," and his involvement in the TV show "The Irrational." -
In the concluding part of Inside The Rope's series on artificial intelligence, the focus shifts to the financial implications of AI. The episode explores how AI is poised to revolutionise investment markets, identifying potential winners and losers, and debating whether this surge is a bubble reminiscent of the dot-com era. The experts discuss the transformative potential of AI across various industries and the significant opportunities it presents for businesses globally.
The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of investing in AI, from direct investment in startups to understanding the broader impact on large corporations like Microsoft and Google. The conversation highlights the dual aspects of AI as a tool for operational efficiency and a disruptor capable of creating entirely new business models.
Part 3 also addresses the challenges and risks associated with AI, such as ethical considerations, the potential for job displacement, and the societal impacts of automation and machine learning. The speakers provide insights on how to strategically navigate the evolving landscape of AI investments, emphasising the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations.
This final episode rounds out the discussion on AI's role in modern business and investment and encourages listeners to consider how AI might influence their strategic decisions in the future. -
In episode 2 of Inside The Rope’s series on Artificial Intelligence, the discussion pivots to the revolutionary scope of generative AI and its deep societal impacts. This episode explores how AI is unlocking unprecedented potential in software development, enabling anyone to code and vastly expanding the pool of potential developers globally. It also tackles the productivity enhancements brought about by AI tools like GitHub Copilot, which significantly speed up the coding process.
However, the conversation doesn't shy away from the tougher questions: What about job displacement and the ethical dilemmas AI introduces? With AI's ability to automate complex tasks, the panel of guests discuss the inevitable job transitions and the broader implications for the workforce.
The guests also delve into concerns over AI-generated misinformation, such as deepfakes, and the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks. Balancing the excitement of AI's capabilities with caution, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in our modern world.
Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. -
In episode 1 of a 3-part series on artificial intelligence, David is joined by multiple guests to define what Artificial Intelligence is, and the implications it poses on our future.
David and guests discuss how models like ChatGPT operate, and how unlike traditional AI systems that are designed for specific tasks, ChatGPT represents a shift towards Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI), capable of analysing massive datasets and generating new content. This marks a significant advancement from Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), which is limited to singular, defined tasks.
Part 1 discusses how these language models, by analysing extensive text data, can mimic human-like text generation without actual consciousness or understanding. They operate by mathematical representations of language, which raises questions about the nature of intelligence and human uniqueness in language abilities.
The episode also touches on societal and economic impacts, such as potential job displacement paralleling historical shifts brought about by technologies like the steam engine and the internet. However, also suggests that AI could lead to new kinds of jobs, highlighting the dual nature of technological progress.
The series aims to give listeners a clearer understanding of AI's impact on economic growth and the broader existential questions that this technology raises. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David interviews Greg Mauro, founder of Learn Capital. The episode focuses on Mauro's venture capital fund, highlighting its emphasis on educational investments and some of the well-known companies Greg has invested in. Greg shares his transition from a tech entrepreneur to a significant figure in venture capital, underlining his extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurial investments. The conversation also covers his ownership stake in Powder Mountain, the U.S.'s largest ski field, alongside notable tech entrepreneur Reid Hastings, offering insights into Greg's diverse commercial interests. Additionally, Greg discusses his impactful role in the educational sector through his investments, aiming to transform educational outcomes with technology.
Greg Mauro is the Founder & Managing Partner at Learn Capital and oversees the investing practice of the firm. Greg previously managed an affiliate of Founders Fund and co-founded several venture-backed startups used by millions across the education, wireless, and media sectors. Greg has helped lead Learn investments in companies such as Coursera, Udemy, General Assembly, OnDeck, Ascent, Wave Neuro, and MindPortal. Greg is the co-founder of Edmodo, the world's largest social network for learning with over 100M users. Greg also helped incubate and co-found Higher Ground Education, the world's largest Montessori operator, where he serves on the board and is the largest investor. Greg has served on the board of NewGlobe — where Learn is also the largest investor — as the company has grown from serving one school to over 8,000, transforming the lives of over 3M students across Africa and India. -
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David is joined by Elizabeth Burton, a managing director and client investment strategist at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Based in New York, Elizabeth shares her extensive background in finance, transitioning from a Chief Investment Officer for the state of Hawaii to her current role at Goldman Sachs. She provides insights into the current investment landscape, focusing on the differences in asset allocation between institutional and smaller investors, and also discusses the unique advantages smaller investors hold. Elizabeth also highlights Goldman Sachs' perspective on preferred asset classes and asset allocation strategies in today's dynamic market.
Elizabeth Burton is the Managing Director and Client Investment Strategist, Goldman Sachs. Previously Elizabeth was Chief Investment Officer of the Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii (“HIERS”), where she oversaw $19 billion in pension fund assets. -
In this episode David interviews Armen Panossian, co-CEO and head of Performing Credit at Oaktree Capital Management, known for its successful management of distressed debt. Armen outlines his background in finance and his journey at Oaktree since joining the firm in 2007. He discusses Oaktree's foundation in 1995, its investment philosophy emphasising risk control, and its focus on credit investment. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities.
The conversation also highlights the differences between performing and non-performing credit, with the former involving financially stable borrowers and the latter involving distressed entities that may offer enhanced returns. Despite current economic stability, Armen highlights a significant need for tailored capital solutions, especially in sectors like real estate and healthcare. He concludes by discussing potential economic shifts and the importance of prudent investment strategies to navigate uncertain financial landscapes. -
In this episode of "Inside the Rope," host David Clark welcomes back Tim Carleton, Chief Investment Officer at Auscap Asset Management, to discuss his fund's performance and investment strategy. The Auscap Long Short Fund has achieved a notable compound annual growth rate of 16.1% since its inception (December 2012 to March 2024). During the episode, Tim shares his perspectives on various investment topics, including challenges and opportunities in the current market, his cautious approach toward sectors like China and iron ore, and his strategies for managing assets like the Charter Hall retail REIT.
Tim also discusses the impact of AI on the market and his views on cryptocurrencies, maintaining a cautious stance on Bitcoin. He highlights the potential of sectors like healthcare, specifically addressing how emerging drugs like GLP-1s could affect companies like ResMed. Additionally, he touches upon the importance of not over-leveraging in investments and the role of cash as a strategic asset. The episode concludes with Tim promoting the Mirabelle Foundation, a charity supporting children affected by parental drug abuse.
Tim founded Auscap Asset Management in 2012. He has 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. From 2007 to 2011 he was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs where he was responsible for managing an Australian equities long/short portfolio using Proprietary funds. Prior to 2007 he worked at Macquarie Bank within the Investment Banking Group. - Show more
